edge of the city be another movie that owe a lot of credit to on the waterfront . from it nyc location and to it score and to the belief that whatever trouble you may be in and you can somehow right your wrong . edge also deal with idea like loyalty and racism . in my opinion and that be where the movie do not succeed like waterfront . at 85 minute the movie rush through the establishment of relationship and and tie everything up so quickly that much of it seem force and unbelievable . possible spoilersthe relationship between sidney poitier and john cassavettes could have be further develop in the beginning . i do not believe that these two character and from two very different place would have build such a strong relationship so quickly . i think that the whole love sub plot with cassavettes could have be eliminate . he be so awkward with a woman that it become painful to watch . the only reason why it be in the movie be so that she can motivate him to do the right thing at the end . there be other way that they could have show this . i would have also like to see some scene of axel in the army to illustrate why he be the way he be . the acting be excellent . poitier be terrific in a role that be beautifully write . his role a tyler be interesting and multi layer and and ( especially for 1957 ) and a man who be confident and respect and and intelligent . cassavettes and a axel north and while very good and do not seem quite right for the part . warden be terrific a the bos who know axel secret ( although his fight scene with cassavettes at the end be stag horribly . too many break away box ) . i think ruby dee be wonderful in role of poitier wife . on the whole and edge of the city be a smart and movie with a very good cast that try too hard to be an interesting noir style picture and without take the time to let the drama build . positive .