On the Bowery (1956)

This docufiction film begins by following Ray, a railroad worker who arrives in New York City looking for enough work to feed his alcohol addiction, and the other men he meets in similar circumstances. While the film offers a bleak portrayal of these characters’ lives, because of the film’s form, it’s hard to know what is real and what is scripted. It does make for an interesting viewing experience, but difficult to know if it deserves a documentary label despite its nomination.

Oscar Nomination: Best Documentary, Features