The lowdown:  'Odd Man Out' is based on the novel by F.L. Green, and stars James Mason as Johnny McQueen, the leader
of an Irish nationalist organisation (referred to in the film only as "the organisation", but clearly modelled on the IRA). McQueen
plans a bank robbery to raise cash for the organisation, but is shot when a bystander tries to prevent his escape. McQueen
kills the unfortunate man, but falls out of the getaway car and is left behind by his accomplices. McQueen meets a number 
of people as he seeks to evade the police, including an alcoholic artist named Lukey who wants to paint a portrait of the
dying criminal, a con-man named Shell who hopes to gain the reward for McQueen's capture, and two sisters who comes to
his aid and takes him into their home, until the husband of one them comes home and recognises McQueen, sending him
out into the cold, dark streets. 

Meanwhile, various people are seeking McQueen for their own reasons, including his girlfriend Kathleen, other members of the 
organisation, and the police inspector who is determined to bring McQueen to justice. Part of the action is set in a bar, where 
McQueen goes to seek a drink and shelter from the cold. William Hartnell plays Fencie the barman, who provides McQueen
with alcohol and gets Lukey to take him away to ensure that the bar does not become caught up in the hunt for the fugitive.
Kathleen eventually finds McQueen, but he is close to death, and with the police closing in, she decides to go down with the
man she loves in a shoot-out with the police.

The verdict:  'Odd Man Out' is a great example of British film noir, and is still highly watchable six decades after it was made.
It is a very character-driven film, and most of the actors are convincing in their roles. James Mason in particular is superb as
the doomed Johhny McQueen, in his last film role before moving to Hollywood. It was produced and directed by Carol Reed,
who also produced another Wiliam Hartnell film, 'The Way Ahead'.

Trivia:  'Odd Man Out' won the 1948 BAFTA Film Award for best film, and was nominated for the Academy Award for best
film editing in the same year.

Video Clips:   Fencie the barman      5.9mb                        Shell and Fencie      6.4mb
     
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