British director Carol Reed had made some twenty films before Odd Man Out, most of which languish in obscurity today. The turning point of his career came when he began to produce his films in addition to directing them. Three classics followed in consecutive years: Odd Man Out, The Fallen Idol, and The Third Man. The latter is probably the best British film ever made.
Some people believe that Odd Man Out is even better. This is understandable, since James Mason and Kathleen Ryan are extraordinarily compelling in their roles. But the film has its excesses, such as the gunmen going out in a 'blaze of glory' when cornered, and the exaggerated (if entertaining) supporting characters of mad painter Lukey (Robert Newton) and pathetic schemer Shell (F.J. McCormick).
The film takes a decidedly pro-British stand in the endless conflict between the IRA and the police. Denis O'Dea plays an understanding constable, the IRA flunkies (Cyril Cusack, Dan O'Herlihy) are stupid and reckless, Granny (Kitty Kirwan) espouses pacifist beliefs, and even the respected Catholic priest (W.G. Fay) wants Johnny to surrender to the police. However, the key IRA leaders are courageous and sympathetically portrayed, including Kathleen (Ryan), Johnny (Mason), and his right hand man, Dennis (Robert Beatty).
The story is based on the novel by F.L. Green. Johnny is an IRA leader who has escaped from prison. He has spent the past year in hiding, sheltered by Dennis and Kathleen. Johnny leads a botched robbery of a mill to raise funds, where he is seriously wounded. He has to kill a man to escape, making him the subject of a nationwide police manhunt.
Abandoned by his mates in the streets of Belfast, Johnny fights delirium and exhaustion in his search for shelter. He encounters several people who recognize him, but refuse to help him because they are afraid of the police. Others want to use him for their own ends. The grim plot of Odd Man Out dangles the hope that Johnny will be rescued, whether it be by his friends Dennis and Kathleen, or the kindly priest.
The most colorful character in the film is that of Lukey; a failed, disturbed and alcoholic painter. Apparently intended as comic relief, Lukey is obsessed with capturing the essence of demented facial expressions on canvas.
Odd Man Out was awarded Best British Film at the British Academy Awards. It also received an Oscar nomination in the U.S. for Best Editing. Such a nomination was (and is) hard to obtain for a non-American production. (79/100)
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