On the Bowery

The Bowery is one of the oldest streets of New York, close to Chinatown. In the 50s this neighbourhood was known for its drifters and beggars. ON THE BOWERY shows the adventures of young and unemployed Ray Salyer. He lands in the Bowery and is robbed at once by a partner in misfortune. According to some critics, this film is not a documentary pur sang since the story is obviously construed. Still, main character Ray Salyer is playing himself, and the film is an authentic reflection of the lives of drifters in New York. Rogosin, Sufrin, and Bagley used a handy Arriflex and a tape-recorder to register the reality of the pensions, bars, and shelters for the homeless.