The film noir genre is not near as simple as some might
think it is. While the standard held true for the most part (the femme fatale,
the cynical attitude, the sexual motivations, the stark black and white
cinematography) the films in the genre were not always so cut and dried. THE
BIG CLOCK is a perfect example of that.
The film opens with George Stroud (Ray Milland) hiding in a
building with a big clock in its tower. He’s on the run and in voice over
narration he goes back in time to tell us what it taking place. As the editor
of CRIMEWAVES magazine published by Janoth Publications in New York City,
Stroud has turned the fortunes of the magazine around making it a success. But
working for Earl Janoth (Charles Laughton) has negatives as well.
Stroud is about to go on a long delayed honeymoon with his
wife Georgette (Maureen O'Sullivan) and son when a scoop comes his way. Janoth
wants him to stay and handle the details of the story but this honeymoon has
been put on hold too many times. Stroud insists on going even when Janoth
threatens to fire him and blacklist him from working anywhere else.
Upset at the turn of events Stroud stops in the bar
downstairs for a drink where he meets Pauline York (Rita Johnson). He’s
completely unaware that Pauline is Janoth’s mistress, a woman unhappy with her
situation and looking for someone to help her tell her story which would result
in damage to Janoth. As the two talk and drink Stroud misses the train he was
supposed to take with his wife and son. Finding out she left without him he and
Pauline go out on the town, drinking, buying a painting and seeking a sundial.
Stroud wakes at Pauline’s place and she soon rushes him out
as Janoth is on his way up to her apartment. Stroud makes his way out but sees
Janoth going in. When Pauline tells Janoth what her plans are he strangles her.
Seeking the help of trusted aide Hagen (George Macready), Hagen alters evidence
and provides him with an alibi.
In the meantime Stroud has gone on to West Virginia where
his wife is to let her know he’s quit his job. But a phone call comes through.
The magazine is starting a manhunt and Janoth calls him asking him to come back
and head the search. Stroud realizes the man they are seeking is himself in an
attempt to frame the “suspect” with Janoth and Hagen unaware he is the man
they’re searching for. He returns to New York working to find the evidence he
needs to not only clear himself but to convict the mean really responsible for
Pauline’s murder.
The film works on a number of levels and is one of those
classic Hollywood films where everything is done to perfection. The set designs
of the Janoth building fit the mood of the period as well as the film. The flow
of the story is excellent and the pieces of the puzzle fit nicely, never forced.
The acting from every person seen on screen is superb with Milland completely
believable as the man mistaken for a killer and Laughton as the overbearing
elitist who thinks he can find his way out of any situation.
While watching this film I was reminded of the films of
Hitchcock where he placed an innocent man in danger. The film has ties with
films like NORTH BY NORTHWEST and THE MAN WHO KNEW TOO MUCH but is solid enough
to stand on its own. Why it was forgotten by so many only to now be rediscovered
is a mystery. That being said it deserves to be found by mystery and noir fans
once more and thanks should be offered to Arrow Video for doing so.
Not only has Arrow resurrected the film from the dusty
vaults it was left in they’ve done so with an exceptional version. The film is
offered in 1080p from original film elements. And as is usually the case with
Arrow there are plenty of extras on hand. Those include a new audio commentary
track by film scholar Adrian Martin, “Turning Back the Clock” a newly filmed
analysis of the film by critic and chief executive of Film London Adrian
Wootton, “A Difficult Actor” a newly filmed appreciation of Charles Laughton by
theater director Simon Callow, a rare hour long 1948 radio dramatization of THE
BIG CLOCK by the Lux Radio Theater starring Milland, the original theatrical
trailer, a gallery of stills and promotional materials, a reversible sleeve
with two original artwork options and for the first pressing only an
illustrated collector’s booklet with new writing on the film by Christina
Newland. That’s quite a bit for a movie made in 1948.
If you’ve never seen the film it is one worth seeking out.
It’s an entertaining mystery that is sure to keep fans holding on until the
final moments of the film. And there isn’t a better way of viewing the film
than this version from Arrow who prove once again why they are the best at what
they do.
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