A dim-witted yet kind-hearted boxer, Terry Malloy, who failed to succeed unintentionally lures a man to his death after being tricked by a criminal called Johnny Friendly whose men pick of every man who has the courage to speak up to their crimes. As he works on the waterfronts that Friendly owns, he is sent to a church meeting run by a good preacher about how to deal with the problem and runs into the dead man’s sister. Slowly, he falls in love with her and begins to feel guilt about his crime.

Per 70-ųjų vidurį, JAV Klyvlende vyravo garsus gangsteris Al Kapone Denis Grynas. Nesugaunamas policijos, drąsus prieš savo pavaldinius. Šis Airis ilgam išliks atmintyje tarp amerikiečių. Filmas paremtas tikrais faktais, nutylint iki neseniai paskelbtu oficialiai…

Longshoreman Johnny Barnes is in love with Kitty Tracy, barmaid at her father's waterfront saloon, and he beats up Cassidy, a crooked politician who has been annoying her. Cassidy is murdered that night and Johnny is jailed for the crime. Kitty, her father Andy Tracy, and waterfront-priest Father Cameron believe Johnny is innocent but all evidence points to his guilt.