One-Eyed Jacks Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Marlon Brando gets cucked by his buddy, goes to jail, gets out, and then romances the dude’s daughter; it’s basically a soap opera with horses and a lot of lingering, intense stares.

🍿 One-Eyed Jacks: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Betrayal in Mexico

In 1880s Sonora, Mexico, Rio and Dad Longworth, along with a third accomplice, successfully rob a bank. During their escape, with the authorities closing in, Dad is entrusted to retrieve fresh horses but betrays Rio, leaving him to be captured. This act of betrayal sets the stage for a tale of revenge and shifting moral ground.

Years of Incarceration and the Quest for Vengeance

Rio endures nearly five years of harsh imprisonment. Upon his escape, his singular focus is to find Dad Longworth and exact revenge. He learns that Dad has become a respected sheriff in Monterey, California, a stark contrast to his outlaw past. Fuelled by anger, Rio sets out to confront the man who abandoned him.

Love and Moral Conflict in Monterey

Arriving in Monterey, Rio finds Dad living a respectable life with a Mexican wife and stepdaughter, Louisa. As Rio plots his revenge, he unexpectedly falls in love with Louisa, complicating his plans. His desire for vengeance clashes with his growing feelings for her, creating a moral dilemma and testing his resolve.

Escalating Tensions and Violent Confrontation

Rio becomes entangled in a bank robbery scheme with new accomplices. Meanwhile, tensions rise between Rio and Dad, culminating in a brutal public whipping and the crippling of Rio’s gun hand. Fueled by this new humiliation and betrayal, Rio’s thirst for vengeance intensifies, pushing the narrative towards a violent showdown.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Rio (Marlon Brando): A betrayed bank robber seeking revenge on his former partner while grappling with unexpected love.
• Sheriff Dad Longworth (Karl Malden): A former outlaw turned sheriff haunted by his past betrayal and seeking to maintain his respectable facade.
• Louisa (Pina Pellicer): Dad Longworth’s step-daughter who finds herself caught between loyalty and love for Rio.
• Maria Longworth (Katy Jurado): Dad Longworth’s wife and Louisa’s mother, representing stability and familial love.
• Bob Amory (Ben Johnson): One of Rio’s opportunistic partners who seeks to rob a bank in Monterey.
• Deputy Lon Dedrick (Slim Pickens): The revolting and cowardly deputy to Sheriff Longworth.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Rio: “You may be a one-eyed jack around here, but I’ve seen the other side of your face.” – Said to Dad Longworth, exposing his knowledge of Longworth’s betrayal and duplicity.
• Sheriff Dad Longworth: “You’ll get a fair trial, and then I’m gonna hang you, personally.” – Dad Longworth’s arrogant threat to Rio after arresting him, revealing his intention to bypass justice for revenge.
• Rio: “A man can’t lay down and die just because he’s lost the one he thought was his.” – Rio says this trying to convince Louisa he’ll still get his revenge on Longworth.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $6,000,000
• Domestic Gross: None
• Worldwide Gross: $580

💥 One-Eyed Jacks Reviews

Personal Review

I was completely drawn into the movie, particularly how Brando portrayed Rio’s shifting emotions. One moment he’s a hardened criminal, the next he’s genuinely falling in love with Louisa. The scene where Longworth whips Rio is brutal. I also really love the cinematography – those coastal shots are breathtaking! Overall, a solid film that makes me want to watch more Westerns.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of classic Westerns”
  • “Viewers interested in psychological dramas”
  • “Marlon Brando enthusiasts”
  • “Those who appreciate visually stunning cinematography”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence”
  • “Some thematic elements may be disturbing”
  • “Brief scenes of sexuality”
  • “Implied sexual violence”

Professional Reviews

• Indiewire: “A visually stunning Western. Its careful use of VistaVision and the Californian coastline elevates the genre, showcasing Brando’s eye for beauty and visual storytelling that remains impactful even today.
• The Film Stage: “Although Brando’s direction might be not perfect, this remains a unique and emotionally driven Western with memorable performances from both Brando and Malden. The film is a testament to the potential of the genre beyond simple action.
• Rotten Tomatoes: “A psychological Western, blending familiar tropes with an adult examination of morality and revenge. The film is elevated by strong performances, especially Malden’s portrayal of a complex and conflicted character. While lengthy, it delves deep.

