Nightmare Alley (Criterion Collection)

A Movies Unlimited favorite, this noir-flavored drama, based on the novel by William Lindsay Gresham, tracks the rise and fall of con man/carnival worker Stan Carlisle (Tyrone Power). Seducing a sideshow performer (Joan Blondell) to learn the secret to her and her alcoholic husband's (Ian Keith) mind-reading act, Carlisle leaves with a fellow carnie (Coleen Gray) and sets himself up as a spiritualist in Chicago. The con brings them acclaim and wealth, but Carlisle's greed leads to his ruination. Helen Walker, Taylor Holmes also star. 111 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono; Subtitles: English (SDH); audio commentary; interviews; essay; theatrical trailer.