Watch I Cover the Waterfront

I Cover the Waterfront is a 1933 American pre-Code romantic drama film directed by James Cruze and starring Ben Lyon, Claudette Colbert, and Ernest Torrence. The film is based on the novel of the same name by Max Miller about the romantic relationship between a newspaper reporter and the daughter of a fisherman. The film tells the story of H. Joseph Miller (Lyon), a newspaper reporter who is assigned to cover a murder investigation in the waterfront district of San Diego. While on the job, he meets Julie Kirk (Colbert), the daughter of a fishing boat captain, and the two begin a romantic relationship.

Miller uncovers evidence that suggests Kirk's father, Eli Kirk (Torrence), is involved in illegal fishing operations. Miller begins to regret his relationship with Julie and considers exposing her father's criminal activities.

As the investigation intensifies, Miller becomes conflicted about his feelings for Julie and the importance of his job as a journalist. He struggles to balance his loyalty to his newspaper and his duty to report the truth, while also trying to protect Julie from the consequences of her father's actions.

The film offers a window into the world of 1930s media and journalism. Miller is a typical hard-boiled reporter, constantly chasing leads and searching for the next big story. His editor, played by Harry Beresford, is desperate for a headline that will sell papers.

At the same time, the film explores the themes of love, loyalty, and betrayal. Miller must choose between his love for Julie and his commitment to the truth, while Julie must confront the possibility that her father may not be the man she thought he was.

The performances in the film are excellent, particularly those of Lyon and Colbert. Lyon captures the toughness and vulnerability of a reporter who is willing to risk everything for a story, while Colbert delivers a nuanced and empathetic portrayal of a woman caught between her loyalty to her father and her love for a man who may destroy him.

The film is also notable for its portrayal of San Diego's waterfront district, which serves as a backdrop for the story. The film was shot on location, giving viewers a glimpse of the real-life fishing boats and docks of the era.

Overall, I Cover the Waterfront is a well-crafted film that combines elements of romance and drama with a gritty portrayal of 1930s journalism and the fishing industry. The film is an excellent example of early Hollywood filmmaking and is definitely worth watching for anyone interested in classic cinema.

I Cover the Waterfront is a 1933 drama with a runtime of 1 hour. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.1.