The Clock is a movie with an interesting concept but little follow through. When Alice Mayberry and soldier Robert Walker meet by chance at New York’s Penn Station sparks fly. There is a whirlwind of a weekend romance, and Alice and Robert must race against time to get married before Robert gets shipped out. The principle actors of this movie perform admirably. The problem is the third character in the movie, New York City.
Even back in 1945 New York held sights to behold, and I don’t blame the director, Vincent Minnelli, for wanting to explore those sights. However, the movie takes the whole New York is a strange place concept too far. Is it really necessary to meet the annoying drunk in the sweet little midnight café? Give our romantic couple a little time to hold hands and build some tension first, please. Instead the wedding party is crashed before it even gets started.
Also, how does the audience recognize the beauty of a marriage ceremony when the subway trains drown out the marriage vows? Admittedly there is a very nice cathedral scene shortly thereafter, but somehow it just doesn’t seem to make up for the lack of a wedding ring or flowers. Instead of using New York as a way to enhance the romance, the city is seen as a constant interruption to a budding relationship.
I will admit it’s interesting to compare New York in 1945 to New York as it is today. I don’t believe we have milkmen anymore, and the only buses with rooftop seats are tour buses. The problem is these little old idiosyncrasies don’t make up for New York’s downside. What’s the point of a romance movie if the local drowns out the romance? What’s that saying? Two is company, three is a crowd.
I think The Clock had great potential: two lovers racing against time to get married in one of the most romantic cities in the world, the war hero afraid of leaving behind a widow, the damsel who doesn’t care because she’s found the Prince Charming of her dreams. All the possibilities for a happily ever after are there. Now if only New York City would just butt out, or at least help in some way.
I give this movie 2 out of 5 stars.
Directed by Vincente Minnelli
Starring:
Judy Garland as Alice Mayberry
Robert Walker as Joe Allen
