One-Eyed Jacks (1961)

Introduction
"One-Eyed Jacks" is a 1961 movie directed by Marlon Brando, who also starred in it. This Western drama marks the only time Brando directed a function film. Based on Charles Neider's novel about the life of Billy the Kid "The Authentic Death of Hendry Jones", the script went through various evolutions, including being dealt with by kept in mind playwright Sam Peckinpah.

Plot Summary
The movie's plot focuses on two friends and previous bank robbers, Rio (Marlon Brando) and Dad Longworth (Karl Malden). Throughout a successful gold break-in in Mexico, their horses are tired, and they find they can only get one fresh mount. They decide to draw straws to see who will ride away to protect another horse and return for the other one. Longworth wins and rides off but, succumbs to greed, abandons Rio to be captured by law enforcement.

Rio spends 5 years in a gruesome Mexican jail before finally leaving. He sets out to find his former partner, filled with bitterness, anger, and a desire to seek revenge.

Vengeance or Redemption
Rio eventually tracks Dad down in Monterey, California, only to find he has reformed, ending up being a sheriff and starting a household. Rio initially plans to eliminate him however vacillates when he falls for Longworth's stepdaughter, Louisa (Pina Pellicer). Uninformed of the males's previous history, Louisa also establishes deep feelings for Rio.

Conflict
Dispute emerges when Longworth discovers the love affair between Rio and Louisa, sped up by an unexpected pregnancy statement from Louisa. Longworth beats his stepdaughter and goes to confront Rio, who he frames for stealing a horse and sentences to 5 years in jail. Rio gets away once again with the aid of some local men.

The Final Showdown
The story culminates in a classic western showdown when Rio, driven by anger and betrayed sensations, returns for a battle. Despite Rio's preliminary intention of avenging versus Longworth, he can't bring himself to eliminate his former pal, going for shooting him in the hand, ensuring Longworth can never use a gun again. The movie ends with Rio promising to return for Louisa and their unborn kid, leaving the injured Longworth in the street.

Overall
The movie links with themes of friendship, betrayal, revenge, and redemption. It sticks out in the western genre for its complex feelings and characters, recording the audience with splendid efficiencies and exceptional instructions by Brando himself.

Tradition
"One-Eyed Jacks" is notable for its tumultuous production history, consisting of Brando's arguments with Stanley Kubrick, who was initially set to direct. Nevertheless, the film was nominated for an Academy Award for its cinematography and has actually gained a reputation as a classic of the category.

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