Tyrone Power, Nightmare Alley & the trap of the Hollywood Studio System

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2 жыл бұрын

#classicmovies #classichollywood #classicmoviestars
Tyrone Power was one of the biggest stars in the world, and yet he was only proud of a handful of his films, one of them was NIGHTMARE ALLEY. As a product of the studio system his image was shaped and sold by 20th Century Fox. While packaged as a romantic lead and a swashbuckling hero, he had deeper ambitions some of which were fulfilled by his against type role as Stan Carlisle in NIGHTMARE ALLEY.
To understand why NIGHTMARE ALLEY was so important to Tyrone Power, it is important to unpack how the classic Hollywood star machine built star personas and then sold them to the public. Its was a lucrative system, but for any truly talented actor who had the misfortune of becoming an actual movie star it could lead to disappointment and disillusionment.
This is what happened to Tyrone Power.
His legacy pales compared to some of his contemporaries and many of his films, while really good, are not that well known.
Here's the link to my video on Tyrone Power's 1956 film THE EDDIE DUCHIN STORY. It's a lush and romantic love letter to New York City.
• The Eddy Duchin Story ...
Here's the link to my video on one of my favorite (yet flawed) films KINGS ROW one of the first films to tackle the corrupted small town in American cinema.
• KINGS ROW: the dark si...
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If you're interested in the films and books mentioned in this video I've listed where you can find them in the links below.
If you buy something through my links I may get a small share of the sale. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
If you've only just discovered Tyrone Power, here are some essential (and easy to find) films to check out.
Love Is News (1937) DVD: amzn.to/3JY2yJ6
In Old Chicago (1938) DVD: amzn.to/3KcTSyJ
Alexander's Rag Time Band (1938) DVD: amzn.to/3vyAcQs
Jesse James (1939) DVD: amzn.to/3v15uR0
Blu-Ray: amzn.to/3uVuEAm
The Mark of Zorro (1940) DVD: amzn.to/3K0FWaA
Blu-Ray: amzn.to/3uYl9QK
Blood and Sand (1941) DVD: amzn.to/3L2k14o
The Black Swan (1942) DVD: amzn.to/3L323hY
The Razor's Edge (1946) DVD: amzn.to/3On1hP3
Nightmare Alley (1947) DVD: amzn.to/3kdV4Hz
Blu-Ray: amzn.to/3EuoDOj
Rawhide (1951) Blu-Ray: amzn.to/3On20Qh
Witness For The Prosecution (1958) DVD: amzn.to/386HbIm
Blu-Ray: amzn.to/3MAx3Xl
If you want to know more about how the Hollywood studio system worked I highly recommend:
The Star Machine by Jeanine Basinger (paperback): amzn.to/3v0pOlx
If you want further reading on the life of Tyrone Power check out:
Tyrone Power: The Last Idol by Fred Guiles (paperback) amzn.to/381qpKx
If you're a fan of Tyrone Power you can find my Ty Power fan twitter here: / typowersgirl
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@CinemaCities1978 2 жыл бұрын

With the release of Guillermo del Toro’s new adaptation of NIGHTMARE ALLEY, I thought I would revisit the 1947 version starring Tyrone Power. As a product of the studio star system, Power's role in the film as Stan Carlisle is a bit of an outlier in his filmography. But, it's important because it challenged his studio crafted persona. While dismissed by its own studio upon release, over the years it has become a well respected classic and is recognized as Power's finest role.

@rosezingleman5007 2 жыл бұрын

I’m a serious movie buff, and I don’t think I’ve ever seen this. It’s here on YT, so watching it tonight-and subbed btw.

@CinemaCities1978 2 жыл бұрын

@@rosezingleman5007 I'm sorry I didn't see this reply earlier. Did you ever get around to watching Nightmare Alley? I would love to know what you thought about it.

@charlesheck6812 Жыл бұрын

it’s funny, because I have NA on disc and re-watched it before the new version came out. But after watching the new version, which I really like, I re-watched the Power version again and listened to several analysis of it. I even have the poster of the film on my wall. A film executive got up during the screening and walked out, saying it was a travesty. It is admittedly, very dark stuff. That’s partly why it’s compelling.

@buddyvilla7393 Жыл бұрын

Also The Razors Edge and Abandon Ship two Incredible Performances.

@waynej2608 Жыл бұрын

@buddyvilla7393 I'd add The Sun Also Rises, Rawhide, and Witness for the Prosecution to the ones you mentioned. But yeah, Nightmare Alley is his finest. Power was a terrific actor, not just a very handsome one. Same thing with his friend and contemporary, Errol Flynn.

@sandraponce9895 Жыл бұрын

My mother is 94 and was always a big fan of Tyrone. We went to his funeral at Hollywood Forever Cemetery. We still visit his resting place. My mother still says he was the most beautiful looking man she had ever seen.

@CinemaCities1978 Жыл бұрын

Your mother is 100% right.

@gorge5412 9 ай бұрын

SP, thanks for commenting. Lana Turner's biography uses the same word, "beautiful," to describe TP. Although TP and LT were never married, they intensely enjoyed a romantic relationship. LT writes that he was her one true love (amidst her many unhappy liaisons and marriages).

@margeshilling7983 Ай бұрын

Your Mom is right.

@gerardmackay8909 Жыл бұрын

My mother was a teenager in the 40s and madly in love with Tyrone. She read in a gossip magazine that he was attracted to dark haired ladies so she promptly bought, and used, a bottle of black hair dye. My grandmother was NOT impressed.

@sterling4271 Жыл бұрын

You are so right about Tyrone playing Ashley Wilkes. Would have been a completely different movie.

@sarahhearn-vonfoerster7401 Жыл бұрын

It would never have work! Power's facial structure is too strong!

