Terry Malloy (Marlon Brando) is a longshoreman working the gritty, corrupt docks run by the local gang boss, Johnny Friendly (Lee J. Cobb). Terry is a former boxer who dreams of a better life than the washed-up bleak existence he now leads, and his wracked with self-imposed guilt over his role in the death of his childhood friend. Terry begins an affair with his dead friend's sister (Eva Marie Saint) and is encouraged by her and Father Barry (Karl Malden) to stand up against Johnny Friendly and the Mob's corrupt hold over Terry's life. Terry is at first afraid to do so, but eventually decides to turn against the Mob after Johnny orders a hit against Terry's brother. Treated as a turncoat by the other dockworkers for being a snitch, Terry finally wins the respect and admiration of the other longshoreman for his selfless acts of conscientiousness and justice.