10 Lesser Known Film Noirs You Need To See

7. The Big Clock (1948)

Final Analysis
Paramount Pictures

George Stroud (Ray Milland) serves as a crime magazine editor for Charles Laughton's overbearing and efficiency-driven media mogul, Earl Janoth. Unreasonably fired by Janoth, Stroud meets Janoth's mistress, Pauline York (Rita Johnson), and they discuss their mutual hatred of the tycoon. However, when Pauline dares to tell Janoth how she feels, he kills her.

Eager to conceal his guilt, Janoth rehires Stroud to uncover the murderer, blissfully unaware that Stroud also knew Pauline and could be implicated in the crime himself. Stroud therefore faces the unenviable task of staying one step ahead of Janoth and the authorities, unmasking the real killer, and trying to save his marriage as well.

The Big Clock is a very efficient and daring film noir in portraying corporate greed and journalistic meddling at a time when big business and the media played an important role in shaping world events. It boasts fine performances from Milland and the scene-stealing Laughton, whilst Laughton's own wife, Elsa Lanchester provides essential comic relief.

Contributor

I started writing for WhatCulture in July 2020. I have always enjoyed reading and writing. I have contributed to several short story competitions and I have occasionally been fortunate enough to have my work published. During the COVID-19 lockdown, I also started reviewing films on my Facebook page. Numerous friends and contacts suggested that I should start my own website for reviewing films, but I wanted something a bit more diverse - and so here I am! My interests focus on film and television mainly, but I also occasionally produce articles that venture into other areas as well. In particular, I am a fan of the under appreciated sequel (of which there are many), but I also like the classics and the mainstream too.