@MothGirl007 10 ай бұрын

I think Ashley needed to be a blonde, as kind of a counterpoint to Gable's Rhett Butler.

@kelb6073 10 ай бұрын

It would have taken away from Rhett for sure

@robjones2408 10 ай бұрын

"Nightmare Alley" was a stone-cold classic, but audiences stayed away because of its' bleak portrait of hucksters and grifters on the make. They wanted Pretty Boy Tyrone the Hero, not Tyrone the Cynic. He was forced to go back to swashbucklers etc. Nevertheless, he was very proud of the film. Rock Hudson went through a similar situation with the brilliant "Seconds". Mainstream audiences stayed away from that gem as well, and he drifted into more palatable fare. They can both take comfort that both films are acknowledged as masterpieces, wherever they are now.

@peterd.9522 7 ай бұрын

So much more believable with Powers as Ashley IMO. I never could see what Scarlett was thinking as it was cast (Howard).

@charlesheck6812 Жыл бұрын

I’m surprised he wasn’t proud of The Razor’s Edge. That movie is probably just too intelligent for its time. It remains to me something of an enigma because it doesn’t give easy answers to anything. As far as Nightmare Alley, it’s one of my favorite movies. Power seems like the sort of guy that I would’ve liked to have known.

@CinemaCities1978 Жыл бұрын

The Razor's Edge is one of my favorite Ty Power films, and I never get tired of his performance. I suspect that him not listing it as one of his top roles has to do with the studio. I too would have loved to have known him.

@MartinCanada Жыл бұрын

The Razor's Edge certainly demands a lot from its audience. It asks questions without providing pat answers. Exactly the type of film that would not be made in today's X-men universe.

@etherealtb6021 7 ай бұрын

@@CinemaCities1978It was definitely one of his best performances. I also think Captain from Castille was much more dark and interesting than most of his pre-war swashbucklers.

@63artemisia63 6 ай бұрын

@charlesheck6812 Well, the book didn’t either. So kudos to the director for embracing the source material.

@tr7b410 14 сағат бұрын

Bill Murray tried to remake that movie-what a joke. Power,s pulled it off with his sensitive nature & strength of character when the going got tough.

@alimolina4279 2 жыл бұрын

Great work! I'm an incondicional fan of the great Tyrone Power since I was a young girl. He was unarguable very handsome, but he was also an extremely talented actor (his movies prove it). He was subtle, warm, hard-working. He was not complicated when working and he didn't have star pretensions, although he was. He was not always recognized as he really deserved. As you well say he was only proud of a handful of his films, one of them was "Nightmare Alley" (1947) and the others were "Blood and Sand" (1941), "Abandon Ship!" (1957) and "Witness for the Prosecution" (1957). Mr. Power: Happy 108 heavenly years (5.5.1914*5.5.2022). We miss you and we will always remember you. Thank you for everything. Thanks so much for this work!

@CinemaCities1978 2 жыл бұрын

He was truly as beautiful on the inside as he was on the outside. He really deserves to be more well known than he is today. Especially, because he was so good at so many different types of films from comedy to drama to action he could do it all.

@waynej2608 Жыл бұрын

He was a tremendously talented actor. Sometimes he was better than the script at hand.

@alimolina4279 Жыл бұрын

@@waynej2608: You're right! I completely agree with you!

@sandyb1464 Жыл бұрын

Did he make Lana Turner have an abortion??

@alimolina4279 Жыл бұрын

According to Lana Turner he didn't. In her autobiography she said that only she decided to have an abortion.

@Spiderman7Bob7 Жыл бұрын

Tyrone Power was always one of my favorite movie stars when I was a kid and when I grew up I realized what a big star he was in the 40's & 50's . And I've collected all of his films that were available on DVD. My favorite 'acting' role he did was "The Razor's Edge". And my favorite action roles he did was "The Black Swan", "The Mark of Zorro" . And a few boxed sets of his films have been released that showed him in good comedies too. There all too numerious to mention . In spite of all that was said about his career he had a great Hollywood career . So be it .

@CinemaCities1978 Жыл бұрын

He was a very good comedic actor. I especially enjoy him Love is News and Second Honeymoon. In terms of audience enjoyment and box office he did have a great career. But, personally, he wasn't fulfilled. I'm glad he let us know the films he was proud of so that we get to experience what felt was his best artistic work.

@EdwardWLynn Жыл бұрын

@@CinemaCities1978 Eddie Mueller, at TCM says he thinks the perfect actor to play Raymond Chandler's Phillip Marlowe would have been William Holden. Ty Power seems like he'd have been a good choice as well.

@carollund8251 Жыл бұрын

He played a thoroughly despicable character in Witness for the Prosecution, one of my favorite movies.

@CinemaCities1978 Жыл бұрын

Yes, that ending in Witness when his true colors appear is a great moment.

@bloggerblogg5878 Жыл бұрын

I love that movie and he is great in it!

@henrybrowne7248 2 ай бұрын

He also DIED before they finished the film😢. .

@alimolina4279 7 күн бұрын

Mr. Power died before finished "Solomon and Sheba" in Spain (November 15, 1958). Too soon! ❤😢

@ginnyhogan6386 Жыл бұрын

You didn’t mention The Sun Also Rises! Good film!

@lauriem5751 Жыл бұрын

The Razor's Edge is one of my favorite movies. He brought that character to life.

@CinemaCities1978 Жыл бұрын

Larry Darrell in the Razor's Edge was a perfect role for him.

@peterharrer3261 Жыл бұрын

I first saw "Nightmare Alley" as a kid at the old Thalia in Manhattan, in the '80s. It was a revelation, especially Power's performance because up to then I thought he was a prettyboy. In the years since, I've seen it a few more times and am still impressed. Your video is quite thorough in presenting the man behind the good looks. Looks that typecast him as a lightweight rather than the serious actor he longed to be. Thank you.

