Watch Odds Against Tomorrow

Odds Against Tomorrow is a 1959 film that features a strong cast with Harry Belafonte, Robert Ryan, and Gloria Grahame. Directed by Robert Wise, it gained critical acclaim for its artistic style, controversial themes, and excellent performances. The movie is a fusion of film noir and social drama, which takes on the themes of racism, betrayal, and greed.

The plot of Odds Against Tomorrow focuses on two desperate men who plan a bank heist. Dave Burke (Ed Begley) is an ex-police officer who is now a recruiter for the heist. He is driven by racial animosity, and he uses the resentment of the African American protagonist named Johnny Ingram (Harry Belafonte) to rope him in as the planner of the heist. Johnny is a nightclub singer who has a gambling problem and is in debt. He reluctantly agrees to take part because he wants to settle his debt and provide for his daughter.

The other member of the team is the racist ex-con Earl Slater (Robert Ryan). Burke knows that Slater harbors a deep hatred towards black people, and he exploits this by framing Johnny for the mastermind behind the heist. Burke is not comfortable with Slater's racial attitudes and is afraid that Slater will ruin the plan. However, he is not deterred by this and decides to continue with Slater.

As the heist approaches, the tension between the three men increases, and their personal issues come into play. Johnny is worried about the safety of his daughter and tries to back out of the plan. Slater's uncontrollable racism threatens to ruin the plan, and Burke's greed takes over, leading to the eventual downfall of the heist.

One of the most striking aspects of Odds Against Tomorrow is its use of black and white cinematography. The stark contrast creates an unrelenting atmosphere of tension and dread. The lighting and camera movements work together to capture the anxiety of the characters throughout the narrative. The film noir treatment of the movie is dark and intense, which highlights the moral dilemmas that the characters face.

The acting performances in Odds Against Tomorrow are outstanding. Harry Belafonte shines in his role as Johnny Ingram, a sympathetic character who is trapped in his circumstances. His singing adds a human touch and gives the movie an added dimension. Robert Ryan delivers a powerful performance, portraying Slater's complex character traits, which are both sympathetic and repulsive. Gloria Grahame, who plays Slater's estranged girlfriend, adds depth and complexity to the narrative.

The background score by John Lewis is another standout feature of the movie. His use of jazz and blues music evokes a sense of urban reality, adding to the film's overall atmosphere.

Odds Against Tomorrow is a movie that is relevant even after more than six decades of its release. It speaks about the racial tensions that still exist in American society and the ways in which greed and selfishness can destroy bonds of trust and loyalty. The film's themes have relevance in contemporary society, and its message about the dangers of racism is still as urgent today as it was in 1959.

In conclusion, Odds Against Tomorrow is a classic film that has stood the test of time. It offers a thought-provoking commentary on racism, greed, and social justice. The directing, acting, and background score are all exceptional and worth watching. The movie is a must-watch for anyone interested in film noir, social issues, or simply looking for a gripping and engaging storyline.

Odds Against Tomorrow is a 1959 crime movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 35 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.4.