From W.HYY in Philadelphia, this is Fresh Air Weekend. I'm Sambrigger.

Today, we begin our series celebrating classic movies with a look back at Ilia Kazan's

1954 drama on the waterfront.

I could have been a contender.

I could have been somebody instead of a bum.

The landmark film is an early masterpiece of the post-World War II era of filmmaking.

We'll listen back to Terry's interview with the film's director, Eilia Kazan, as well as an interview with his granddaughter,

actor Zoe Kazan.

Plus, we'll hear how the film's romantic lead,

actor Eve Emory Saint, got the part after improvising

with Marlon Brando.

We were dancing. We were laughing. I was crying, he was taking my skirt and whipping it around and the

sparks flew and Kazan saw that and suddenly I was on the waterfront.

This is Fresh Air Weekend.

I'm Sam Brigger.

Today we begin our summer film series with a tribute to the

1954 drama on the waterfront. To start today's show we have Terry Gross's

1988 interview with Ailia Kazan. He directed Marlon Brando in a streetcar named Desire

and on the waterfront, and directed east of Eden,

splendour in the grass, baby doll, a face in the crowd,

and the last tycoon.

Gazan had an equally important career in the theatre.

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