Audience Reactions

Viewers appreciated how ‘One-Eyed Jacks’ portrayed morally grey characters and refused to paint anyone as purely good or evil.: Most viewers enjoyed the performances, especially the chemistry between Brando and Malden, and many found the coastal setting to be a refreshing twist on the classic Western backdrop.

The stark and beautiful scenery, particularly the Big Sur coastline, added a unique and memorable element to the traditional Western setting.: The intense and brooding nature of the film was appreciated.

Overall Consensus: While some find it overlong, the film is generally regarded as a compelling, visually stunning, and psychologically rich Western with memorable performances and unique coastal setting.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Stanley Kubrick was originally slated to direct, but left due to creative differences with Marlon Brando.”
• “Marlon Brando’s first cut of the film was reportedly 5 hours long; the studio trimmed it down considerably.”
• “The film was shot in VistaVision, a high-resolution widescreen process, making it visually stunning for its time.”
• “Sam Peckinpah wrote the first draft of the screenplay, but was fired by Brando due to disagreements about the protagonist’s characterization.”

🖥️ How to Watch One-Eyed Jacks?

Currently, ‘One-Eyed Jacks’ is available for purchase or rental on various digital platforms. You can find it on Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, and Vudu. Check your local listings for television airings as well.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed One-Eyed Jacks, you might like these similar films:

• The Treasure of the Sierra Madre (1948): Explores themes of greed and betrayal among partners in crime, leading to their downfall.
• High Noon (1952): A sheriff faces a moral crisis when his former partner returns to town seeking revenge.
• Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid (1973): Another Western that deals with the complex relationship between two former friends on opposite sides of the law, also deals with themes of betrayal and regret.
• Unforgiven (1992): Shares the themes of revenge and the burden of a violent past, examining the moral complexities of seeking justice in the Old West.

🛒 One-Eyed Jacks Related Products

• Marlon Brando: The Collection [Blu-ray]: A comprehensive Blu-ray collection featuring Marlon Brando’s iconic films, with high-definition transfers and bonus content. Includes extended scenes, director’s commentary, and behind-the-scenes documentaries.
• Western Movie Poster Set: A set of high-quality, vintage-style posters featuring classic Western films, printed on archival paper with vibrant colors. Bring the spirit of the Old West to your home decor.
• Revenger’s Hand: A gritty narrative adventure game set in the Old West. Players navigate a morally ambiguous world, making tough choices that impact their character’s journey and the fate of those around them. With multiple endings and a branching storyline, Revenger’s Hand provides hours of replayability.
• Western-Style Cowboy Hat: A high-quality, authentic Western-style cowboy hat made from durable felt or straw. Perfect for completing a cowboy costume, attending Western-themed events, or adding a touch of rugged style to your everyday wardrobe.

🎧 Soundtrack

One-Eyed Jacks features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Streets of Laredo” – performed by Traditional
• “Main Title” – performed by Hugo Friedhofer
• “Fiesta Dance” – performed by Hugo Friedhofer

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

10 Westerns Recommended By Tarantino (#2 BANNED for Being Too Violent)

Ever wondered what Westerns Quentin Tarantino loves? This video includes ‘One-Eyed Jacks’ and hearing Tarantino’s take on it is pretty cool, especially since he’s such a Western aficionado.

What led to the SADNESS & EARLY DEMISE of Marlon Brando’s CO-STAR Pina Pellicer in “ONE EYED JACKS”

Want to know more about the actress who starred alongside Marlon Brando in ‘One-Eyed Jacks’? This video explores the heartbreaking story of Pina Pellicer. It’s a bit sad, but definitely adds depth to her performance in the film.

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