Johnny One-Eye **½ (1950, Pat O’Brien, Wayne Morris, Dolores Moran) – Classic Movie Review 13,985

Robert Florey’s 1950 American film noir crime film Johnny One-Eye is based on a story by Damon Runyon, and stars Pat O’Brien, Wayne Morris, and Dolores Moran.

Director Robert Florey’s 1950 American film noir crime film Johnny One-Eye is based on a story by Damon Runyon, and stars Pat O’Brien, Wayne Morris, and Dolores Moran.

Damon Runyon’s warm fable about East Coast mob man turned businessman Martin Martin (Pat O’Brien), whose gruff exterior really does hide a happy heart, having to battle former fellow hood Dane Cory (Wayne Morris), who has been offered immunity by the DA in exchange for his testimony against Martin.

Martin visits Cory to talk him out of testifying but in a shootout Martin is shot, kills one of Cory’s henchmen, and flees.

Martin hides out in an abandoned house with burlesque girl Lily White (Dolores Moran), her six-year-old kid (Gayle Reed) and an injured dog that strays into his hideout, calling him Johnny One-Eye, meanwhile recovering enough for a final attack against Cory.

Director Florey’‘s little movie is unsure of its intentions and tone, tending to be either a touch violent or a bit too slushy. But it is performed with style by a game cast, made on eye-catching New York exteriors, stylishly shot in noir black and white by Lucien N Andriot, and it rattles along.

The screenplay by Richard E Landau is taken from a story by Damon Runyon.

It is produced by Dolores Moran’s husband Benedict Bogeaus for release by United Artists.

Running time: 78 minutes.

Release date: May 5, 1950.

Cast: Pat O’Brien as Martin Martin, Wayne Morris as Dane Cory. Dolores Moran as Lily White, Gayle Reed as Elsie White, Donald Woods as Vet, Barton Hepburn as Cory Henchman. Raymond Largay as Lawbooks, Lawrence Cregar as Ambrose, Forrest Taylor as Man on Street, Lester Allen as Designer / Choreographer, Jimmy Little as Captain of Police, Jack Overman as Lippy, Lyle Talbot as Official from District Attorney’s Office, Harry Bronson as Cute Freddy.

© Derek Winnert 2026 – Classic Movie Review 13,985

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