The Big Clock

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The Big Clock

1948,

1h 35m,

Crime/

Drama

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Watchlist

100%

10 Reviews

Tomatometer

83%

1,000+ Ratings

Popcornmeter

100%

Tomatometer

10 Reviews

83%

Popcornmeter

1,000+ Ratings

Anticipating a much-needed vacation from Earl Janoth (Charles Laughton), his abusive boss, magazine editor George Stroud (Ray Milland) finally reaches a breaking point when Janoth insists he skip his honeymoon and go out of town on assignment. Stroud resigns and finds solace over multiple drinks with his boss's unhappy mistress, Pauline York (Rita Johnson), at a local bar. Together they come up with a half-inebriated plot to embarrass Janoth -- but the plan takes an unexpected turn toward murder.

Sean Axmaker

Stream on Demand

Nov 16, 2024

'The Big Clock' has one of the most deliciously noir twists in a genre known for its ruthless characters, cold-blooded betrayals, and twisted plots.

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Film Daily Staff

The Film Daily

Jul 21, 2021

After dawdling for about a half hour, this whodunit gets into gear and becomes an engrossing contest.

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Matt Brunson

Film Frenzy

May 20, 2019

3.5/4

Zesty performances and superb art direction -- the Janoth Publications building, complete with the titular object, is an architectural marvel -- are just two of the pluses in this riveting film that builds to a satisfying conclusion.

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Rob Aldam

Backseat Mafia

May 9, 2019

A classic noir which twists and turns towards a riveting finale.

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David Nusair

Reel Film Reviews

Jan 10, 2007

3/4

...there's no denying that the movie possesses a surprisingly contemporary vibe.

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Carol Cling

Las Vegas Review-Journal

Jul 22, 2005

4/5

Terrific suspense ... still packs a punch.

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Jan 27, 2019

The best thrilling movie ever made!

Han G

Oct 22, 2017

Great sets. Nice villain performance from Laughton. Starts a bit slow but picks up quick. Lotta suspense

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John Farrow

Director

Ray Milland

George Stroud

Charles Laughton

Earl Janoth

Maureen O'Sullivan

Georgette Stroud

George Macready

Steve Hagen

Rita Johnson

Pauline York

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Synopsis

Anticipating a much-needed vacation from Earl Janoth (Charles Laughton), his abusive boss, magazine editor George Stroud (Ray Milland) finally reaches a breaking point when Janoth insists he skip his honeymoon and go out of town on assignment. Stroud resigns and finds solace over multiple drinks with his boss's unhappy mistress, Pauline York (Rita Johnson), at a local bar. Together they come up with a half-inebriated plot to embarrass Janoth -- but the plan takes an unexpected turn toward murder.

Director: John Farrow
Producer: John Farrow, Richard Maibaum
Screenwriter: Kenneth Fearing, Jonathan Latimer
Distributor: Paramount Pictures
Production Co: Paramount Pictures
Genre: Crime, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Apr 9, 1948, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Aug 30, 2016
Runtime: 1h 35m
Sound Mix: Stereo, Mono
Aspect Ratio: 35mm

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