The Big Clock is a 1948 film noir directed by John Farrow. The film follows the story of George Stroud, an editor of a true crime magazine who is forced to cancel his vacation with his wife after his boss Earl Janoth assigns him the task of finding the killer of a glamorous blonde. As Stroud delves deeper into the investigation, he discovers evidence that implicates the real killer – Janoth himself.
Stroud initially tries to keep his discovery to himself, but Janoth becomes increasingly suspicious of his findings and sets out to destroy his credibility and reputation. This includes framing Stroud for the murder, planting evidence, and misleading his own team of investigators.
As the title suggests, time is a significant theme throughout the film. The clock in Janoth's office becomes a symbol of the ticking time bomb that Stroud is racing against to clear his name and catch the real killer. The film also explores the implications of power and authority, highlighting the corrupting influence that they can have on individuals.
The Big Clock features a stellar cast, including Ray Milland as Stroud, Charles Laughton as Janoth, and Maureen O'Sullivan as Stroud's wife. The film received critical acclaim upon its release and has since become a classic of the film noir genre.