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Clash by Night is a 1952 American drama film directed by Fritz Lang and starring Barbara Stanwyck, Robert Ryan, and Paul Douglas. The film is based on the play of the same name by Clifford Odets, and it explores the themes of love, passion, betrayal, and redemption. The story revolves around Mae Doyle (Barbara Stanwyck), a tough and independent woman who returns to her hometown in Monterey Bay, California, after years of living in the big city. Mae is worn out from her wild lifestyle in New York and wants to start anew in her hometown, hoping to find comfort and stability with her family.

Upon her arrival, Mae reconnects with her brother Joe (Keith Andes) and his friend Earl Pfeiffer (Robert Ryan), a brooding and volatile man who is a fisherman by profession. Mae and Earl quickly develop an attraction to each other, but Earl is married to a sweet and devoted woman, Stella (Marilyn Monroe), who is unaware of his infidelities.

Mae and Earl's relationship creates tension and conflict, not only between them but also among the people around them. Joe is wary of Earl's temper and his influence on Mae, while Pearl (J. Carrol Naish), another fisherman and Earl's best friend, is jealous of Mae's involvement in Earl's life.

As Mae struggles to find her place in town and navigate her feelings for Earl, she also finds herself drawn to Jerry D'Amato (Paul Douglas), a kind and stable man who owns the local cannery. Jerry is easygoing and practical, a welcome change from Earl's fiery and unpredictable personality.

The film explores the complex relationships between the characters and their desires for love, security, and happiness. Mae is torn between two men who represent different aspects of her life - Earl embodies the passion and intensity she craves, while Jerry represents the stability and security she needs.

The performances of the cast are exceptional, with Barbara Stanwyck delivering a powerful and nuanced portrayal of Mae, a woman who is both vulnerable and tough. Robert Ryan is equally impressive as Earl, a man whose inner turmoil and conflicted emotions are palpable. Paul Douglas provides a solid and steady presence as Jerry, the reliable and caring man who offers stability to Mae.

Marilyn Monroe has a supporting role as Stella, Earl's innocent and trusting wife. Although her screen time is limited, Monroe shines in her scenes and brings a subtle and understated charm to the role.

The film is visually stunning, with the gorgeous Monterey landscape providing a breathtaking backdrop to the story. Fritz Lang's direction is masterful, capturing the subtle nuances of the characters and their emotions.

Clash by Night is a complex and engrossing drama that delves into the human psyche and explores the complexities of love and desire. The film is a testament to the talent of its cast and crew, who have created a timeless masterpiece that is as relevant today as it was when it was first released.

Clash by Night is a 1952 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 45 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0.