MovieChat Forums > On the Waterfront (1954) Discussion > Hoboken locations

Hoboken locations

posted 11 years ago by hobokenart
3 replies | jump to latest

As a 15-year Hoboken resident, I recognize some spots but not others. This town changes a lot in 10 years never mind 60.

The Maxwell House plant is gone (now upscale Maxwell Place) but of course Elysian Park is nearly identical with the same iron fence, service building and WWI statue (of course). Our Lady of Grace and St. Peter and Paul churches are still in the same place and help with getting bearings.

Otherwise though it's really hard to tell where things take place. I think the credits suggest the rooftop scenes are on Court Street which would make sense based on distance from the river and roof structure.

One funny cut they do is when Fr. Barry and Molloy leave the church (which is on Church Square Park on 4th and Willow), they end up walking to the iron fence overlooking the Maxwell House plant in Elysian Park on 11th and Hudson.

Does anyone know if the interior shots are in town? What about any other long-gone landmarks that were used but are hard to place without visual cues?

[–] rtw416 11 years ago

Hudson St is running North in the film.Thats the direction it ran in the 50's.When Terry and Edie come out of the church -where he walks and talks by the swings and puts on one of her gloves-thats actually at the far end of Hudson,closer to 11th street behind the Steven Tech frat houses.The cobblestone street is Court that runs behind Washington.All the docks are gone-but the Hoboken historical society has great pictures that you may recognize like of
The Holland American Line.

[–] rtw416 11 years ago

Also-if you use the Empire State building as a bearing,you can figure out where they are on the rooftops-Court st.is probably the only street still looking like it did-where Charlie was left hanging-im pretty certain it has landmark protection now....

[–] landrynumbertwo 11 years ago

Johnny Friendly's bar was at 314 River St, but the building is now gone.

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