The Clock - Symbol at end - Agree?

I'm not sure about the candles going out as a symbol that Joe would die in war (I'm too much of an optimist for that). I do think it might've been symbolic definitely of the end of the movie, but also of the fact that marriage is not all peachy-keen and fluffy. This was also evidenced in the scene in the diner when she started crying - I felt so bad for her. However, the point you brought up about her being with child, I thought of as well when she and Joe touched the little boy at the station. Which makes the end even more tragic because she might have to raise their child alone if Joe is off at war.

I really don't think Joe's meant to die in the war. The speech she gives him the morning he leaves completely convinced me that he'd come back. That's why they both smile and laugh when he goes away, instead of the usual tears and protests that so many movies of the time were full of.

I don't care about money. I just want to be wonderful. - Marilyn Monroe

I know this is late but.....the DVD has been out awhile now! At least at Amazon!

Actually, that scene reminded me of the Van Johnson, Jane Wyman, movie, "Miracle in the Rain", which ended up quite sad. Anyone see it and know what I mean?

Johnson, died a few days ago after a great career. :(

I'm glad I'm not the only one who thought she might be pregnant at the end. They made kind of a big deal to show that after they were married, children suddenly liked him. I think there was a reason for that.

Mecca

I thought the same thing about the candles, but I hadn't made the connection with the child.

Something I did keep noticing though was the potted palms that were being moved around in a bunch of the scenes. It made me wonder if Minelli was trying to imply that Joe was being sent to fight in the Pacific (not sure if it was directly stated where he was being sent back to), especially since the palms got more numerous and obtrusive as the film dragged on, like his anxiety was increasing. How the palms got in the way during the marriage scene was very strange.

It's all fun and games 'til someone gets lobotomized!

The director said in interview that he purposely wanted to leave it ambiguous about whether Joe will make it back or not because a lot of the audience it was intended for was in the same boat. I think perhaps by the time it premiered, the war was over but the feelings were still there.

It has got nothing to do with the war. It's about time and timing - rushing your decision one moment, waiting years the next. So beautiful - a gem in film making.