One-Eyed Jacks (1961) |

2h. 21min. // One-Eyed Jacks (1961) is a compelling Western drama that marks the only directorial effort by legendary actor Marlon Brando, who also stars in the lead role. Set against the rugged backdrop of the American West, the film tells a gripping story of betrayal, revenge, and redemption.

Brando plays Rio, a charismatic outlaw betrayed by his partner in crime, Dad Longworth (Karl Malden), after a bank robbery in Mexico. While Rio is captured and imprisoned, Dad escapes with the gold and reinvents himself as a respected sheriff in the coastal town of Monterey, California. Years later, Rio escapes from prison and sets out to find his former friend, bent on revenge.

When Rio finally confronts Dad, he discovers a man who has built a new life based on lies and power. Complicating Rio’s plans is his growing affection for Dad’s stepdaughter, Louisa (Pina Pellicer), whose innocence and love challenge his thirst for vengeance. As tensions rise, Rio is torn between settling the score and seeking a new beginning.

Brando’s direction brings a raw, psychological depth to the Western genre, emphasizing character complexity over traditional action. The cinematography, with its sweeping desert vistas and moody coastal scenes, complements the film’s emotional undercurrents. The performances, especially by Brando and Malden, deliver intense, nuanced portrayals of men shaped by guilt and ambition.

One-Eyed Jacks stands out among Westerns for its moral ambiguity, emotional intensity, and artistic vision. It is a tale not just of retribution, but of the painful struggle between the past and the possibility of change. Over time, the film has gained recognition as a cult classic and a significant entry in the revisionist Western tradition.

Directed by: Marlon Brando

Writing Credits: Guy Trosper, Calder Willingham, Charles Neider

Starring: Marlon Brando (as Rio), Karl Malden (as Sheriff Dad Longworth) and Pina Pellicer (as Louisa)