8. Odd Man Out (1947)
Dir. Carol Reed Cast: James Mason, Robert Newton, Cyril Cusack, Kathleen Ryan and William Hartnell Johnny McQueen (James Mason) is an Irish nationalist who for the last six months has been living in a room following his escape from prison. His first time outside is taking part in a robbery, which goes wrong when he is shot and abandoned by his friends. The film takes place over twenty-four, as a wounded Johnny staggers through Belfast, and his girlfriend, Kathleen (Kathleen Ryan), tries to find him before the police. With the 24-hour structure and Irish setting, the film is almost like a crime version of James Joyces Ulysses. This is probably the least well known of all the movies on the list, which is a shame because its a great film. Its a thrilling, moving movie that moves towards a heartbreaking finale. The director Carol Reed went onto direct the more famous The Third Man and this film gets looked down upon in comparison, but Odd Man Out is beautifully shot tragedy that deserves recognition. Key Lines: Johnny: Is it far? Kathleen: Its a long way, Johnny. But Im coming with you.