When he created this classic parable of suspense, Carol Reed (THE THIRD MAN, THE FALLEN IDOL) was at the top of his game. Set in the streets and back alleys of post-WWII Belfast, OD MAN OUT stars James Mason as the leader of an IRA-like political organization. Recently released from prison, he... [More]

When he created this classic parable of suspense, Carol Reed (THE THIRD MAN, THE FALLEN IDOL) was at the top of his game. Set in the streets and back alleys of post-WWII Belfast, OD MAN OUT stars James Mason as the leader of an IRA-like political organization. Recently released from prison, he plans the robbery of a linen mill to raise funds for his group. When the job goes awry, Johnny is badly wounded and must struggle to stay alive while eluding a police dragnet. At the same time, Kathleen (Kathleen Ryan), the woman who loves him, scours the city, hoping to reach the wounded man before the police pick him up. While on the run, Johnny encounters a variety of mostly working-class characters. Some of them are willing to offer tentative help, but others are quick to exploit his vulnerability. Among the latter is Shell (F.J. McCormick), an amusingly dim petty criminal who, after a venal detour with half-mad painter Lukey (Robert Newton), becomes the unwitting link between Kathleen and Johnny. ODD MAN OUT, based on the novel by F. L. Green, is an exceptionally well made film in every respect, with particular plaudits to Robert Krasker's beautifully noirish photography and Robert Newton's bravura performance. [Less]