@anthonytripp2251 Жыл бұрын

W.95 between Bway and West End Ave!!!!

@PaulKyriazi 2 жыл бұрын

The best, and concise, bio on Ty Power. Great idea to concentrate on Nightmare Alley. "Cleans the public's palate ..." Wow.

@CinemaCities1978 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much! I'm a huge fan of Tyrone Power and this video was really a love letter to his career.

@angelbabysqueaky3985 Жыл бұрын

It's really a shame that most of his movies ,he wasn't allowed to break away to more meaty roles. If he was allowed to play Ashley, I could understand why she wanted Ashley, not Rhett. I could never see the attraction of Ashley..

@ellejay2021 2 жыл бұрын

Good video! Nightmare Alley is one of my favorite Tyrone Power films. I've read about his frustration with being just a "pretty face". He certainly was devastatingly gorgeous which, for Zanuck, took precedence over Power's considerable acting talent. The Power formula had worked and they weren't about to change anything. Nightmare Alley gave us only a glimpse into what Power was truly capable of but was never allowed to express. He was brilliantly talented, and according to both Annabella and Linda Christian, he wasn't assertive enough in his dealings with Fox/Zanuck and he was just "too nice". Honestly, I can't imagine 1947's moviegoers (especially the females) being interested in seeing their matinee idol's otherworldly beauty being destroyed by makeup to make him look more like a carnival geek. (Even makeup couldn't completely trash his looks!) The same thing happened to Cary Grant when he made None But The Lonely Heart. Audiences weren't interested in Grant's bravura performance in that film either. At least Power had the satisfaction of making the film and must have been proud of the critical acclaim he garnered before his untimely passing. One of my favorite classic films is The Lost Weekend with Ray Milland. I thought Milland was brilliant in the film. I think Ty Power would have been magnificent in a role like that! Alas, it was not to be. Thank you for highlighting Tyrone Power and Nightmare Alley!

@CinemaCities1978 2 жыл бұрын

I agree, a role in a film like The Lost Weekend would have been perfect for Power. But, it was his misfortune to be at a studio that made profiting off of his looks the top priority instead of his obvious talent. I always go back to Kings Row. It's the perfect Tyrone Power film that didn't star Tyrone Power. But, we are lucky we have his absolutely stellar performance in Nightmare Alley just in case anyone ever wonders how good he really was.

@johnzeszut3170 Жыл бұрын

"Nightmare Alley" was supposed to have ended with a much darker conclusion but being 1947 it was not going to happen. In "None But The Lonely Heart" Grant does his first and last bit of acting when he exclaims "Ma! Pinched?!"....

@kennethrussell1158 Жыл бұрын

Elle, he kind of reminds me of Robert Redford in that way.

@kennethrussell1158 Жыл бұрын

@@CinemaCities1978 He kind of reminds me of Robert Redford in that way. Redford hated the pretty boy image and thought that that got in the way of him being taken seriously as a serious actor.

@veritas6335 Жыл бұрын

Ty Power was SO gorgeous - there has just never been anyone like him since. THAT was a movie star. Alas, there ARE no more movie stars. Actors, yes, but they're all forgettable as stars. No glamour, drab looks. Wow, he was wonderful to look at, as well as smart, graceful and talented. That's why we go to the movies. Now we just get talented,, average looking people. Razors Edge was wonderful - the remake starring Bill Murray was, well . . . Murray is no Ty Power. And Witness for the Prosecution was superb - one of the best. I miss him. We all do. Disappointing as to why this narrator does not explain why he died at such a young age - the history behind his heart attack - or anything about his early life and background. Otherwise an interesting overview of his career.

@CinemaCities1978 Жыл бұрын

He was one of a kind and you're right he was a real STAR. He had IT on screen and also a real talent that went beyond his screen persona. You're 100% correct, Murray is no Ty Power. As for not going into his early life, in this video I was more interested in talking specifically about Nightmare Alley, the role that film had in challenging the studio control, how that film fits into Ty Powers filmography and how it challenges his constructed screen persona.

@GemaEnriquez 3 ай бұрын

Hollywood is DEAD !!

@clairepalmer3876 2 жыл бұрын

This is a very insightful and informative piece on Tyrone Power and the studio system that stunted his growth as a great actor. I believe he has achieved "Legend " status over time. Thanks for posting this.

@CinemaCities1978 2 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it!

@mikedaviot854 Жыл бұрын

Excellent tribute to a woefully underrated actor. The only thing missing is Laughton's appreciation of Power's talent, using him and his marvellous voice to great effect in the staged readings of John Brown's Body.

@russellcampbell9198 Жыл бұрын

Glad he thought "Abandon Ship" was amongst his four best. It is my favourite of his performances. Great film.

@v.a.993 Жыл бұрын

Totally agree about Tyrone Power playing Ashley Wilkes in Gone With the Wind. But, it would have been hard to have both him and Clark Gable in that film competing for women's attention (on the film set and in movie audiences).

@CinemaCities1978 Жыл бұрын

I think I would've enjoyed the competition 😂

@c.a.savage5689 Жыл бұрын

I never knew this! Power's drop dead good looks would not have served the story (IMHO). Lesley Howard was perfect and had that 19th century look and bearing.

@geraldking4080 10 ай бұрын

Simply outstanding.

@highwaystitchercoletteking5633 Жыл бұрын

Nightmare Alley and Witness for the Prosecution! So good! Yes, Tyrone Power shines in those films but the costars did too. Helen Walker and Joan Blondell in Nightmare Alley and Charles Laughton and Marlena Dietrich in Witness. The co-stars in the older movies held their own.

@blusnuby2 Жыл бұрын

Not just 'a pretty face,' Mr. Power was a U.S. Marine Corps Pilot who served in WW2. Hoo Rah !

