Another interesting choice by WB in their Noir Box volume 2. I wonder if they re-watched it, or if someone at WB sorting titles saw Fritz Lang directed and Robert Ryan starred. I'm not complaining - this is a great drama. The message is even more compelling than many popular noir titles because the premise is not so over-the-top. Sadly, the topic hits very close to home for most people either through personal experience or friends/family.
Paul Douglas plays the role of gentle bear. Early on I feared he'd be 2-dimensional as the simple, kind man who proposes marriage (sort of) to Barbara Stanwyck's character. But he fleshes out a bit. Any noir fan will sense doom the moment Robert Ryan's character is introduced. He might not be out to cause trouble, but you can sense trouble sticks to him.
Although he doesn't get as much screen time, my favorite character was by far Keith Andes. Feminists will hate him, and I'm not saying I agree with his every thought -- but he plays a real man. You won't see him swinging punches, shooting a criminal, or saving a damsel's life. But he has a very clear sense of right and wrong. When a man and woman marry, it's for keeps. You don't try out a mate and pass them off when someone better comes along. He's the rock throughout the movie.
Feel gooders like Oprah will roll their eyes at the fate of those in Clash By Night who choose to follow their impulses wherever it leads them. It's not pretty -- but you know, that's reality. Men and woman aren't made to try each other out for a lifetime. It's an emotional burden that crushes even the strongest eventually.