Watch The Big Clock

The Big Clock, directed by John Farrow, is a classic film noir from 1948 that keeps the viewers on the edge of their seats right from the start. The film boasts a talented cast, including Ray Milland, Maureen O'Sullivan, and Charles Laughton. The story revolves around George Stroud (Ray Milland), the editor of a successful magazine called Crimeways. Stroud is a hard-working and dedicated journalist who has been putting in extremely long hours to meet the magazine's deadlines. However, his workaholic nature is taking a toll on his personal life, and he is slowly drifting apart from his wife, Georgette (Maureen O'Sullivan).

One night, after yet another long day at work, Stroud meets his boss, Earl Janoth (Charles Laughton), a powerful media tycoon who also happens to be a ruthless and manipulative businessman. Janoth offers Stroud a drink and confides in him that he has just killed a woman who was blackmailing him. To protect himself, Janoth has cleverly set up a fake alibi and has made sure that nobody knows that he was near the place where the murder took place. However, Stroud inadvertently finds out that Janoth is guilty of the murder and decides to help the police by anonymously providing them with clues to solve the case.

At the same time, Janoth assigns Stroud to find the person who he believes is responsible for the missing mistress, unaware that Stroud is the only one who can identify him as the murderer. Stroud endeavors to find the person, but the search becomes increasingly complicated as he tries to avoid his boss' attention while also providing the police with information.

As the investigation progresses and the clock ticks away, Stroud finds himself caught between the law enforcement and his own boss. He must work against the clock to find the real murderer, protect his wife, and clear his own name, all while keeping his boss in the dark.

The Big Clock is a taut thriller that keeps the viewer on the edge of their seat until the very end. The film's direction is top-class, with John Farrow using close-ups and tight angles to increase the level of tension and suspense. The sets and the lighting also add to the film's atmosphere, making it a quintessential film noir.

The acting in the movie is superb, with Ray Milland delivering a standout performance as the embattled journalist struggling to clear his name while dodging the watchful eyes of his boss. Milland excels in portraying Stroud's moral dilemma, and the viewer can see the struggle in his eyes during the intense moments.

Charles Laughton's performance as Janoth is equally impressive. He portrays his character as a cold, calculated, and villainous businessman who stops at nothing to protect his reputation. Janoth is a despicable person who believes that money can buy anything, including the truth. Laughton plays his character to perfection, accentuating every evil trait and mannerism.

Maureen O'Sullivan, who plays Stroud's wife, Georgette, plays the role of a supportive and affectionate spouse whose husband's work is ruining their marriage. Despite her limited screen time, O'Sullivan delivers a heartfelt performance that is both genuine and touching.

Overall, The Big Clock is an outstanding film noir, with an intriguing plot, razor-sharp dialogues, and exceptional performances by the cast. The movie is a timeless classic that is sure to keep viewers engaged and entertained throughout its runtime.

The Big Clock is a 1948 crime movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 35 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.6.