Review of Clash by Night (1952) by Zoran S — 17 Aug 2011

I really didn't like this movie. Mae (Stanwyck) comes to her hometown to start a new life, and decides to live with her brother (Andes) and his girlfriend (Monroe). A hot spot is the fishing dock, and there she meets Jerry (Douglas).

They start dating, and though she doesn't love him, she thinks it would be a good idea if she marries him to get support and protection. When they finally do though, she finds herself falling for Jerry's friend Earle (Ryan).

They start having an affair, but then Jerry finds out ... "Clash by Night" is very obviously a vehicle for both Stanwyck and Monroe. It definitely shows how well Stanwyck does in drama, and proves that Monroe could once in a while step away from comedies.

While I liked these aspects, I did not like how soapy this movie was. Yes, the acting is excellent, but seeing so many other Fritz Lang movies, I can say I was very disappointed. This is supposedly a film noir, but I'm not sure how it even qualifies.

It's more of a melodrama, and though I like those, it just is not as good. There's too much overacting, especially from Robert Ryan (which is shocking) and Keith Andes. "Clash by Night" to me, is just a typical soaper.

For some good melodramas, I'd head over to some Greta Garbo movies.