Clash By Night, adapted from Clifford Odets’ 1941 play, is a bridge between film noir and modern realist cinema. Set in a small fishing town, it captures the gritty reality of life on the coast. Let’s dive into the film’s intriguing plot and standout performances.
Key points
Plot Summary:
Mae Doyle (Barbara Stanwyck) returns to her hometown of Monterey, California, after a decade away. Her fisherman brother, Joe, reluctantly accepts her back into the family home. Joe’s girlfriend, Peggy (Marilyn Monroe, in an unglamorous role), is more welcoming. Mae reveals that her previous lover, a married politician, left her money in his will, but his family contested it.
Mae begins dating Jerry D’Amato (Paul Douglas), a good-natured fisherman with his own boat. However, she despises Jerry’s friend, Earl Pfeiffer (Robert Ryan), a bitter and dissatisfied film projectionist. Earl’s emotional complexity intrigues Mae, even though she knows he holds a low opinion of women.
Despite her lack of love for Jerry, Mae marries him for security. They have a baby girl, but Mae soon grows restless. Earl, now divorced, makes a move on her. Their affair intensifies, leading to a confrontation with Jerry. The tension escalates until Jerry nearly strangles Earl.
Character Dynamics:
- Earl Pfeiffer (Robert Ryan): A fascinating emotional predator, Earl swings from morbid self-pity to recklessness. His longing for connection drives him, even as he plays the clown for Jerry.
- Jerry D’Amato (Paul Douglas): Stolid and gentle, Jerry is oblivious to Mae’s attraction to Earl. His friendship with Earl becomes strained.
- Mae Doyle: Barbara Stanwyck delivers a layered performance. Mae’s hard-boiled exterior hides vulnerability, and her choices impact everyone around her.
Clash By Night isn’t your typical noir melodrama; it delves into the intricate emotions between its three main characters. As the sea rages outside, their inner conflicts unfold. Ryan’s portrayal of Earl is riveting, capturing both poison and longing. Douglas and Stanwyck also shine, despite occasional predictability in Stanwyck’s “large” moments.
In this clash of desires, the film explores human complexity against the backdrop of a fishing community. Fritz Lang’s direction and the strong performances make Clash By Night a compelling watch.
