The New York Times review from the time of the film's original release says, "despite some fine and intense acting by Mr. Power and others, this film traverses distateful dramatic ground...". The Guardian gives it 4 out of 5 stars and describes it as "an authentically bilious look at the world and its morals".
DVD Talk opens with this:
Flush from his success with The Razor's Edge, Tyrone Power lobbied Darryl F. Zanuck to play the lead role in this creepy, very anti-glamorous movie about carnival con games, fake mentalism and predatory spiritualism. The film abounds with unpalatable people and unpleasant ideas and its sordid carny background seems authentic. Even more disturbing is its very noir atmosphere of moral defeat and universal venality. In other words, Nightmare Alley is one special movie.Empire Online gives it 4 out of 5 stars and calls it "A dark, rough and grubby -but enjoyable nonetheless- slice of doomsaying from the ascendent years of film noir." The critics rating at Rotten Tomatoes is 100%.
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Sounds like a good one. I always thought my dad looked like Tyrone Power with his wavy, dark hair.
ReplyDeleteIt's a good one, but I'm not watching it again. I'm still shocked my my childhood viewing of it lol
DeleteSounds ghastly, I want to see it! Valerie
ReplyDeleteEverybody should see it once :)
DeleteI see you are starting your fall film list. I think this one might be worth checking out. I'm not big into gore, and I am guessing from the age of the film it doesn't have a lot either. Hugs-Erika
ReplyDeleteNo, I don't remember any gore. Some of these old films are effective despite not using all the "tricks" they use now.
DeleteThis is amazing. I was just reading about the Hays Code which set the moral standards of the film industry (industry self imposed) from the 1930s through the 1970s. I'm not sure how it got by the censors. Sounds like a must see to me.
ReplyDeleteThey learned how to skirt the code and how to strongly imply things they never overtly show. Like every other system of its kind, film makers pushed right up against the letter of the rule, never intending to abide by its spirit. I agree with you, though. I can't imagine how they got this one through as it is. And I agree it's a must-see. I'm just not sure I could ever watch it again....
DeleteThis sounds very familiar. Might be one of those that played late at night on the weekends when I was in high school. Didn't like it as I recall. Might peek at it just to know if it is like what little I remember.
ReplyDeleteIf you were like me and watched the old movies on tv in that afternoon or night-time block, I'm sure you saw this one. It made an impression on me.
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