Time: 116 Minutes
Age Rating: PG
Cast:
James Mason as Johnny McQueen
Kathleen Ryan as Kathleen Sullivan
Robert Newton as Lukey
Cyril Cusack as Pat
F. J. McCormick as Shell
William Hartnell as Fencie
Fay Compton as Rosie
Denis O’Dea as Inspector
WG Fay as Father Tom
Maureen Delaney as Theresa O’Brien
Elwyn Brook-Jones as Tober
Robert Beatty as Dennis
Director: Carol Reed

I went into Odd Man Out not knowing what it was about beyond the fact that it was a crime noir thriller from the director of The Third Man, and it ended up being really surprising.

Odd Man Out begins as a gritty crime thriller and then becomes something else. While a heist is involved, it’s more about the aftermath and the following manhunt, as the main character encounters many different people as he moves from one hiding place to another. I liked the directions that the movie took, and it was even surprisingly meditative at points.

Odd Man Out has a very solid ensemble cast. The stand out is James Mason in the lead role. For the second half of the movie he’s wounded and not able to talk or do a whole lot, but still conveys a lot in his part.

Carol Reed’s direction is top notch. It has a great black and white look, and the lighting is fantastic, especially at night.

Odd Man Out is a great, entertaining and surprising noir thriller, with strong direction and superb performances.