@alimolina4279 8 ай бұрын

Well said! 👏

@KG-Love 6 ай бұрын

My grandfather met Tyrone in the 1940s. Said Power was the most beautiful man he'd ever seen and was very pleasant. My grandfather was a teen bellhop at a hotel in Tampa. Power was in town to give a commencement speech at the University of Tampa. UT has records of this visit with photos and his speech. It's really interesting.

@thegatesofdawn...1386 Жыл бұрын

I love his dark hair and eyes.! I see no other actor as handsome as he was.

@parisbreakfast 2 жыл бұрын

So glad I checked this out after watching Nightmare Alley with Power. What a tough act to follow for the remake. The trailer looks all Hollywood glitz with none of the original’s depth and real darkness. Thanks very much for this👏

@CinemaCities1978 2 жыл бұрын

I have yet to see the new film because I know that Power's performance is going to shade my opinion. I agree, the new film looks really glitzy and has beautiful 1940s set design (which I can appreciate) but there's something about that shabby carnival shot in bleak and shadow filled black and white that really sets the stage for Stan's rise and fall.

@brendadrew834 10 ай бұрын

Power is one of my all time favorite actors! He was much more than just anothere "pretty face"! Unfortunate that he died at a young middle age but his legacy lives on in the hearts and minds of those who remember him and haven't forgotten his contribution to film and stage! May he rest in peace and thanks for filling with more interesting details about his career!

@CinemaCities1978 10 ай бұрын

He's one of my favorites too! Thank you for watching.

@jamesa.romano8500 Жыл бұрын

I vaguely remember The Rains Came being rather deep although I saw that literally a decade ago and haven't seen it since, it tends to never get brought up all that much either by him or those profiling him. I do see similarities between Tyrone Power and Alan Ladd in that they both felt they were limited by their respective studios - both were handsome but had insecurities(with Tyrone it was being perceived as a pretty boy, with Ladd it was his height). Both got at least one role that insures them immortality in the pop cultural zeitgeist - Zorro and Shane, and interestingly both figure into superhero culture which is real immortality (Zorro figures into the Batman story, Shane figures into the Logan movie). I think this at least guarantees people will keep checking them out which is more than can be said for Mark Stevens or Robert Cummings

@CinemaCities1978 Жыл бұрын

I don't have strong feelings about "The Rains Came." The movie does feature some really impressive special effects. Ty plays an Indian Raja/noble self-sacrificing doctor in love with Myrna Loy, a woman with a complicated past. The story takes place during the rainy season, and then, as the title suggests, the rains come.

@jamesa.romano8500 Жыл бұрын

@@CinemaCities1978 Yeah I saw it when I was a kid and remember being a little bored by it and not even finishing it -- the cultural appropriation thing doesn't help it any; but its also why for years along with Blood & Sand and Zorro I grew up thinking he had to have been either Hispanic or at least part-Native American or something, although as far as I know he's neither...

@AladdinSaneNYC Жыл бұрын

James A. Romano: Mark Stevens had a chance to become Fox's answer to Alan Ladd, but for some reason the studio just let his star whither, so to speak. A pity because he DID have certain charisma that Fox didn't develop. ♐

@allanmiller4972 Жыл бұрын

the razor'edge...BOTH Mr. Power & the film (not 2 mention the superb Anne Baxter!) were AWESOME & incredibly moving! 🥰

@jamesallard7223 Жыл бұрын

Of all of the films that it appears the public has forgotten, this is one of my favorites. A dark, brooding film that never lets us forget that the "hero" is a rather terrible person. I loved the remake to be sure but this original is one that is a must see. Excellent video, thanks so much.

@arslongavitabrevis5136 Жыл бұрын

Very interesting video. Thank you! It also brought back nice memories of my childhood (1966-1972) in Argentina when we used to watch lots of Hollywood classics every Saturday (the matinee started at noon and ended in the evening with 5 films). My dad was an extremely handsome man and my mum used to call him "my Tyrone Power", I had to admit my dad did not resemble him very much, but was I to argue with her? (LOL)

@dk60ish Жыл бұрын

While most of his vehicles were forgettable "The Black Swan" (1942) is one of the best hollywood swashbucklers, & one I can watch time & time again. Had Power had more creative directors, his vehicles would have had more staying power, but his most frequent director Henry King, mainly a solid director who just got the job done, he needed one like Michael Curtiz, who elevated Warner Bros. star Errol Flynn's vehicles to an art form!

@CinemaCities1978 Жыл бұрын

Agree on the Henry King angle. He wasn't exactly artistic or innovative but he was fast and his films came in under budget and on time. I think Power's work with Edmund Goulding (The Razor's Edge and Nightmare Alley) are great examples of what he could do with an excellent director.

@kelb6073 10 ай бұрын

I love The Black Swan. Pretty sure it inspired Pirates of The Caribbean to a degree.

@etherealtb6021 7 ай бұрын

@@CinemaCities1978King is very underrated!

@nawlinsman Жыл бұрын

Thank you for posting this. I was a big fan of Tyrone Power. It is indeed sad to hear that he was not aways given roles that would challenge him as an actor. This sadly happened to many stars from that time. Unfortunately, good looks can be a curse instead of a plus.

@peterhall5070 Жыл бұрын

I thoroughly enjoyed your analysis and commentary on both NIGHTMARE ALLEY and the studio system of the golden age of Hollywood. I have been an avid film buff since I was a little boy. Now, at 65 years of age, I just saw NIGHTMARE ALLEY for the first time within this past year. I had never heard of it before and happened to stumble upon it on either You Tube or one of the cable channels. Such a brilliant gem of a picture and such a departure for Tyrone Power. I was wondering how the heck I missed this film for all these years and thanks to your video, I now understand. It basically got buried. What a shame. However, I'm glad to hear that it has gained more of the recognition that it certainly deserves. Thank you for posting this. I will keep an eye out for more.

