Odds Against Tomorrow 1959
"He knew where $50,000 lay begging to be STOLEN!"
Directed by Robert Wise, *Odds Against Tomorrow* (1959) dives into the gritty underbelly of a heist gone wrong, where desperation and prejudice collide.
Director: Robert Wise
Cast
Robert Ryan
Earle Slater
Harry Belafonte
Johnny Ingram
Ed Begley
Dave Burke
Shelley Winters
Lorry
Gloria Grahame
Helen
Will Kuluva
Bacco
Kim Hamilton
Ruth Ingram
Mae Barnes
Annie
Richard Bright
Coco
Carmen De Lavallade
Kittie
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Odds Against Tomorrow (1959) about?
A trio of mismatched criminals unite for a high-stakes bank robbery, only to discover that prejudice and poor judgment can be just as dangerous as the police. The film follows their desperate plan as racial tensions and personal flaws threaten to sabotage everything.
Who directed Odds Against Tomorrow?
Robert Wise, celebrated for his work on classic thrillers like *West Side Story* and *The Day the Earth Stood Still*, helmed this tense crime drama.
Who stars in Odds Against Tomorrow?
The film features a powerhouse cast led by Robert Ryan, Harry Belafonte, Ed Begley, Shelley Winters, and Gloria Grahame.
Is Odds Against Tomorrow (1959) worth watching?
With its sharp social commentary and gripping performances—especially from Ryan and Belafonte—*Odds Against Tomorrow* remains a compelling watch. While it lacks an IMDb rating, its influence on crime dramas and social thrillers speaks volumes. If you love tense, thematically rich films, this one's a hidden gem.
How long is Odds Against Tomorrow?
The film runs for 96 minutes.
🎥 Trailer
About Odds Against Tomorrow (1959) — Crime, Drama & Social Tension in a Classic Heist Thriller
Directed by Robert Wise, *Odds Against Tomorrow* (1959) dives into the gritty underbelly of a heist gone wrong, where desperation and prejudice collide. Robert Ryan stars as an aging crook plotting a bank robbery with two unlikely partners: a Black musician played by Harry Belafonte and a volatile racist (Ed Begley). As the tension mounts, their carefully laid plans unravel under the weight of racial hostility and personal demons. The film blends crime drama with social commentary, capturing the smoldering unease of a society on the brink of change.
Set against the stark neon glow of New York City, the atmosphere crackles with paranoia and moral ambiguity. Shelley Winters and Gloria Grahame deliver standout performances as women entangled in the scheme's aftermath, adding layers of emotional depth to the tense narrative. Wise's direction infuses the film with a documentary-like realism, making the stakes feel immediate and the betrayals all the more devastating.
A masterclass in tension, *Odds Against Tomorrow* explores themes of trust, race, and the high cost of greed. Its tight 96-minute runtime keeps the pressure cooker of suspense simmering until the explosive finale.
