Remarkable thriller about the results of a mill robbery gone awry as an escaped agent working for "the organization"(..IRA;the robbery was to fund their underground group's efforts), bleeding badly from a gun shot wound and barely able to move around without stumbling(..in his scuffle with a mill employee, he shoots the innocent man, killing him), and the reluctant assistance of many citizens who help him as police search every corner of Northern Ireland for his whereabouts.
I think what makes this so compelling is Carol Reed's phenomenal use of sets in creating such a lively environment, recreating a crowded Belfast, as streets swell with all kinds of people. The magnificent eclectic cast of characters and the incredible story of how Johnny McQueen(James Mason), the chief leader of this renegade political group who have been selling weapons to people in the city, having escaped from prison and struggling with "lightheadedness", is able to remain free from the authorities due to the often unintentional aid of others(..most neither siding for or against him)are definite reasons to check this one out.
Carol Reed(The Third Man) directed with a sure hand, perfectly able to capture a city gripped by the activities of McQueen and his crime organization. You witness how others seek to benefit from McQueen since there's a price on his head. The film's emotional core, however, is Kathleen Sullivan(Kathleen Ryan)and her fearless devotion and love for McQueen, willing to sacrifice her very life to find him. WG Fay is a delight as Father Tom, a beacon of trust for many in his community, attempting to offer spiritual refuge to those in need. FJ McCormick is derelict Shell, seeking, at first, to profit for informing others of McQueen's location, later recanting such feelings to help him. Mason proves here just why he'd become such an amazing actor for many decades to come. The use of rain and snow is very effective as we witness McQueen trying to forge his way to some type of freedom, ducking into alleyways or behind bushes, at times, seeking rest as his body slowly slips away. The presence of the police creates quite an intensity as we wonder just how long McQueen can escape capture.
I think what makes this so compelling is Carol Reed's phenomenal use of sets in creating such a lively environment, recreating a crowded Belfast, as streets swell with all kinds of people. The magnificent eclectic cast of characters and the incredible story of how Johnny McQueen(James Mason), the chief leader of this renegade political group who have been selling weapons to people in the city, having escaped from prison and struggling with "lightheadedness", is able to remain free from the authorities due to the often unintentional aid of others(..most neither siding for or against him)are definite reasons to check this one out.
Carol Reed(The Third Man) directed with a sure hand, perfectly able to capture a city gripped by the activities of McQueen and his crime organization. You witness how others seek to benefit from McQueen since there's a price on his head. The film's emotional core, however, is Kathleen Sullivan(Kathleen Ryan)and her fearless devotion and love for McQueen, willing to sacrifice her very life to find him. WG Fay is a delight as Father Tom, a beacon of trust for many in his community, attempting to offer spiritual refuge to those in need. FJ McCormick is derelict Shell, seeking, at first, to profit for informing others of McQueen's location, later recanting such feelings to help him. Mason proves here just why he'd become such an amazing actor for many decades to come. The use of rain and snow is very effective as we witness McQueen trying to forge his way to some type of freedom, ducking into alleyways or behind bushes, at times, seeking rest as his body slowly slips away. The presence of the police creates quite an intensity as we wonder just how long McQueen can escape capture.