@catirerubio Жыл бұрын

Well done. Thanks. Tyrone Power volunteered for the military and served in the Pacific during WW2. Unlike John Wayne, who ducked serving. Pretty boy outdoes the "tough guy".

@alimolina4279 8 ай бұрын

Well said! 👏

@DMovieman Жыл бұрын

Unfortunately, I didn't have the pleasure of watching Tyrone Power as a child. But I remember watching him for the first time in Marie Antoinette in college. I also found out a lot more about him in "Get Happy," Judy Garland's biography. I still have to watch this version of Nightmare Alley soon, because I wasn't aware the newest film was a remake initially. Like so many talented stars caught in the machine, it's so sad to know that his true value was never fully seen or valued. 🙏🙏🙏

@CinemaCities1978 Жыл бұрын

I read that bio too. Judy breaks my heart. I think you'd like the original Nightmare Alley. It really was trying to get away with a lot under the nose of the system. And at least Ty Power got that one film he could be proud of and stretched him artistically. There's probably a ton of stars that were under the studio system that wished for the same thing.

@johnlargan6045 Жыл бұрын

I really enjoyed this! I've watched it twice. Very thoughtful and well done. I've always thought Tyrone Power was a great actor and have admired his performances. I loved Nightmare Alley. But also The Mark of Zorro.

@CinemaCities1978 Жыл бұрын

His Don Diego Vega is so amusing, he does a lot with that character in order to contrast him to Zorro and it looks like he' having a lot of fun. Also, he should get credit for those amazing sword fights with Basil Rathbone.

@xpindy Жыл бұрын

@@CinemaCities1978 Actually, it was Power's "Zorro" that convinced me to revisit his filmography - I honestly never expected him to pull off the popinjay Don Diego. He had me laughing out loud. As a child of the sixties, I've always been fascinated by Zorro in its many incarnations- Power's version blew all the other ones away. He's so underappreciated.

@c.a.savage5689 Жыл бұрын

Very interesting and well documented video. Equally well presented. I'll be back :)

@petergraham8681 Жыл бұрын

Besides being perhaps Power’s best & most interesting role I cannot fail to also acknowledge Helen Walker’s definitive femme fatale in what may the film she is most remembered for. Too bad that she had no other really exceptional opportunities but she had, apparently, some unfortunate off screen escapades around the time of NIGHTMARE ALLEY that seemed to derail her future screen career. Although NIGHTMARE ALLEY did not go quite the despairing distance of its source material it is still a unique film especially for its time & year (1947) which also offered KISS OF DEATH & OUT OF THE PAST. There were other film noirs that year that I am still catching up with. One thing the film, fortunately did not go soft on remains Helen Walker‘s character as mentioned above. One of film noirs most memorable femme fatales, IMO.

@tiffsaver Жыл бұрын

After viewing your podcast, I tracked down this film and just watched it. It was EXCELLENT. This was not only a B&W classic, but in my opinion the best acting I've ever seen by Ty Power. Thank you so much for recommending it. Wowsa!!!

@CinemaCities1978 Жыл бұрын

That's so great! I'm happy you watched it and enjoyed it. I agree, it's the best of his film performances. He gets to go places dramatically that his previous material didn't allow for. It's a true classic and a top notch film noir.

@tiffsaver Жыл бұрын

@@CinemaCities1978 What was so great about it is how it highlighted SO MANY of Power's qualities... from humor, to ego issues, to compassion, to intelligence, to inner strength. There wasn't a "flat" or uninteresting moment in the entire film. But what was so compelling was how the writer tied it all together by cleverly revealing his early life, which accounted for his street savvy and self-serving ways, then ultimately his demise. It really amounted to a morality tale, but in such an fascinating way, and of course, always highlighting his incredible, fabulous face. I'm only surprised why this film wasn't a giant hit, but I'll do my utmost to spread the word. Thanks again!

@Dog.soldier1950 Жыл бұрын

A USMC Naval aviator “too Old” at 30 to be a combat pilot he flew trans-pacific flights during the war and was still a Major in the Reserves when he died. Semper Fidelis

@darinsingleton3553 Жыл бұрын

I've never been a tremendous fan of Power; that being said, I did see Nightmare Alley many, many years ago, and thought Power did a really terrific job. Always appreciate your beautifully insightful takes on cinema. Thank you.

@CinemaCities1978 Жыл бұрын

you're welcome!

@spnkysy791 Жыл бұрын

I just watched a film last night with Tyrone Power and Susan Hayward called Rawhide (1951). A different sort of western. I love this unique film. Tyrone was beyond handsome!

@CinemaCities1978 Жыл бұрын

I love Rawhide! It's one of my favorite Ty Power films.

@alimolina4279 7 күн бұрын

I agree! "Rawhide" is an excellent psychologist western.

@izzy9132 Жыл бұрын

This Hollywood review was the very best I've evet seen. I can't wait to see more of your work. It was like an advanced lecture in college cinematography. Born in 53 I couldn't get enough of each Hollywood era film categories on our black and white TV. Power's theatrical training, passion, style and gritiness in Nightmare Alley overwelms me to this day all except for that ridiculous Hollywood engineered ending. Thanks for mentioning that fantastic film King's Row still great even if they made that awful decision to cast Cummings as the lead. What Tyrone would have down with that dialog would have been theatrically arousing. Power's had a unique talent as did Garry Cooper. I often wondered if he went along with Hollywood's mediocrity so that he was able to maintain his sanity and stable homelife.

@nihilioellipsis 3 ай бұрын

As a kid I watched zorro umpteen times. I love everything about his performance. After some time passed I realized his spirited wit wowed me. I had never seen an actor so sharp with dialogue. And I still love all aspects of his performances. Nowadays, I'm endlessly drawn to Witbess/Prosecution and Nightmare Alley. I like stories. Imagine him in some films noir. They would have had to reclassifie them as something more than B movies.

@garrettdavis6500 Жыл бұрын

My mother was a big fan.

@kamirobey175 Жыл бұрын

William Holden was great in "Golden Boy" so I'm glad it went to him,. However, my favorite movie is "Gone with the Wind" and I never thought Leslie Howard was right for Ashley, and could not see why Scarlet wanted him over Rhett. Tyrone Power in that role would have been perfect.

@melaniepalker9998 9 ай бұрын

I love Tyrone Power ❤ thank you for the suggestions and especially his 4 favorite films ❤

@CinemaCities1978 8 ай бұрын

You're welcome! I love him too and his films deserve a wider audience.

@joyfulsip3615 Жыл бұрын

TP is my favorite since I first saw him when I was a kid. Still love him and his acting.

@grievousangel7742 Жыл бұрын

i have adored Tyrone since I was a child and have always thought that if the studio had just loaned him out, he would still be a household name and he would have been able to show us what he was made of. His face was almost a handicap in that way - he was too beautiful and the studio couldn't see past it. The studio system was so limiting - the talent that must have been stifled and lost.

@braylonmaverick2617 Жыл бұрын

Yes, the unknown classic of "Abandon Ship" truly shows Mr. Power's maturity as an actor. His portrayal of Officer Holmes definitely separates him from the matinee idol that was his bread and butter in his early years. I humbly have to admit that it is my favorite Power film, although I am a fan of many of his films. Many nights after work, when it was time for a cup of coffee and a cigarette before the long car ride home, I would stroll across the grounds of Hollywood Memorial (now known as Hollywood Forever) and sit on his marble bench. Yes, there were many places to sit at Hollywood Memorial, but Mr. Power's bench gave you the chance to sit with a "movie star". I only hope that he enjoyed the company.

@CinemaCities1978 Жыл бұрын

Seeing Abandon Ship was a real eye-opener for me. Before making this video, I watched Powers' entire filmography, and his performance in that film showed the direction his career was heading in the late 1950s. It's a shame he was taken before he could really showcase his more mature acting abilities in darker films and roles.

@voicesonthebluff 2 жыл бұрын

Excellent bio of Power's career, makes me want to go back and watch some i have seen in the past and other's I have missed. Thanks for the effort on this

@CinemaCities1978 2 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it! Whenever I go back and watch his films I am always struck by how well he can play comedy, drama and action/adventure. He could really do it all.

@curiousworld7912 Жыл бұрын

I'm coming way late to the party, but 'Nightmare Alley' has long been a favorite. (It was still on KZfaq, last I checked). I loved 'The Razor's Edge', as well; being one of the few 'meaty' roles Power was ever given. But, today, as well as then, it seems; Hollywood underestimates the adults in the audience. Mr. del Toro's version of 'Nightmare Alley' is spectacular and weirdly 'beautiful', but I'm afraid Bradley Cooper's 'Stan' doesn't measure up to Power's. (And, I'm glad your channel showed up in my notices.) :)

@CinemaCities1978 Жыл бұрын

I think one of the things (one of many) that would have benefited Del Toro's version is a younger Stan. In the book, Stan is in his early 20s, Ty Power was 33, and Bradley Cooper was 47.

@curiousworld7912 Жыл бұрын

@@CinemaCities1978 That may be it. Bradley Cooper is a fine actor, but I agree; he was probably too old for the part.

@almanook3005 Жыл бұрын

His screen presence is very strong, indeed. He particularly moved me in "The Mark of Zorro" where he and Linda Darnell light up the screen with the power of their beauty. But the supporting cast shone brightly as well. The direction by Rouben Mamoulian is exceptional, and has been copied in later hit movies. You asked if there are other Hollywood stories that would fit into this kind. There's at least one: John Derek. He wasn't as talented as Tyrone Power, but he was very beautiful. He never made it as big as Power and he wound up as a director and had 3 beautiful actresses as wives in addition to his first wife, a non-professional.

@poetcomic1 8 ай бұрын

I loved Joan Blondell in Nightmare Alley as I did in A Tree Grows in Brooklyn. She was warm and appealing and brought something to this film that it really needed.

@northernbohemianrealist1412 Жыл бұрын

I LOVE Nightmare Alley! The noiriest of the noir! Two things: Coleen Gray! How did they get away with that costume? I can't find it, but I saw an interview where the lady said, "We didn't need Playgirl. We had Tyrone Power." A tangent - I was a fan of Jeffrey Hunter as Star Trek's Captain Pike. Tyrone Power to the stars.

@buddyvilla7393 Жыл бұрын

I left my reply before I watched the entire video. I wrote that The Razors Edge and Abandon Ship were two incredible performances. I knew Tyrone was in the Marine Corps during the Second World War and was a pilot inThe Pacific Theatre. While John Wayne made feature films and Ronald Reagan made training films. Tyrone died way too young. Whatever happened to his son Tyrone Power Jr. I think I recall seeing him in the film Shag almost 40 years ago. ? Great presentation incredible job of editing!!!! With the music it was a great tribute to a much loved and I would argue terribly underrated actor!!!!!!! I don’t know if British Actress Moira Lister was married to Frankie Howard at the time she made Abandon Ship. Man did Moira or at least her character have eyes for Tyrone Powers “Brave Captain”!!!!

@CinemaCities1978 Жыл бұрын

Ty Power Jr. has gone on to do stage plays and shows. Besides "Shag", he was also in "Cocoon" with Don Ameche, a friend and frequent collaborator of his father.

@cocoaorange1 Жыл бұрын

I saw Shag, I came out in the 90's I believe. Is his son still acting?

