Watch When The Clock Strikes

When The Clock Strikes is a 1961 crime thriller film directed by Jess Franco and starring James Brown, Merry Anders, and Henry Corden. The film tells the story of a group of burglars who plan a daring heist at a jewelry store on New Year's Eve. However, their plans are complicated when they become caught up in a web of deceit and double-crossing.

The film begins with a tense opening sequence, as a group of burglars break into the jewelry store late at night. The scene is shot with an air of tension and urgency, as the thieves hurriedly try to break open the safe and make off with the goods before anyone catches them. The sense of danger is palpable, and the film instantly sets itself up as a fast-paced thriller.

However, things take a turn for the unexpected when the burglars find themselves caught up in a power struggle between two rival gangs. As tensions rise and the stakes get higher, the thieves must decide where their loyalties lie if they want to survive the night.

The cast of When The Clock Strikes is excellent, with James Brown in particular standing out as the charismatic leader of the thieves. He oozes charm and confidence, making it easy to see why the other members of the gang would follow him blindly into danger. Merry Anders is also excellent as the romantic interest, bringing a vulnerability and emotional depth to what could have been a throwaway role. Henry Corden rounds out the cast as one of the rival gang leaders, bringing a certain gravitas and menace to his scenes.

The film is shot in a stylish and atmospheric way, with director Jess Franco making excellent use of light and shadow to create a sense of foreboding. The nighttime scenes in particular are a real highlight, with the neon lights of the city creating an otherworldly glow that is both beautiful and eerie.

One of the most impressive aspects of When The Clock Strikes is the way it manages to keep the tension ratcheted up throughout its runtime. There are constant twists and turns, with the characters never quite knowing who they can trust. This creates a sense of unease that never lets up, making it difficult to predict where the film is going to go next.

Another strong suit of the film is its pacing. Clocking in at just over 70 minutes, it never feels like it's dragging its heels or stretching the story out unnecessarily. This lean approach keeps the action moving at a brisk pace, making it an incredibly engaging watch from start to finish.

One criticism of the film would be that some of the characters are a little underdeveloped. While the main players are fleshed out nicely, some of the supporting cast feel like they're there just to provide some additional muscle or fill out the crowd scenes. However, this is a minor quibble in an otherwise excellent film.

Overall, When The Clock Strikes is a tense and thrilling crime thriller that packs a lot of punch into its relatively short runtime. With an excellent cast, stylish direction, and a constant sense of unease, it's a film that's well worth seeking out for fans of the genre.

When The Clock Strikes is a 1961 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 12 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.1.