Odds Against Tomorrow (1959)

82% of users liked it
(490 ratings)

Harry Belafonte was both producer and star of this hard-edged film noir crime drama. Dave Burke (Ed Begley, Sr.) is an ex-cop who has been kicked off the force for refusing to inform on his colleagues to the State Crime Committee. Short on money, the former policeman jumps to the other side of the… More Harry Belafonte was both producer and star of this hard-edged film noir crime drama. Dave Burke (Ed Begley, Sr.) is an ex-cop who has been kicked off the force for refusing to inform on his colleagues to the State Crime Committee. Short on money, the former policeman jumps to the other side of the law and plans to knock over a bank in upstate New York. He'll need help, so Burke brings in two other men to assist him -- Johnny Ingram (Belafonte), a jazz musician with an addiction to gambling that's put him deep in debt to gangster Bacco (Will Kuluva), and Earl Slater (Robert Ryan), a disturbed war veteran who hasn't been able to find work after serving time for manslaughter. While their common greed and desperation has brought these men together, their differences threaten to tear them apart, especially when Slater's fear and hatred of black men rises to the surface. Blacklisted screenwriter Abraham Polonsky co-wrote the screenplay for Odds Against Tomorrow, using his friend John O. Killens as a "front." John Lewis of the Modern Jazz Quartet contributed a memorable musical score. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 35 min.
Directed By: Robert Wise
Written By: John O. Killens, Nelson Gidding
Genres: Drama, Mystery & Suspense, Classics

In Theaters: Oct 15, 1959 Wide
On DVD: Dec 2, 2003

Critic Reviews

Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
A powerful film noir that underscores socially conscious issues.

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Featured Audience Ratings

jay n

Solid crime caper is a little heavy on the symbolism but is well acted and tightly directed with an intriguing and apt music score. Gloria Grahame, who looks pretty rough, is wasted in a small meaningless part.
Randy T

Good stuff. It's been quite a few years since the last time I saw a Harry Belafonte film, I had forgotten just what a tremendous actor he really is (was). This is a noir classic that will hold your attention wire to wire. Note: Did the ending remind anyone else of… More
Good stuff. It's been quite a few years since the last time I saw a Harry Belafonte film, I had forgotten just what a tremendous actor he really is (was). This is a noir classic that will hold your attention wire to wire. Note: Did the ending remind anyone else of <i>White Heat</i>? ("Top of the world, Ma!")
Michael G

One of the last great noir films. Robert Wise's direction is superb as are all the performances. You feel bad for everyone (well, except maybe Robert Ryan) and the climax (As well as most of the movie) is almost heartbreaking even if it's completely expected.

Cast

            Harry Belafonte as Johnny Ingram

            Robert Ryan as Earl Slater

            Shelley Winters as Lorry

            Ed Begley Sr. as Dave Burke

            Gloria Grahame as Helen

            Will Kuluva as Bacco

            Richard Bright as Coco

            Lew Gallo as Moriarity

            Fred J. Scollay as Cannoy

            Carmen De Lavallade as Kitty

            Mae Barnes as Annie

            Kim Hamilton as Ruth Ingram

            Lois Thorne as Eadie

            Wayne Rogers as Soldier

            Zohra Lampert as Girl in Bar

            William Zuckert as Bartender

            Burtt Harris as Man in Bar

            Clint Young as Policeman

            Paul Hoffman as Garry

            Cicely Tyson as Fra

            William Adams as Bank Guard

            Fred Herrick as Bank Manager

            Mary Boylan as Bank Secretary

            Allen Nourse as Police Chief

            Robert Earl Jones as Guard

            Mel Stewart as Elevator Operator
See full cast