Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Layered
- Violence
- Moderate
- brooding
- raw
- volatile
- classic film night
- film noir marathon
What critics said
Critics generally find the film a forceful, well-acted noir drama whose realist naturalism and principal performances outweigh an occasionally contrived or aimless script.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Mae's marriage to Jerry and the emotional volatility surrounding Earl turn the home and fishing community into sites of escalating danger.
Mae returns embittered from New York, accepts Jerry's stability, and remains unable to reconcile security with her frustrated desires.
The California fishing village, cannery, boats, and projection booth ground the romantic conflict in a tightly connected laboring community.
Mae's relationship with trusting fisherman Jerry contrasts with her attraction to more dangerous emotional currents around Earl.
Films like Clash by Night, and why
The Postman Always Rings Twice
shared film noir atmosphere, destructive desire, and morally compromised romantic relationships
Mildred Pierce
shared fatalistic noir drama, volatile passion, and psychologically tormented characters
Out of the Past
shared postwar emotional realism, romantic disillusionment, and coastal working-class setting
Human Desire
shared noir-inflected domestic conflict, sexual tension, and stark character psychology
Movie Details
- Director
- Fritz Lang
- Release Date
- 1952-05-30
- Runtime
- 105 min
- Rating
- 6.7 / 10 (139)
Cast
- Barbara Stanwyck
- Paul Douglas
- Robert Ryan
- Marilyn Monroe
- J. Carrol Naish
- Keith Andes
- Silvio Minciotti
- Tony Martin
- William Bailey
- Harry Baum
Where to watch in United States
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Clash by Night about?
- A bitter woman seeking stability in her coastal hometown finds marriage and desire pulling her toward a dangerous emotional reckoning.
- What is Clash by Night like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Clash by Night as measured, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as layered.
- Is Clash by Night violent?
- Somewhat. Ember rates the violence in Clash by Night as moderate.
- What did critics think of Clash by Night?
- Critics generally find the film a forceful, well-acted noir drama whose realist naturalism and principal performances outweigh an occasionally contrived or aimless script.
- Which films are like Clash by Night?
- Films with a similar feel include The Postman Always Rings Twice, Mildred Pierce, Out of the Past, and Human Desire.
- How long is Clash by Night?
- Clash by Night runs 105 minutes.
- Where can I watch Clash by Night?
- In United States, Clash by Night is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home.
