On N List of Movie Reviews
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Nightmare Alley (1947)
Rate:
8
Viewed:
7/18
7/18:
An unusual picture for the film noir genre, Nightmare Alley makes for a compelling viewing with
sharp dialogue.
Although the cast is decent, it's Tyrone Power who gives the strongest performance of his career. He's the main
reason to watch Nightmare Alley, calling it his favorite film. I'm surprised he could act
this well given his history of romantic and swashbuckler roles.
Darryl F. Zanuck, the head honcho of 20th Century-Fox, didn't want Tyrone Power, a top ten money-maker, to do the
film out of fear that his image might be ruined. Yet Power fought for the role. The film had an obscure release,
causing it to die at the box office; afterwards, it was dropped from circulation for many decades. After years
of legal battles, Nightmare Alley finally saw the light of day in 2005 by being granted a DVD release.
Jules Furthman's well-written screenplay is absorbing to listen to which was adapted from William Lindsay Gresham's
debut novel with the film rights having been bought by Tyrone Power. It serves as a great example of how charlatans,
hucksters, and clairvoyants work to fool the unsuspecting customers. There are two films I can think of that did
it so well, and they're Elmer Gantry and
Leap of Faith.
All in all, Nightmare Alley should be seen for Tyrone Power.