Odd Man Out
Odd Man Out

Movie spotlight

Odd Man Out

1947
Movie
116 min
English

Belfast police conduct a door-to-door manhunt for an IRA gunman wounded in a daring robbery.

Insights

IMDb7.7/10
Rotten Tomatoes100%
Director: Carol ReedGenres: Film Noir, Thriller, Crime

Plot Summary

In this gripping noir film, Johnny, a gravely wounded bank robber, desperately tries to evade capture and the consequences of his failed heist in the war-torn city of Belfast. As his life ebbs away, he experiences vivid flashbacks of the events leading up to the robbery, while the city's inhabitants react to the manhunt in various ways, some sympathetic, others hostile. The film culminates in a tragic and inevitable conclusion as Johnny succumbs to his wounds and the unyielding pursuit.

Critical Reception

Odd Man Out was a critical triumph, lauded for its atmospheric direction, intense suspense, and James Mason's powerful performance. It established Carol Reed as a major directorial talent and is considered a masterpiece of British noir cinema, earning widespread acclaim from both critics and audiences for its bleak, existential themes and masterful execution.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its stunning visuals and dark, brooding atmosphere.

  • James Mason delivers a career-defining performance as the dying fugitive.

  • A masterclass in suspense and a seminal work of the film noir genre.

Google audience: Audience reviews highlight the film's enduring power, the intensity of its narrative, and the memorable performance by James Mason. Many appreciate its contribution to the film noir genre and its bleak, effective storytelling.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival. Won a BAFTA Award for Best British Film. James Mason received an award at the Locarno International Film Festival for his performance.

Fun Fact

The film was shot on location in Belfast during a period of significant social and political unrest, and director Carol Reed made use of the authentic, gritty atmosphere to enhance the film's realism and tension.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

2 reviews
CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

This is very much an example of less is more from Carol Reed. James Mason is super as ("Johnny") who leads an IRA cell that decides to rob a textile mill to secure continued funding for their operations. As they make good their escape, he i...

John Chard

John Chard

That's the duty of all of us. Johnny McQueen is an IRA leader who breaks out of prison and for 6 months hides out at the house of adoring Kathleen. Here he plots a robbery of a Belfast mill to fund his underground organisation, the robbe...

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