Movie : One-Eyed Jacks

We open with three guys robbing a bank in Mexico.  They have a quick relax before the Mexican law catches up with them.  One of the bandits is killed with the other two high tailing it as fast as they can.  With one of the horses worn out they agree that one of them should go get fresh mounts while the other holds off the law.  Dad goes and Rio stays.  Dad has a change of heart about going back for Rio.  He decides to keep the bank money and save his own skin.  Rio is captured and spends five years in a Mexican prison before he escapes.

Rio’s got one thing on his mind.  Kill Dad Longworth.  He catches up with Dad in Monterrey where Longworth is now the sheriff and leading a respectable life.  Along with his personal revenge, Rio and his new partners in crime plan to rob the bank in Monterrey at the same time.  Things play out in this setting where at first the two old partners do some friendly reminiscing about their old wild ways and then the mood changes with Dad whipping Rio in public and chasing him out of town.  The rest of the gang waits for Rio to heal his wounds and then they will go back and take care of business.

This film captured CB’s interest for so many reasons.  It had the basic revenge story but with lots on the side.  Marlon Brando directs and stars in the film.  He surrounded himself with with a lot of real good help.  Charles Lang on the camera captures some beautiful shots.  Filming on the coast, near the ocean, in CB’s opinion was a great choice and different for a duster.  It’s beautiful. Casting didn’t hurt Brando either.  Karl Malden, Ben Johnson , Katy Jurado, Slim Pickens, Timothy Carey and the rest of the support do a great job.  Lots of great dialogue.  In one scene Ben Johnson’s character complains about being stuck at the beach and what a “manure pile” it is (Ben you should have bought some real estate while you where there you dumb shit.  It was Monterrey).  Memorable scenes.  Brando and Carey in the bar is a CB favorite.

Brando gives a great performance while making a really good film.  Not your typical western but when Marlon’s involved you know you’re going to get a few curves.  CB really liked this film.  It pulled him in for the ride.