Review of The Clock (1945) by Bernard A — 06 Aug 2009

Corporal Joe Allen (Robert Walker) is on 48 hour leave pending his voyage to his assignment in Europe. Secretary Alice Mayberry (Judy Garland) is on her way home from work when she trips over Corp. Allen's foot at a crowded train station and breaks the heel of her shoe...setting up the chance encounter of the two lonely souls which will change their lives forever. This romantic drama from director Vincent Minnelli is a rare non-musical role for his wife, Judy Garland.

The lonely Corp. Allen is reluctant to say goodbye to the pretty secretary and Alice is at first reluctant but soon feels at ease around the kindly serviceman. Their relationship will deepen as the hours pass. I've read other comments that the relationship is unrealistic and to a certain extent maybe so - but I don't think that was the point of the story anyway. I feel the war definitely plays a part in why the relationship evolves in the short span that it does. That and the comment made by the milkman (James Gleason) - whom Alice & Joe later meet - reinforces the main theme of the film: "If people thought about all the (bad) things that could happen...they'd never do anything..." Also, the point is made about how much easier it is to fall in love than it is to actually certify the relationship as Alice & Joe try to navigate the bureaucracy of a city hall.

The film's release date (being after victory in Europe had been called) probably lessened the emotional impact of this film...especially in regards to Corp. Joe Allen who was awaiting assignment to Europe - when in real life - GI's were beginning to be sent home.

Also actor Robert Walker made such an impression on me in Alfred Hitchcock's STRANGERS ON A TRAIN that it takes some getting used to seeing him as romantic lead. Such was his performance in that film - which I thought gives Norman Bates a run-for-the-money as the creepiest Hitchcock character ever.

8.5 / 10.