Carol Reed’s 1947 psychological thriller / noir Odd Man Out stars James Mason (in a career-making performance) as Johnny McQueen, a revered Irish Nationalist leader who, after escaping from jail and living underground for over a year, attempts to commit a heist in order to secure funds to arm the IRA with the guns and ammunition. When the robbery is botched and McQueen is injured in a gun-fight during the getaway, the rebel leader is stranded on the streets of Belfast and takes refuge from police in an abandoned bomb shelter.

As his fellow Provos search for him amidst the city-wide manhunt, McQueen, wracked with guilt and delirious from blood loss, staggers around town in search for a safe house. With allegiances split in the community, and a hefty bounty on his head, McQueen takes stock of his past decisions and dwindling future prospects as the locals feud whether or not to turn over the once-beloved leader.

Widely considered one of the very best films of its era, Odd Man Out is a film we are truly proud to present as this week’s Classic Movie Monday feature here on WRITE BRAIN TV.