Alias Nick Beal [Blu-ray]

Director: John Farrow John Farrow

Overview

This modern-day "Faust" variation benefits from a superb cast. Thomas Mitchell plays Joseph Foster, an honest judge who wants to become governor. Blocked by corrupt political forces, Foster would practically have to make a deal with the Devil to reach his goal. Enter Nick Beal (Ray Milland), a diabolically handsome gent with a slick line of patter and a smooth, infallible method of getting things done. Failing to recognize his benefactor's true identity (after all, Nick has no horns or cloven hooves) Foster agrees to the deal when Nick assures him that the end result is for the good of the people. To bind the bargain, Nick sends out one of his most trusted associates, Donna Allen (Audrey Totter), to keep Foster in line. When Foster finally realizes that he's sold his soul, there seems to be no way out..but that's when the forces of Good, represented by Foster's wife Martha (Geraldine Wall) and his clergyman friend Thomas Gaylord (George Macready), switch into high gear.

Product Details

Release Date:	07/13/2021
UPC:	0738329254186
Original Release:	1949
Rating:	NR
Source:	Kl Studio Classics
Language:	English
Time:	1:33:00
Sales rank:	6,205

Cast & Crew

Performance Credits

Thomas Mitchell	Joseph Foster
Ray Milland	Nick Beal
Geraldine Wall	Martha Foster
Audrey Totter	Donna Allen
George Macready	Rev. Thomas Gaylord
Henry O'Neill	Judge Ben Hobbs
Daryl Hickman	Larry Price,Larry Price
Fred Clark	Frankie Faulkner
Nestor Paiva	Carl
King Donovan	Peter Wolfe
Arlene Jenkins	Aileen
Douglas Spencer	Henry Cuthbert
Charles Evans	Paul Norton
Maxine Gates	Josie
Erno Verebes	Mr. Cox
Gaylord 'Steve' Pendleton	Detective Hill
Stuart Holmes	Minister
Philip Van Zandt	Watchman
Tom Dugan	Actor
Joe Whitehead	Minister
Charles Flickinger	Page Boy
Donya Dean	Information Girl
John Shay	Assistant District Attorney
James Davies	Gym Instructor
Pepito Perez	Poster Man
Jim Davies	Actor
Franz Waxman	Composer

Technical Credits

Jonathan Latimer

Endre Bohem	Producer
John Farrow	Director,Producer
Jonathan Latimer	Screenwriter

Editorial Reviews

Contact Man is an intriguing attempt to blend the worlds of fantasy and film noir, and if it isn't successful in its aims, it deserves credit for trying -- and also deserves to be better known than it is. Certainly, the basic story of Contact is one that works well -- a man selling his soul to the devil in order to achieve good and ultimately becoming as corrupt as those he despises. Unfortunately, the film opts for an ending which is too contrived and sits uncomfortably with the rest of the movie. The noir elements, especially the hardboiled dame, the evocative score and the wonderful Lionel Linden cinematography, work very well on their own, but at times seem to be at odds with the "devilish" part of Contact. Ultimately, the screenplay, despite its solid structure and careful attention to detail, leaves one feeling a bit unsatisfied, as if things didn't quite add up the way they were supposed to. John Farrow tries very hard to blend the two styles, and for the most part does a good job. And Contact boasts excellent performances from Ray Milland, operating in suavely evil mode, and Thomas Mitchell, etching a very touching and persuasive portrait of a man doomed by his own good intentions and ambition. There's also a delicious turn from Audrey Totter as the devil's handmaiden which is a must for true noir aficionados.

All Movie Guide - Craig Butler