Odd Man Out [1946]

Carol Reed's brilliant direction produced a cinema masterpiece from the novel by F. L. Green. Set in the bleak winter streets of an Irish city the story follows Johnny, a wounded rebel, as he stumbles from pillar to post in search of the ship that will take him to freedom. Some befriend him, some spurn him, some betray him and some like the drunken artist Lukey exploit him: in the end when Johnny is finally re-united with the girl who unselfishly loves him, his hopes rise, but fate in the shape of a dramatic and unexpected climax awaits him. Superb performances from James Mason, Cyril Cusack and F. J. McCormick in this highly relevant film.