Johnny One-Eye

Johnny One-Eye is a 1950 American film directed by Robert Florey and starring Pat O'Brien, Wayne Morris, and Dolores Moran. The film is a classic film noir story set in post-World War II New York City.

The plot revolves around the character of Johnny Morrison (Pat O'Brien), a World War II veteran who returns home to find that his wife has left him and that he is now homeless. After a series of failed attempts to find work, Johnny decides to turn to a life of crime in order to survive. Together with his former army buddy, Steve (Wayne Morris), Johnny becomes involved in a protection racket run by a local gangster named Gus (Frank McHugh).

Things take a turn for the worse when Johnny inadvertently kills a man during a robbery. He and Steve go into hiding, but as the police close in, Steve is killed in a shootout. Johnny, now a fugitive, continues to elude the police, but is eventually captured and put on trial.

Throughout the film, Johnny struggles to come to terms with his life as a criminal and his past experiences as a soldier. He is haunted by the memory of his friend's death, as well as by the visions of his one good eye, the other having been lost during the war.

Despite its focus on crime and violence, Johnny One-Eye is also a deeply human story that explores themes of love, loyalty, and redemption. It is a story of a man who, despite his flaws, is ultimately motivated by his deep sense of compassion and his desire to do what's right.

The film's gritty, black-and-white cinematography captures the seedy underbelly of post-war New York City, creating a tense and brooding atmosphere that perfectly complements the film's noirish storyline. The acting is superb, particularly from Pat O'Brien, who delivers a nuanced and powerful performance as the titular character.

Johnny One-Eye was released to critical acclaim and is widely regarded as a classic of the film noir genre. It is a must-see for fans of crime dramas and classic Hollywood cinema.