@buddyvilla7393 Жыл бұрын

@@CinemaCities1978 Thanks ever so much MS Cinema Cities. You should do this for a living. !!!!!!!

@CinemaCities1978 Жыл бұрын

@@buddyvilla7393 I wish!!!

@KamillGran-ch5sb Жыл бұрын

There something very peculiar about the movie the King of Khayber Rifles. The movie stars Tyrone Power as a half breed British and Afghan Pashtun. His Afghan brother played by some over dramatic “classically trained” British actor. In the movie both brothers supposedly speak Pashtu, the native language together. While the British actor playing the full blooded Afghan is speaking in some made up mambo jambo gibberish language, overacting, Tyrone Power on the other hand was actually speaking, or at least trying to speak the real language, Pashtu. The man who was considered a light weight in the acting was actually making an effort to speak the language his character was supposed to speak and gave a very beautiful sensitive performance. This was the 1950’s Hollywood. Nobody probably even realized he was speaking Pashtu. He could have just spoken gibberish with overdramatized gestures. As a Pashtu speaker kid I was beyond impressed and to this day I consider Tyrone Power to be one of the greats! Bravo sir!

@CinemaCities1978 Жыл бұрын

that's fascinating. Power always took his craft seriously and this is a great example of that. It makes me love him even more.

@alimolina4279 7 күн бұрын

Kamill Gran: Your comment is excellent! I love Tyrone Power since I was a young girl! He was a great star, a great beauty and a great actor. He's unforgettable and unrepeatable! ❤

@KamillGran-ch5sb 7 күн бұрын

@@alimolina4279 I also really liked him in the Razor’s Edge. I had read the book and really liked his performance. I saw most of his movies on TCM in the late 80’s and 90’s. Another favorite is the one he played a devious con artist.

@KamillGran-ch5sb 7 күн бұрын

@@alimolina4279 oddly enough, I just saw this little gem from Tyrone’s daughter last night. I had no idea? kzfaq.infoL5F9juazBYo?si=L7b_U6ZGvwqmXr0U

@KamillGran-ch5sb 7 күн бұрын

@@alimolina4279 his daughter looks so much like him!❤️ kzfaq.infoL5F9juazBYo?si=ojItQR6G-eBOh7zP

@Rakesedan 3 ай бұрын

This was incisive and simply wonderful. Bravo! I feel so lucky to have stumbled onto Cinema Cities, recently.

@CinemaCities1978 3 ай бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you!!

@phalynwilliams4119 Жыл бұрын

I liked Johnny Apollo. It was the first film of his that I saw as a child. Tyrone Power was so handsome and a highly talented actor.

@a.m.hatfield9734 Жыл бұрын

Thank you for an interesting bio on Power. I have to confess that my favourite film of his was 'The Razor's Edge', while acknowledging it was none of his favourites.

@CinemaCities1978 Жыл бұрын

The phrase "I read it way too young. . . " really hits home. Same with me (with this and lots of other books/movies). While enjoyed the aesthetics of the mini series, I though it was too long and it annoyed me that it wanted to explain everything from Mrs. Appleyard's backstory to the motivations for all the girls. Sometimes, leaving things unexplained and mysterious just works better.

@vickiebunch3072 Жыл бұрын

I LOVE Tyrone power, he was a great actor and a beautiful man! All of his movies are classics!

@mrkurtlovesmovies 2 жыл бұрын

CC, this might be your best video yet! Now I HAVE to track down this movie! Your research is exhaustive and the well-chosen clips are a treasure trove. The time and effort you've put into this one really pays off. On a lighter note, I couldn't help but chuckle when your multiple references to Power's looks started feeling like a personal statement. ;-) I'm not typically driven to know much about actors' personal lives. But you've made Power's story quite engaging and sympathetic here. It's a credit to your work that after starting this episode in my car before a road trip, I got back to it as soon as I reached my destination (completing it before getting out of my car). I have always known Power's name and been a fan of THE MARK OF ZORRO (1940). But didn't really 'discovered' Power until a recent screening of THE CAPTAIN FROM CASTILE (1947), a rental inspired by my love of Alfred Newman's score. Power was a revelation. All of the movie star qualities you ascribe to him in this episode were on full display. I kept wondering how he'd escaped my movie-lovers radar all these years. It's clear his celebrity hasn't survived like that of his better-known peers. But your video stands as a fine memorial to the man and his legacy. Great job, CC!

@CinemaCities1978 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for the lovely compliment. If anything, I hope people stumble across this video and decide to seek out some of Tyrone Power's better films. I'm so glad that I have inspired you to check out NIGHTMARE ALLEY. It really isn't the typical Tyrone Power movie, but if he had his way it would've been. As an actor Ty Power's career is a fascinating study in how classic hollywood commodified talent. I mean they could make a star out of anyone from a broadway actor to a girl at a soda fountain but that had real consequences for people who had a commitment to their craft. This one did take a long time but I think in the new year I'm going to experiment with doing some longer really in depth stuff like this and some of the shorter mood pieces and some favorite lists.

@mrkurtlovesmovies 2 жыл бұрын

@@CinemaCities1978 Great idea! It's important to stay fluid. Looking forward to whatever comes next.

@terryolsson4145 Жыл бұрын

Fantastic!

@timothydigiuseppe1753 Жыл бұрын

The listing caught my eye, as I am an admirer of Tyrone Power. This is the first of your offerings I have watched and I liked it very much. Well done. In my opinion, good production values regarding the music and video in that there was no distraction from your engaging narrative. You do state that this was different from other entries and that, of course, will prompt me to watch them.

@CinemaCities1978 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching. At the time I made this one it was my first real deep dive star bio type video.

@neilcoligan8621 11 ай бұрын

Once again you've delivered a winner. This was a masterful examination of a career frustrated by the studio's heavy handed approach of a talented actor. I wonder if Tyrone had been less conventionally attractive and more like a cherubic Dick Powell if he could have made a more satisfying transition to darker roles that would have allowed him to stretch his ability.

@CinemaCities1978 11 ай бұрын

It's too bad Zanuck wouldn't let him go to other studios. Some of those projects would've have been great for him. I'm specifically thinking of Kings Row.

@sandy3482 9 ай бұрын

Nightmare Alley is the most underrated movie of all time, this movie fabulous and one of my favorites. Ty Power was not only the most handsome actor ever but one of the best actors ever

@CinemaCities1978 9 ай бұрын

I agree 100%!

@alimolina4279 7 күн бұрын

You're right, sandy!

@kitakitzFarm Жыл бұрын

Thank you. I appreciate your reviews. Sharing with everyone I know. Tyrone Power was 1 of a kind and it's amazing how he is still well known today. Two of my Favorites are Son Of Fury and The Luck Of The Irish

@patrickcosgrove886 Жыл бұрын

I remember seeing Nightmare Alley at a revival house in Los Angeles several years ago. A great picture and there's a good analysis of the picture by Clive T. Miller in a collection of essays in a book called Kings of the Bs.

@danielluesley3795 Жыл бұрын

Tyrone Power was magnificent! And his later films were just as good as his ones. Abandon ship The luck of the Irish. Witness for the Prosecution The Eddy duchin story The sun also Rises . He was versatile and very talented. I LOVED HIM. BUT HOLLYWOOD ATE HIM UP AND MOVED ON. VERY SAD.THANK YOU.

@chinomatography Жыл бұрын

This was a great video essay! I love Tyrone Power, and now all I can think about are the heights his career might have gone had it not been for Fox.

@CinemaCities1978 Жыл бұрын

Hey! Thanks so much for watching! I'm a fan of your channel, and your Alain Delon video sent me off on a months-long adventure into the world of Delon films. I think maybe Ty Power would have thrived at Warner Brothers. Since Errol Flynn was the accented swashbuckler, Power could have moved between sophisticated dramas, crime films, and light comedies. But who knows... the studios always wasted their talent.

@Logan-jj7vx 10 күн бұрын

It's quite sad that Tyrone Power wasn't allowed to explore his full potential as an actor. Attractive men and women are often exploited by the powers that be... and it still goes on today. Imagine if he had the lead role in "The Golden Boy" or the part of Ashely Wilkes (played by Leslie Howard) in "Gone With The Wind". One can only speculate how wonderful it would have been to see him in these (and other) notable films. A remarkable talent he was... R.I.P. Tyrone Power.

@aileen694 9 ай бұрын

Very well-done bio, thank you!

@xlta1 10 ай бұрын

Great analysis and perspective on Tyrone Power! I can tell you put a lot of time and effort in making this.

@CinemaCities1978 10 ай бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it!

@rdevans4097 3 ай бұрын

Excellent and thoroughly enjoyable.

@ghayes220 Жыл бұрын

Excellent video. I learned a lot about Power. Always enjoyed his movies.

@CinemaCities1978 Жыл бұрын

Thank you. I'm glad you enjoyed the video!

@toniadugger3954 Жыл бұрын

loved this !! thanks 👍🏼

@ronnydee2 4 ай бұрын

I just discovered your channel. Your narration is wonderful and your knowledge of movies is outstanding. Rawhide is one of the great westerns that has been forgotten. I’ve always been a movie buff, thank you for these great documentaries. Tyrone Power was one of the greats he left us too soon.

@hulahandskc Жыл бұрын

Thanks for making this video. Very enjoyable to learn the back story of such people.

@JaesadaSrisuk Ай бұрын

I’m so glad to have found your channel! You definitely have one of the best classic film KZfaq channels. Have you thought about doing a video on Rudolph Valentino? He was another stunning actor who had a career marked by tragedy and so many missed opportunities.

@arnesahlen2704 2 ай бұрын

Yes, do please make more programs like this.

@coreolis7 Жыл бұрын

I am truly relishing your commentaries-: incisive, comprehensive, succinct= deeply enjoyable!

@andymoody8363 Жыл бұрын

I love your mini films. Astute, insightful and compassionate. Well done.

@oldude979 Жыл бұрын

Don't know much about movies or actors, except which ones I like and don't like, but I think this production on TP is well done..

@erinchilds4028 Жыл бұрын

very well done. thank you!

@CinemaCities1978 Жыл бұрын

You're welcome! Thank you for watching.

@HagothVoyage Жыл бұрын

Love it! More!

@crumpingtons 2 жыл бұрын

Love this documentary. Thoughtful and well done. Ima big Tyrone fan. Thanks

@CinemaCities1978 2 жыл бұрын

Your welcome! As a Ty Power fan I'm glad you enjoyed it!

@Spiderman7Bob7 Жыл бұрын

I truely believe that TYRONE POWER was the greatest male movie star of his era. Hands down .

@sherryrobinson7389 Жыл бұрын

I saw Abandoned ship as a kid, and the ring scene tore me up, ... later on as an adult, saw the movie again, it did not hit as hard as when I first saw it, I guess I will watch it one more time. Saw razor's edge a couple years ago, it got wishy washy at the end , I felt..... he was vague and indecisive I think, and I couldn't figure that out..... I will look up nightmare alley ! Thank you! Thanks again! S.

@brendadrew834 Жыл бұрын

Thank you, great job and narration! You sure did your homework! I've always loved Tyrone Power, pretty guy indeed! Very talented and so tragic that he died young in his forties! May he rest in peace~

@limolnar Жыл бұрын

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Tyrone Power, Nightmare Alley & the trap of the Hollywood Studio System

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