Five derelicts on New York's waterfront clash in a slice of life social comparison.Five derelicts on New York's waterfront clash in a slice of life social comparison. Through five derelicts on New York's waterfront, man's humanity to his fellow man is compared, contrasted and tested. Neil and O'Looney are the barroom/bishop who brings booze and religion to sinners on the waterfront. Doc is the peace-maker and Conductor the faulted hero. Deacon, a symbol of all religions, remains in his cardboard box pulpit coming out only to fight, collect money or preach. And finally... Sharkey and Hoey, the predators.