The Clock

Dir. Vincente Minnelli. 1945, 90 mins. U.S. 35mm. With Judy Garland, Robert Walker, James Gleason, Keenan Wynn. One of the great New York City movies, The Clock was made the year Vincente Minnelli and Judy Garland got married, and the film is a testament to their smashing collaborative artistry, just one year after Meet Me in St. Louis. Set over the course of one night and early morning, this lyrical romantic drama follows the whirlwind affair that blossoms between Robert Walker’s small-town soldier on leave, Joe, and Garland’s no-nonsense NYC gal, Alice, which takes them from strangers to lovers, and from uptown to downtown Manhattan, all in the course of 24 hours. In her first non-singing role, Garland finds all the right shades of longing, anxiety, and humor, while Walker is a poignant love interest. Minnelli’s exquisite first dramatic picture pointed towards a stellar career of dramas that mixed realism and romantic fantasy. Tickets: $17.50 / $12 senior and students / $10 youth / $7 MoMI members. There is a $1.50 transaction fee per ticket for all online purchases. The cost of admission may be applied toward a same-day purchase of a membership. Order tickets. Please pick up tickets at the Museum’s admissions desk upon arrival. All seating is general admission.