Cast
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John Garfield
as Joseph Enrico 'Joe' Lorenzo
Brenda Marshall
as Laurie Romayne
Marjorie Rambeau
as Mama Teresa Lorenzo
George Tobias
as Tony Scaduto
William Lundigan
as Nicholas Antonio 'Nick' Lorenzo
Moroni Olsen
as Judge R.D. Davis
Douglas Fowley
as Cy Turner
Jack La Rue
as Frank 'Frisco' Scarfi
Jack Carr
as 'No Neck' Griswold
Paul Guilfoyle
as Balmy
Russell Hicks
as Warden
Charley Foy
as Customer
Ralph Volkie
as Smith, Turner's Henchman
Jimmy O'Gatty
as Turner's Henchman
Robert Homans
as Patrolman Shanahan
Crew
Director
- Alfred E. Green
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, East of the River examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Alfred E. Green brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1940, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of East of the River took approximately 14 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 74 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 125 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 6 weeks before filming began.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The screenplay went through 10 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
Historical Context
- In 1940, when this film was released:
- Television was becoming a dominant form of home entertainment.
- The Cold War was intensifying, influencing global politics and culture.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While East of the River shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Kids, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, East of the River subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Donnie Brasco and The Siege explore similar territory, East of the River stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: November 9, 1940
- Runtime: 1h 14m
