Clash by Night
Clash by Night

Clash by Night

1952Movie105 minEnglish

An embittered woman seeks escape in marriage, only to fall for her husband’s best friend.

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Insights

IMDb7.1/10
Rotten Tomatoes80%
Director: Fritz LangGenres: Film-Noir, Drama, Romance

Plot Summary

A released convict, Earl Pfeiffer, struggles to readjust to society and his former life. He reconnects with his estranged wife, Mae Doyle, and her friend, Loretta. Earl finds work and begins a relationship with Loretta, but Mae becomes increasingly involved with Earl's best friend, Jerry. Tensions rise as Earl grapples with his past and the complexities of his relationships, leading to a dramatic and tragic conclusion.

Critical Reception

Clash by Night was met with generally positive reviews from critics, who praised its strong performances, particularly from Barbara Stanwyck and Robert Ryan, and Fritz Lang's taut direction. The film's gritty portrayal of working-class struggles and complex relationships resonated with audiences and critics alike, establishing it as a notable example of post-war film noir.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its compelling melodrama and strong performances.
  • Fritz Lang's direction brings a raw, intense atmosphere to the narrative.
  • Barbara Stanwyck delivers a powerful and memorable performance.

Google audience: Audience reception for 'Clash by Night' on Google is not readily available with specific ratings or detailed summaries.

Fun Fact

The film's screenplay was written by Clifford Odets, a celebrated playwright known for his socially conscious dramas, bringing a distinct dramatic flair to the film's dialogue and characterizations.

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TMDB Reviews

1 reviews
John Chard

John Chard

Jerry's the salt of the earth, but he's not the right seasoning for you. Clash by Night is directed by Fritz Lang and adapted to screenplay by Alfred Hayes from the play written by Clifford Odets. It stars Barbara Stanwyck, Paul Douglas,...