From Wharf Rats to Lords of the Docks: The Life and Times of Harry Bridges

A one-man show performed by actor Ian Ruskin before an appreciative audience of longshoremen in San Pedro, CA, is the centerpiece of this set, part of a project dedicated to “celebrating the legacy of an extraordinary labor leader and social visionary.” The Australian-born Bridges (1901–1990) was active in West Coast union affairs from early on following his arrival to America in 1920, and he became founding president of the ILWU (the International Longshore and Warehouse Union) in 1937—a position he held for 40 years. Ruskin clearly relishes the opportunity to convey the man's take-no-prisoners approach in the play he's assembled from Bridges' speeches and reminiscences, and veteran cinematographer Haskell Wexler has adroitly directed it for film, employing fluid camera moves and interspersing stills, archival footage, and narration by Edward Asner and Elliott Gould. The result is an enlightening and vigorous tribute to a controversial figure of strong opinions and undeniable influence whose contribution to the U.S. labor movement deserves to be better known. The second disc offers more than two hours of extras: interviews with Wexler, Ruskin, and Arlo Guthrie, who wrote a song on Bridges; segments on other creative contributors and the ILWU (including an appearance by Nelson Mandela); excerpts from a conversation between Bridges and Bill Moyers; testimonials from people who knew Bridges; shorts on different ports served by the ILWU; pre-performance remarks from audience members; a description of Bridges' contribution to unionization; a slide show; and a list of films for further viewing. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (F. Swietek)