![]() ![]() Ray Milland plays the typical film noir protagonist, trapped in a web of circumstance that he must extricate himself from or perish. In the new production, only the general plot was retained, with the setting being changed completely. ![]() With this film, we have the chance to see the original version of Kenneth Fearing’s novel, which was remade as No Way Out (starring Kevin Costner) in 1987. Art Directors: Hans Drier, Roland Anderson, Albert Nozaki.Ĭast: Ray Milland ( George Stroud), Maureen O’Sullivan ( Georgette Stroud), Charles Laughton ( Earl Janoth), George Macready ( Steve Hagen), Rita Johnson ( Pauline York), Elsa Lanchester ( Louise Patterson), Dan Tobin ( Roy Cordette), Henry Morgan ( Bill Womach), Richard Webb ( Nat Sperling), Lloyd Corrigan ( McInley), Ted Van Brunt ( Tony Watson), Harold Vermilyea ( Don Klausmeyer), Douglas Spencer ( Bert Finch). Screenplay: Jonathan Latimer, adapted by Harold Goldman, from the novel by Kenneth Fearing. With that said, the attractive cast and tense direction makes THE BIG CLOCK a film that still doesn't get the credit it deserves.Toronto Film Society presented The Big Clock (1948) on Monday, Septemin a double bill with Act of Violence as part of the Season 41 Monday Evening Film Buffs Series “D”, Programme 1. It also doesn't help with plot holes including Laughton being able to give orders to lock down a building and being able to order people to shoot a man to death without the cops being involved. I think some of the comedy in the film works but at times it goes a bit too far and the entire subplot with Milland's wife was rather bland and didn't add too much. The ways this is played out were quite effective and worthy of a few nail bites. ![]() One of the best scenes in the film happens once the building is closed down and no one can leave without walking past a man who can identify the Milland character. ![]() This method of piecing everything together is quite clever and I think it adds a lot of fun to the film as they slowly pick up pieces that shine the light on Milland while at the same time he's trying to get evidence to clear his name. Another very impressive thing about this film is that it takes place inside a magazine office where their job is to track down killers using their own method. Maureen O'Sullivan is wasted as Milland's wife, although the performance isn't too bad. Johnson is also very good in her few scenes in the film as is George Macready as the snake trying to help Laughton. The scenes where the men are going against one another with Laughton not knowing what Milland knows is terrific and adds a lot of fun. The actor makes this guy such a snake you can't help but hear rattles each time he opens his mouth throwing out another demand. Laughton, on the other hand, was perfect at playing creeps and he does a wonderful job with this character. No matter where in the story you are you can just look in his eyes and see how panicked he is. Milland was always great at acting nervous and that comes in handy here because of the tension his character is constantly under. I think it goes without saying but the greatest thing this movie has to offer is Milland and Laughton who deliver terrific performances. I'll plead guilty and admit that I think the remake NO WAY OUT is a better all around movie but that doesn't take away anything from this film, which still manages to be quite intense and highly entertaining. The boss tried to hide his guilt and puts the editor on the case not knowing he knows the truth but all the evidence points to the editor who must try and clear his name before anyone finds out. It turns out that after the editor sneaks out of the woman's apartment he sees his boss enter and the next morning she's dead. Big Clock, The (1948) *** (out of 4) Tense thriller about a crime magazine editor (Ray Milland) who spends the night with a blonde (Rita Johnson) not knowing that she's involved with his sadistic boss (Charles Laughton). ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |