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.

Absolutely brilliant. I wish Power had played more roles like this.

Great movie with strong performances. Instant favourite.