Nightmare Alley (1947)

In the mysterious world of carnival sideshows, the ambitious Stanton "Stan" Carlisle finds his calling. Working as a carny and assistant to Zeena Krumbein, a mesmerizing mentalist, Stan navigates a labyrinth of smoke and mirrors. Zeena, married to the inebriated Pete, has concocted a secret mind-reading code, which once brought them fame and fortune before Pete succumbed to alcoholism. Stan, drawn towards this clandestine knowledge, yearns to learn their code to transcend the carnival life and taste the success of a celebrated mentalist. As sparks fly between Stan and the alluring Molly, a resident of the carnival under the protection of the formidable Bruno, an unexpected tragedy strikes. When Stan mistakenly offers Pete a lethal drink, he is wracked with guilt despite the revelation that Pete met his end by consuming methyl alcohol, not Stan's drink. In the aftermath, Zeena imparts their secret code to Stan, with Molly aiding him in mastering it. However, a twist of fate compels Stan to marry Molly, prompting them to leave the carnival for the glitz of Chicago's nightlife. As they strive to become sensations in a high-end night club, Stan encounters the enigmatic psychologist, Lilith Ritter. Uncovering her practice of recording her high-society clients' sessions, Stan envisages a plot to swindle the wealthy elite. But as Stan's ambitions spiral, a haunting echo of his past awaits him. Amid the deceptive lights and applause, he teeters on the precipice of his own nightmare alley, threatening to pull him back into the shadowy corners of the sideshow. Will the allure of easy money lead him to his downfall, or will Stan manage to outsmart his fate? This captivating tale of ambition, deception, and regret unfolds in the mesmerizing world of "Nightmare Alley".

Nightmare Alley is a crime movie featuring Tyrone Power.

Nightmare Alley is currently streaming on Criterion Channel.