I was reading GF Legacy the other day, about the part in which The League and other Italian-American ethnic organisations who try to prevent The Godfather from being made, it also says, that without influence of the Mafia Paramount would've lost. And, giving an example how the Mafia could influence the productions of a film, it gives an example of Marlon Brando and the director (I cant remember his name) have to ask a Waterfrontboss permission to shoot in the docks of NJ.

This is my stupid question: what exactly is a waterfront, is it just a dock controlled by the mob?

From Webster's Dictionary (got one?):

Waterfront: Land, land with buildings, or a section of a town fronting or abutting a body of water.

And though it was the case in Brando's film 'On The Waterfront'....they're not always controlled by 'the mob'.

Director was Elia Kazan.

AppleOnYa

The man who helped most with "On the Waterfront" was a Jesuit priest, John Corridan, who was a labor activist and union reformer. Corridan helped reporters with exposes of waterfront labor racketeering, and was instrumental in helping Bud Schulberg write his screenplay for the movie. He also helped director Elia Kazan with clearances from the authorities to use the Hoboken, NJ docks for filming.
The waterfront was a rich source of racketeering for the Mafia. When shipping became containerized, and more cargo started coming to America by air, the Mob shifted its focus to the airports.

Thanks for the answers, Turnbull and Apple! How stupid do I sound compared to you?

Just keep posting, MC14--we all appreciate your input.