Odds Against Tomorrow
Robert Wise - 1959
KL Studio Classics BD Region A
I do not have any new insights. More likely, you probably have seen Odds Against Tomorrow at least once in this lifetime. What made this relatively recent blu-ray release of interest is to me was the commentary track by film historian Alan Rode. In the case of some of the home video labels, I was offered a limited choice of what films I could cover. Even when a film was in no need of “discovery”, I would look to see who provided the commentary track. Sometimes you get gabfests between friends, sloppy scholarship, gossip, and facts that can easily be gleaned from Wikipedia.
Rode offers more substance. There are details included in pointing out even the unbilled supporting players like the young Cicely Tyson. More details on the involvement of screenplay writer Abraham Polonsky with this film, as well as a career overview. There is even a humorous anecdote about Ed Begley keeping his Oscar in his car, readily available for fan photos.
The film itself is sourced from the British Film Institute’s restored print. Among the extras are remembrances from actress Kim Hamilton, who appeared in the film as the wife of Harry Belafonte’s night club singer with a fatal gambling addiction.