This was okay, but not as good as I had been led to believe it was, so it wound up being a disappointment. It just was one of the those film noirs that was a bit too seedy for my tastes. However, perhaps a second look with lower expectations might make me change my mind because it is an interesting story with good characters.....and a few memorable scenes.
Perhaps I got turned off too early, with all the tarot cards and occult baloney, featured mostly with Joan Blondell's character. For much of the film, Tyrone Power plays a fake evangelist of sorts, really more of a mind-reader but putting a slight religious twist on the routine.
To the movie's credit, Colleen Gray's character lectures him big-time about getting in trouble with God for what he is doing, which you wouldn't hear in today's movies.
The most interesting character in the film, to me, was the psychiatrist-turned- crook "Lillith Ritter," played by Helen Walker. She was fascinating as she goes into business with Power and then is involved in a neat "twist" at the end.
Power does a terrific job as the con man. Some say it was the best acting performance in his career. I have no trouble with that. Also, there's the usual nice film noir cinematography with a lot of dark shots. Gee, the more I write the more I regret getting rid of the DVD.
Perhaps I got turned off too early, with all the tarot cards and occult baloney, featured mostly with Joan Blondell's character. For much of the film, Tyrone Power plays a fake evangelist of sorts, really more of a mind-reader but putting a slight religious twist on the routine.
To the movie's credit, Colleen Gray's character lectures him big-time about getting in trouble with God for what he is doing, which you wouldn't hear in today's movies.
The most interesting character in the film, to me, was the psychiatrist-turned- crook "Lillith Ritter," played by Helen Walker. She was fascinating as she goes into business with Power and then is involved in a neat "twist" at the end.
Power does a terrific job as the con man. Some say it was the best acting performance in his career. I have no trouble with that. Also, there's the usual nice film noir cinematography with a lot of dark shots. Gee, the more I write the more I regret getting rid of the DVD.