A male army deserter and a black male dock worker join forces against a corrupt manager, in a corrupt environment, and as their connection blossoms they must face the oppressive and morally decaying city they live in.
| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
 John CassavetesAxel Nordmann | Axel Nordmann |
 Sidney PoitierTommy Tyler | Tommy Tyler |
 Jack WardenCharles Malik | Charles Malik |
 Kathleen MaguireEllen Wilson | Ellen Wilson |
 Ruby DeeLucy Tyler | Lucy Tyler |
 Val AveryBrother | Brother |
 Robert F. SimonGeorge Nordmann | George Nordmann |
 Ruth WhiteKatherine Nordmann | Katherine Nordmann |
| WWilliam A. LeeDavis | Davis |
 John KelloggDetective | Detective |
 David ClarkeWallace | Wallace |
 Estelle HemsleyMrs. Price | Mrs. Price |
 Roy GlennStevedore (uncredited) | Stevedore (uncredited) |
| RRalph BellNight Boss (uncredited) | Night Boss (uncredited) |
| MMike DanaDetective (uncredited) | Detective (uncredited) |
 Charles JordanOld Stevedore (uncredited) | Old Stevedore (uncredited) |
| MMike O'DowdMalick's Henchman (uncredited) | Malick's Henchman (uncredited) |