One-Eyed Jacks
One-Eyed Jacks

One-Eyed Jacks

1961Movie141 minEnglish

Running from the law after a bank robbery in Mexico, Dad Longworth finds an opportunity to take the stolen gold and leave his partner Rio to be captured. Years later, Rio escapes from the prison where he has been since, and hunts down Dad for revenge. Dad is now a respectable sheriff in California, and has been living in fear of Rio's return.

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IMDb6.9/10
Rotten Tomatoes75%
Google Users73%
Director: Marlon BrandoGenres: Western, Crime, Drama

Plot Summary

Rio is a bank robber who, after a daring heist in Mexico, is betrayed by his partner, Dad Longbaugh. Left for dead and imprisoned, Rio eventually escapes and makes his way to California, seeking revenge on Dad. Along the way, he encounters Louisa, Dad's stepdaughter, and finds himself drawn to her. Rio's quest for vengeance becomes complicated by his growing feelings and the consequences of his violent past.

Critical Reception

Marlon Brando's directorial debut, 'One-Eyed Jacks,' is a visually striking and complex Western that garnered mixed to positive reviews upon its release. While praised for its ambitious scope, Brando's performance, and stunning cinematography, some critics found its narrative somewhat meandering and its psychological depth occasionally heavy-handed. It has since gained a reputation as a unique and flawed masterpiece within the Western genre.

What Reviewers Say

  • Visually stunning with a brooding performance from Brando.
  • A complex and unconventional Western that explores themes of revenge and betrayal.
  • While ambitious, the narrative can feel drawn-out and overly psychological.

Google audience: Audiences appreciated the film's unique visual style and Marlon Brando's intense performance, though some found the plot less engaging than traditional Westerns. The film's darker themes and character studies were a point of discussion.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for an Academy Award for Best Cinematography (Charles Lang).

Fun Fact

Marlon Brando's only directorial effort, 'One-Eyed Jacks' was famously plagued by production issues and studio interference, leading to Brando re-shooting large portions of the film himself.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

3 reviews
CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

This gets off to a strong start with the nonchalant "Rio" (Marlon Brando) and his pal "Dad" (Karl Malden) relieving a bank of it's golden pesos. Their flight doesn't quite go to plan though, and in need of fresh horses they are forced to se...
Wuchak

Wuchak

_**One of the GREAT Westerns**_ Dad Longworth (Karl Malden) literally "takes the money and runs" as he leaves his young partner in crime, Kid Rio (Marlon Brando), behind to rot in a Mexican prison. Rio escapes 5 years later with only ven...
John Chard

John Chard

Flashes of greatness standing out in chopped messy Western. I was never that smitten with this film many years ago on my first viewing, but now, with the advent of time, I like to think I view films with newer and wiser perspectives. Sad...