The Big Clock (1948)

Director:

John Farrow

Writers:

Kenneth Fearing (novel)
Jonathan Latimer (screenplay)

Release Date:

9 April 1948 (USA)

Genre:

Crime | Drama | Film-Noir | Mystery | Thriller

Tagline:

The strangest and most savage manhunt in history!

Plot:

A career oriented magazine editor finds himself on the run when he discovers his boss is framing him for murder.

Plot Keywords:

Murder | Magazine | Tycoon | Editor | Elevator Shaft

Awards:

1 nomination

Cast

Ray Milland	...	George Stroud
Charles Laughton	...	Earl Janoth
Maureen O'Sullivan	...	Georgette Stroud
George Macready	...	Steve Hagen
Rita Johnson	...	Pauline York
Elsa Lanchester	...	Louise Patterson
Harold Vermilyea	...	Don Klausmeyer
Dan Tobin	...	Ray Cordette
Harry Morgan	...	Bill Womack
Richard Webb	...	Nat Sperling
Elaine Riley	...	Lily Gold
Luis Van Rooten	...	Edwin Orlin
Lloyd Corrigan	...	Colonel Jefferson Randolph aka McKinley
Frank Orth	...	Burt
Margaret Field	...	Second Secretary

Runtime:

95 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono (Western Electric Recording)

Certification:

Australia:G | Finland:K-16 | USA:Approved (PCA #12438)

Company:

Paramount Pictures

Trivia:

Co-stars Elsa Lanchester and Charles Laughton were married, as were star Maureen O'Sullivan and director John Farrow.

Quotes:

Louise Patterson: Oh Penelope, you forgot to put away your rollerskates.

Movie Connections:

Remade as No Way Out (1987)

Soundtrack:

I'm in the Mood for Love

Good Suspense Thriller

John Farrow, directing a fine cast, including his wife, Maureen O'Sullivan comes up with a winner here. Ray Milland plays the part of an innocent, albeit irresponsible, man who becomes trapped by his own actions and portrays it with style and a sense of desperation that will make you nervous for him. Charles Laughton just reeks of power, greed and evil intent as the boss of a large publishing empire who is also desperate to hide his little secret. George McCready,who was one of the best supporting actors in films, is his sidekick and Harry Morgan is the sinister henchman who hunts for Milland under the big clock. Maureen O'Sullivan doesn't have much of a part in this film but as usual she is believable. And then, up pops Elsa Lanchester as the dotty artist who plays a key role in the mystery.......she is always a great addition to any film and often appeared in her husband's (Laughton) movies. The story moves along quickly and keeps you on edge as the hunted is also the hunter. It's really quite nervewracking as Milland dodges and covers up to keep one step ahead of the truth. Put this film on your list......you won't regret it.