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Siskoid's avatar

Siskoid

Nightmare Alley is Carnival Noir with Tyrone Power playing the role of an unscrupulous mentalist-huckster who eventually hits it big, but has trouble maintaining his empire. He's great in this, bringing a searing intensity to the role, and he's well supported by the likes of Joan Blondell, Coleen Gray, and especially Helen Walker as a psychologist who may be better at manipulation than he is. The sparks fly in their scenes and make me question just what was really happening. Did she hypnotize me in those moments?! Apparently a bible for a certain kind of grifter, the film isn't always as clearly structured as I would like and contains my pet peeve - badly interpreted Tarot cards (the literalness kills me). But it's only real problem, I think, is the tacked-on hopeful ending, apparently mandated by the studio (who else?). If it ended a minute later, it would feature one of the best end-lines in all of movies. As is, it's kind of lost in the suits' fear of a movie ending on a bleak note. I saw that note coming a mile away, mind you, but I still bristle at having been robbed of it.
4 years 9 months ago
meerkate's avatar

meerkate

Absolutely brilliant. I wish Power had played more roles like this.
10 years 8 months ago
Torgo's avatar

Torgo

quote:
How can a guy get so low?
- He reached too high.
3 years ago
duchin6's avatar

duchin6

excellent noir,with a superb performance from the late great Tyrone Power,very good supporting cast too.loved it.
6 years 6 months ago
Ceyyhun's avatar

Ceyyhun

Great movie with strong performances. Instant favourite.
10 years 7 months ago
greenhorg's avatar

greenhorg

I thought the production code mandated that villains be given unhappy endings. It would have been better!
1 year 10 months ago
ClassicLady's avatar

ClassicLady

Tyrone Power always gives a great performance.
10 years 10 months ago
Ebbywebby's avatar

Ebbywebby

Tyrone Power died in 1958...hasn't he stopped being "late" by now? :)
2 years 2 months ago
jlfitz's avatar

jlfitz

One of the better noir films.
11 years 2 months ago
elcid's avatar

elcid

I agree with jlfitz.
11 years ago
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