The Clock (1945) review

Guess who is back after three years of no reviews on this site….that’s right, me! I have been contemplating loads of films to review and having recently rewatched The Clock (1945), I just have to review this wartime gem made by MGM. I can safely say that I love and appreciate it now even more than when I first saw it (I admit, I did find it just a little boring when I first watched it...). Vincente Minnelli manages to direct such a simple story into something so beautiful and timeless.

Yes, the plot is simple. GI Joe (Robert Walker) is on a 48 hour leave in New York. After Alice (Judy Garland) accidentally trips over Joe and breaks the heel from her shoe, Joe helps her to repair her shoe. After that, Joe convinces Alice to spend the day with him. The main problem in the film isn’t Joe trying to win over Alice, the real big issue is Joe and Alice trying to reunite after the two are separated on the subway. Having seen a lot (and I mean a lot) of films recently where a guy pursues someone with zero romantic interest in them, it was refreshing to watch something less awkward. Personally, I prefer films where two lovers are attracted to each other equally.

The Clock is best remembered for being the first of only three* dramatic non-singing Judy Garland ever did (the other two being Judgment at Nuremberg and A Child Is Waiting), and the only one she did while under contract at MGM. Truthfully, I didn’t find this film very dramatic. Yes, it is set during the war and it deals with the idea of separation, but the film feels quite light-hearted to be called a full drama. Regardless of what I think, there’s no denying that Garland’s dramatic acting skills shine here. She displays all the emotions from confusion to excitement to heartbreak to fear. And she doesn’t just show emotions, she nails them! Garland is just so convincing. As much as I adore her musicals, I think it’s a great shame that MGM didn’t allow her to show off her dramatic skills more often.

*In 1941, Life Begins for Andy Hardy was released which Judy Garland appeared in. Garland pre-recorded four full songs but none were used in the final film. Her only musical moment in the whole film is when she very briefly sings “Happy Birthday”. So you could argue that Life Begins for Andy Hardy was her first actual “non-singing” role. This is especially interesting because the film’s poster says “Judy sings!”

Aside from being dramatic, Garland looks beautiful here. Really, she is stunning. Vincente Minnelli, who would marry Garland after they completed this film, captures her beauty in a way only he could do. Garland herself knew how capable Minnelli was of doing so. She was actually the one who asked for him to be assigned to the film. Originally Fred Zinnemann was hired as director but he was removed after the footage he directed was considered lackluster. Garland has a tremendous success working under Minnelli’s direction for Meet Me in St. Louis (which, at the time, was probably her defining film, even more so than The Wizard of Oz). It’s not only Garland who Minnelli films beautifully. The way he films the surroundings and all the extras is eye-catching.

As was the case with most films back then, The Clock was filmed entirely on the MGM backlot. Filming on location in New York would have been unnecessarily expensive, especially during the war. Despite this, Minnelli still manages to utilise New York so much that it becomes a sort of character itself. The scene where Walker leaves the train station and looks up feeling overwhelmed by how tall the city buildings are is one of those moments I keep remembering. New York feels so real in this film.

The use of extras also adds to the realism of the film. As I said before, the story is so simple, yet the frames are busy. In scenes such as the moments set in the train station where there are loads of extras in the backgrounds, they’re all doing their own thing and they’re noticeable, even when Garland and Walker are meant to be the focus. One of my favourite moments is the end. Without spoiling the film (don’t worry, I’m not that mean), the end shot stands out to me. Garland is walking in the station and aa the camera zooms out, she gets lost in a sea of people. The moment is full of life and energy.

Speaking of Walker, you didn’t really think I’d end my review without mentioning him, did you? It’s hard to describe, but Walker perfects the role of the lonely soldier. He just has that sort of energy that makes him perfect for the role. When Walker is first on screen, we see his character’s wonder and confusion at being alone in a big new city. His portrayal is convincing. As you can see, I am awful with words, but I think you get the idea. He works well as a romantic leading man and his chemistry with Garland is strong.

You can probably already guess my thoughts by now. The Clock is a sweet little film which is romantic, somewhat serious in tone, but still great fun. It makes me wish that Garland had done more dramatic roles because she would have excelled in them. I truly don’t think there’s ever been a better pairing in Hollywood than Minnelli and Garland. Minnelli’s eye for detail and Garland’s magnetic charm creates such a wonderful film. I do still find it amazing how such pretty pictures were made during the dark era of the World War. If you have the opportunity to, go do yourself a favour and watch this film.