Edmund Goulding directed this melodrama that stars Tyrone power as Stan Carlisle, an ambitious carnival worker who is determined to learn the code used by Zeena(played by Joan Blondell) and her alcoholic husband Pete. After Pete dies, Stan moves in and takes over Pete's part, and they become a big hit, though he really loves fellow carny worker Molly(played by Coleen Gray). He tosses Zeena aside and starts his own act as "The Great Stanton" in high society and fancy nightclubs, but his past comes back to haunt him, not to mention his greedy nature will prove to be his undoing... Wild film has fine performances and atmosphere, but not especially high on credibility, though features an ending that will certainly leave an impression on viewer, and most distinct look at this kind of life since "Freaks"(1932).
Review of Nightmare Alley
