Overview
A gripping tale of deception and survival unfolds in the heart of the city.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Brisk
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Layered
- Violence
- Moderate
- tense
- witty
- atmospheric
- classic movie night
- mystery marathon
What critics said
Critics broadly regard it as a taut, stylish, fast-moving noir thriller distinguished by suspense, atmosphere, humor, and strong direction.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
George Stroud is assigned to track an unidentified murder suspect while evidence increasingly implicates him.
Publisher Earl Janoth exploits his magazine empire and connections to frame an innocent associate.
The title clock and recurring clock imagery reinforce the film's tightly timed, cumulative chase structure.
Critics specifically note the dark cityscape, low-key sets, camera movement, and long takes used to heighten uncertainty.
Films like The Big Clock, and why
The Narrow Margin
Shared film noir atmosphere, murder investigation, and an innocent protagonist trapped by institutional power.
The Wrong Man
Shared framed-for-murder premise, fast-moving suspense, and morally compromised urban institutions.
Where the Sidewalk Ends
Shared noir paranoia, pressured investigation, and a protagonist maneuvering through a dangerous conspiracy.
Kiss Me Deadly
Shared witty crime plotting, escalating suspense, and a protagonist trying to outwit both authority and a powerful antagonist.
Movie Details
- Director
- John Farrow
- Release Date
- 1948-03-18
- Runtime
- 95 min
- Rating
- 7.3 / 10 (192)
Cast
- Ray Milland
- Charles Laughton
- Maureen O'Sullivan
- George Macready
- Rita Johnson
- Elsa Lanchester
- Harold Vermilyea
- Dan Tobin
- Harry Morgan
- Richard Webb
Where to watch in United States
- Rent
- Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is The Big Clock about?
- A magazine editor investigating a murder discovers that his own powerful employer has engineered the case to make him the culprit.
- What is The Big Clock like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of The Big Clock as brisk, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as layered.
- Is The Big Clock violent?
- Somewhat. Ember rates the violence in The Big Clock as moderate.
- What did critics think of The Big Clock?
- Critics broadly regard it as a taut, stylish, fast-moving noir thriller distinguished by suspense, atmosphere, humor, and strong direction.
- Which films are like The Big Clock?
- Films with a similar feel include The Narrow Margin, The Wrong Man, Where the Sidewalk Ends, and Kiss Me Deadly.
- How long is The Big Clock?
- The Big Clock runs 95 minutes.
- Where can I watch The Big Clock?
- In United States, The Big Clock is available to rent or buy from Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home.
