From Wharf Rats to the Lords of the Docks: The Life and Times of Harry Bridges
“From Wharf Rats to Lords of The Dock”, directed by Academy Award© 
winning director and cinematographer Haskell Wexler, is the film of a truly unique event – Ian Ruskin performing his one-man play to a packed house of 1000 longshore workers in San Pedro, California. The result, with appearances by Elliott Gould, Edward Asner and members of ILWU Local 13, and with music by Jackson Browne, Arlo Guthrie, Pete Seeger, Tim Reynolds, 
Ciro Hurtado and others (including the world premiere of Woody Guthrie’s song about Harry, sung by his granddaughter Sarah Lee Guthrie) is an inspiring story. It is an intimate exploration of the life and times of this extraordinary man – “a hero or the devil incarnate, it all depends on your point of view” – full of the high drama and biting humor that ran through his life. And it is a springboard into understanding the parallel issues – globalization, global responsibilities, wars on terrorism, surveillance and privacy, and the widening gap between rich and poor, that we face today.
Running time 82 minutes
The Special Features DVD has 25 segments that take you inside the making of the film, show the impact of Harry’s union 
around the world, and give you personal stories about the man. Included is the view of a port from inside a hammerhead crane, Nelson Mandela paying tribute to the union’s stand against apartheid, Arlo Guthrie rehearsing “The Ballad of Harry Bridges” and “Waltzing Matilda” and Bill Moyers interviewing Harry. This DVD is a rich compliment to the story of Harry’s life as told through the play.
“He’s incredible, you’d swear you were seeing and hearing Harry Bridges.” -- Grif Fariello, San Francisco Chronicle
The PBS Airings of "From Wharf Rats to Lords of the Docks" in 2009
It was always considered a challenge to have stations air a 90 minute program (hard to fit into schedules) about a troublemaker like Harry Bridges.....
Well, we are so happy to let you know that we achieved a 49.56% market share, which means the film was available to about 150 million Americans!
Obviously, not everyone who could watch it did! And actual viewing numbers are affected by a multitude of issues – time of the airing, what it follows, is it up against American Idol type shows, or a big baseball game.....but still, 150 million Americans had, or have, since there are more airings to come, the chance to watch it!
The 'Final Market Reach" report is available below. There may be a few more pick-ups between now and the end of the year, and possibly a number of airings around Labor Day, 2010.
In the meantime, let's all celebrate the fact that we have given 150 million Americans the chance to watch the story of a great labor hero and a great union victory. With your support, we will continue to work on the challenge of the other 156 million! You can check out the market data yourself here.
With best wishes
Ian
Our Special Thanks To:
The California Teachers Association
Councilwoman Janice Hahn, City of Los Angeles 15th District
Councilman Bill Rosendahl, City of Los Angeles 11th District
The ILWU Credit Union
The Durfee Foundation
ILWU Locals 12, 34 and 32.
and everyone else who gave so generously to help us distribute “From Wharf Rats to Lords of the Docks” to PBS stations.