Is The Big Clock Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, The Big Clock is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Crime movies.
It features a runtime of 95 minutes and offers a solid storyline that appeals to mature audiences.
The Big Clock Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1948, The Big Clock emerges as a significant entry in the Crime, Thriller domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of George Stroud, a crime magazine's crusading editor, has to postpone a vacation with his wife - again - when a glamorous blonde is murdered and he is assigned by his publishing boss to find the killer. Unlike standard genre fare, The Big Clock attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a refreshing take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Crime is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Big Clock features a noteworthy lineup led by Ray Milland . Supported by the likes of Charles Laughton and Maureen O'Sullivan , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of The Big Clock (1948) is overwhelmingly positive. With an audience rating of 7.3/10, it stands as a mandatory watch for any serious cinema lover.
The Big Clock Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: The Big Clock is a Crime, Thriller film that delves into the criminal underworld with gritty realism and moral complexity. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
The Big Clock Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: The Big Clock resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for its approach to crime resolution.
The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes with clear resolution of its central conflicts, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Main characters complete meaningful transformations, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the crime themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of The Big Clock reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
The Big Clock Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
The Big Clock incorporates elements from real criminal cases. As a crime, thriller film, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement.
Historical Context
The film balances historical fidelity with cinematic storytelling. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.
The production demonstrates respect for its source material, focusing on emotional truth over strict chronology.
Accuracy Assessment: The Big Clock adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch The Big Clock?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Crime films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want solid genre entertainment
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Full Cast & Crew of The Big Clock
- Ray Milland – George Stroud
- Charles Laughton – Earl Janoth
- Maureen O'Sullivan – Georgette Stroud
- George Macready – Steve Hagen
- Rita Johnson – Pauline York
Top Highlights
Ray MillandGeorge Stroud
Charles LaughtonEarl Janoth
Maureen O'SullivanGeorgette Stroud
George MacreadySteve Hagen
Rita JohnsonPauline York
Elsa LanchesterLouise Patterson
Harold VermilyeaDon Klausmeyer
Dan TobinRoy Cordette
Harry MorganBill Womack
Richard WebbNat Sperling
Where to Watch The Big Clock Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
YouTube
Fandango At Home🏷️ Buy on
Amazon VideoApple TVGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeFandango At HomeParents Guide & Age Rating
The Big Clock has not been officially rated yet. Based on its genres (Crime, Thriller), it contains mature themes, violence.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 7.3/10, and global collection metrics, The Big Clock stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1948 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Big Clock movie hit or flop?
The Big Clock is considered a hit based on audience response and box office performance. With a rating of 7.3/10, it's highly recommended for fans of Crime, Thriller movies.
Is The Big Clock worth watching?
Yes, The Big Clock is definitely worth watching! It's a must-watch hit for fans of Crime, Thriller cinema.
Where can I watch The Big Clock online?
The Big Clock may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
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How The Big Clock Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for The Big Clock
How did I get into this rat race? Egomaniac publisher Earl Janoth (Charles Laughton) murders his mistress in a fit of temper. He then uses all his power and connections to pin the crime on another man seen close to the crime. George Stroud (Ray Milland), editor of Janoth's own Crimeways magazine, is put in charge of tracing the mystery man. Which is fine until he finds that as he digs deeper, all the evidence points to he himself being the fall guy! Ostensibly film noir it may be, but The Big Clock still has something to offer even the most casual of cinema goer. Directed by the still criminally undervalued John Farrow, The Big Clock has a touch of the Alfred Hitchcock "wrong man" theme about it. Based on a novel written by Kenneth Fearing, Farrow and his writer, Jonathan Latimer, have managed to craft a piece that is both twisty and unique in its execution. With both things working towards a quite clever and suspenseful ending. As with the best of film noir, The Big Clock has an intricate plot that's awash with dubious characters and sexual ambiguity. Headed by Laughton's tyrannical philandering Janoth (apparently based on real life publisher Henry Luce), the piece boasts what maybe a gay scar-faced right hand man? (George Macready) and a butch masseur henchman (Harry Morgan playing against type). Only in the wonderful world of film noir can such characters not only exist, but also be so riveting within the film's structure. The piece is also very funny, particularly when Elsa Lanchester's batty artist Louise Patterson is on the screen. I almost fell off my chair laughing during one scene as she hands in a sketch of the wanted man, Picasso would have been proud! But ultimately it's the story and Ray Milland's ability to see it through that wins the day. Even with the odd little problem, such as the underusing of Maureen O' Sullivan as Stroud's wife, Georgette, thus the domestic strife feels like filler. The Big Clock still finishes as an excellently constructed picture containing interesting thematics on time (this will be down to the individual viewer) that's cunningly set in amongst a media empire environment. Remade with some success in 1987 as a political thriller (No Way Out), The Big Clock still remains the essential film to see. Crime, mystery, drama, comedy and a thriller, it has a little for everyone, even if it is basically a film noir treat. 9/10
movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
