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I knew it was “The Big Clock” yet searched for it anyway and got carried away —

The Big Clock (film)
Based on The novel The Big Clock by Kenneth Fearing

Starring

Ray Milland
Charles Laughton
Maureen O’Sullivan
Harry Morgan

Paramount Pictures Released April 9, 1948 (United States)

The Big Clock is a 1948 film noir thriller directed by John Farrow, and adapted by renowned novelist-screenwriter Jonathan Latimer from the novel of the same name by Kenneth Fearing.

The black-and-white film is set in New York City and stars Ray Milland and Maureen O’Sullivan. Elsa Lanchester and Charles Laughton appear in the film, as does Harry Morgan, in an early film role, as a hired thug. Noel Neill has an uncredited part as an elevator operator very early in the film.

Just 24 hours ago his life was perfect. Oscar-winning Best Actor Ray Milland stars in this smart and stylish thriller based on Kenneth Fearing’s novel and precursor to 1987’s No Way Out starring Kevin Costner. Milland portrays hotshot crime magazine editor George Stroud, who inadvertently becomes the subject of a murder investigation after spending an evening with his boss’ (Charles Laughton) mistress. She ends up dead and he is being framed by the actual killer. Meanwhile, at the publishing office, Stroud’s competent staff scurries for clues while he finds himself in a race against the clock. It seems the prime suspect they are seeking matches an all-too-familiar description…his own! Maureen O’Sullivan and George Macready co-star in this richly told, often humorous story The New Yorker hailed as “slick and entertaining.” Known for its intriguing film noir cinematography and featuring beautiful costumes by Edith Head, this is one suspense classic you won’t want to miss.