Ahead of its Time
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Archived from the IMDb Discussion Forums — Clash by Night
edgar-82 — 16 years ago(June 01, 2009 03:43 PM)
I love these old movies. Without profanity, without nudity, without graphic sex scenes these kinds of films are as dramatic, as modern, as smart as any of the lame-ass, overdone, preachy crap that passes for "Drama" these days. Comptemporary filmmakers can take a cue from Mr. Lang in his sparse, to-the-point, storytelling. The dialogue is moves along as a rollicking clip. It reads as corny, old-fashion but it's clear and truthful. There's lots of talk about 'lesbian subtext' and other academic prattle but what's being ignored by many is the raw emotion and need (lesbian or not) that drives these people. A good story is a story that prompts the audience to ask "what going to happen next?" This is such a story.
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rabit818-1 — 16 years ago(June 09, 2009 05:05 AM)
I totally agree with you. Can you imagine how long the script of this movie? And none of the words were wasted. Of course Barbara Stanwick is pitch perfect with her deliveries and subtleties. " Home is where you come when you run out of places" Barbara says to Marilyn Monroe. I was also impressed with Paul Douglas. I really felt for him when he was begging Mae to stay with him unconditionally. Great cast and script. Drama film makers of today should see this film and use it as a gauge for excellence.
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PussyCrusher_Principal — 14 years ago(March 31, 2012 04:51 PM)
I like Clash By Night a lotMarilyn looks great, Paul Douglas, Robert Ryan and Barbara Stanwyck are all wonderful.
As far as being ahead of its timeI'd venture to say that there's surely an early hint of feminism (early for films, that is) in MM's replies to some of her boyfriend's comments.
I never knew a man
could tell so many lies
He had a different story
for every set of eyes -
mojo2004 — 13 years ago(August 04, 2012 06:59 AM)
I think anyone who liked this will also like 'Crime of Passion' (1957). Barbara Stanwyck is again playing a wife that gets bored being married to an average Joe. This time a cop with no ambition, played by Sterling Hayden. TCM aired in back in June and I enjoyed it. Great cast.
Just for the record, I'm not a Dude, I'm a Dudette! -
Bree_33 — 12 years ago(September 05, 2013 01:57 PM)
I'd venture to say that there's surely an early hint of feminism (early for films, that is) in MM's replies to some of her boyfriend's comments.
I love her replies!
MM
is sharp and smart in this movie.- __@
`<, - ()/ ()- -__@
`<, - ()/ ()
nec spe, nec metu :*.. ..` - __@
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MiserblOF — 12 years ago(August 05, 2013 05:44 PM)
I have no objection to sex, profanity or nudity in films, but this film is, indeed, a great film. Can't believe I never saw it before, and only came across it because I was looking for Paul Douglas movies. What a cast!
The only objection to the film that I can think of is that the uncle is just a little bit over the top annoyingly stupid. Monroe is terrific in an "actress" role as opposed to her later "movie star" ones. Stanwyck, Douglas and Ryan are all outstanding. The scenic shots of Monterrey are gorgeous as well as perfect in what they convey about the story.
One point of minor interest. There is a scene in a bar where Marilyn Monroe kidding, punches her boyfriend in the jaw. If you watch this film on DVD, it's worth looking at a few times in stop motion to make the decision as to whether or not Marilyn accidentally punched him a bit too hard in the take they kept.
Love this film, and I obviously think it deserves even better than the very good 7.0 that is showing. -
ilahilda — 11 years ago(December 26, 2014 12:05 PM)
I saw this film yesterday. I read Barbara S had a tough childhood, it comes across in her acting. I felt bad for Jerry too, if I was him I wouldn't take her back, but remain civil for the kid's sake. I liked Marilyn's role too, she didn't play a dingbat.
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first-things-first — 11 years ago(December 26, 2014 01:07 PM)
It's hard to remember if he forgave her and took her back. Or just loved her and wanted another chance. The small difference meaning his heart overrode his head with the latter. The former some assurance it won't happen again. Both require understanding and acceptance.
Don't wake up giving yourself a pass. Challenge yourself to be better -
oknar1977 — 10 years ago(November 28, 2015 02:13 AM)
my god, i thought i was the only one who thinks this way.
i agree completly with you. in full
for some reason i cried much of the movie, maybe because i watched almost all bunuels movies and now being more aware what was shown and presented in classic cinema, maybe because i get older and have similar experiences, maybe because i'm brokenhearted, but this was emotional film for me, i identified with a few situations, - being pushover, times of working in the factory, feeling lonely and desperatly being in love with someone who can't love you, social depravation, low wages, being in contact with violent and rude people, barbara returning home - from paradise to rut after her dreams failed, barbara's decoarting the louzy apartment into mansion - to be in line with her class character, feeling scared of getting older. "without love there is nothing"
so sad.
i liked it. if it was redone today, it would have unnecessary profanities and sex scenes that would overshade its basic good story and qualities
i didn't get lesbian context, but i got homosexual one. MM 's hubby showing of without a shirt on. nice touch for those who enjoy to see handsome naked men. then barbara's hubby telling he would have birth instead of barbara