MovieChat Forums > Odd Man Out (1947) Discussion > Favorite Scene

Favorite Scene

posted 15 years ago by we2
8 replies | jump to latest

Carol Reed is the master. This film is the best of the best. My favorite scene takes place about an hour into the story when she goes to see the priest and there's a man in the room. The 3 of them have a conversation that lasts about 5 minutes that held my attention like no other. The script, direction and acting of this most enjoyable story is without equal. I just finished watching Reed's' Our Man In Havana with Alec Guiness. That one also is spectacular. Thank you Netflix.
my favorites are Harlow and Garbo. I guess I'm just an old fashion guy

[–] ernestcpearson-1 15 years ago

The actors involved in the poignant scene you describe were all from The Abbey Theatre Dublin and were stage actors and only ventured into films occasionaly.
The actor (W.G.Fay) who played the priest was in fact one of the two founder members of The Abbey.
This was Kathleen Ryan's first film and F.J.McCormick (rated the best actor in Ireland) only made about three films and died shortly after filming was completed.
As you say a riveting scene and one of so many highlights in this film masterpiece.

[–] elgatony 14 years ago

This was the film that started my love affair with old b/w movies. I was about 16 years old and after the night screening walked home and constantly thought of what I had just seen. The snow, rain, the chimes of the clock tower, the music score and all the actors all made a huge impression on me. That said, my favorite scene is when Lukey tries to paint Johnny while fighting with his friend and the doctor.
After he sees his painting thinking he'll find truth in Johnny's eyes, Lukey is disappointed and dejectedly throws down a beer bottle while trying not to cry. This actor stood out for ma as much as James Mason and imagine my thrill to find Robert Newton campily aaaarghing his way through Treasure Island and Blackbeard the Pirate.

Gene(points at his arm pit:Get a waft of that,man stink. See if that doesn't moisten your gusset!

[–] peplowe 14 years ago

Our Man in Havana has been in my Top 10 since the year it came out. Alec Guinness was in my Top 10 since The Lavender Hill Mob. I own many of their movies. So why in the name of all that's Holy did it take me until 2010 to discover Odd Man Out?! I've just watched it twice, back to back, and will probably do it again tomorrow. Thanks indeed, Netflix! Just to keep things legal, my favorite scene in OMIH is watching Alec Guinness' character cock a dubious eyebrow at that pigeon. Priceless!

[–] Errington_92 12 years ago

When Johnny talked to a vision of Father Tom. I liked the effect of the camera shacking in the close up before his vision began in such a great expressionist style. It was a memorable insight into Johnny's delusional mind.

"I'd rather be hated for who I am, than loved for who I am not".

[–] manderstoke 10 years ago

This is hard because Odd Man Out is my favorite movie. It's like every scene in it is my favorite scene. To choose two scenes, I would say when Johnny quotes from Corinthians - Mason is truly magnificent - and, of course, the closing scene with Kathleen - where the tragedy reaches its inevitable climax. And to think that IMb gives North By Northwest a higher rating than Odd Man Out! Are they nuts? NBNW is silly entertainment, whereas OMA is art of a high order and engages with substantive issues.

[–] Howlin Wolf 10 years ago

The whole ending - just because of the mood it creates... The shots and the theme capture a lyrical beauty that I've scarcely seen in cinema.



"Your mother puts license plates in your underwear? How do you sit?!"

[–] Henry-59 9 years ago

That is a great scene--and since the entire movie, from the gong to the church bells, is on Youtube, it is available 24/7 for those of us who like to watch it repeatedly. It is certainly my favorite, for all the reasons you mentioned.

But even the most prosaic scenes, such as the fight on the trolley, are complex and memorable. Reed keeps the story hurtling forward, taking us in unexpected directions, much like McQueen himself. One of the greatest movies of all time.

[–] mcannady1 8 years ago

Movie girl: I am as old-fashioned girl. I like James Mason and Bette Davis best.
My favorite scene is toward the end of the film when Kathleen finally locates Johnny. This scene really held my attention like no other.

This is CArol Reed's masterpiece taken from the outstanding novel of the same title. In reading the novel we better understand Johnny, Kathleen, and even Shell and Lukey.