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

[@CinemaCities1978]

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]

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]

@@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]

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]

Also The Razors Edge and Abandon Ship two Incredible Performances.

[@waynej2608]

​@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]

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]

Your mother is 100% right.

[@gorge5412]

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]

Your Mom is right.

[@ChaoYangMF]

He was gay AF

[@edcpike]

Your Mom was right

[@gerardmackay8909]

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.

[@vintageincolor]

Looking at his girlfriends he did seem to have a type 😂

[@alimolina4279]

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]

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]

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

[@alimolina4279]

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

[@sandyb1464]

Did he make Lana Turner have an abortion??

[@alimolina4279]

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

[@charlesheck6812]

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]

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]

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]

​@@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]

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

[@tr7b410]

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.

[@BountifulOne2024]

Even though I grew up in Ty's post-war period, the only film of his I remember seeing was King of the Kyber Rifles...I was 10 at the time and I don't have any memory of it other than a blue uniform. A couple of weeks ago I stumbled on Nightmare Alley and was amazed at the powerful performance he put in. Afterward, I deliberately chose to not view the current remake to not dilute my experience of this one. Thank you so much for this detailed and compassionate review of his career. By the way...your narrations are excellent...5 stars every time!!

[@mauiskater]

My new favorite channel. I studied broadcasting in college and film history was my favorite part. I love how much I learn from your channel. I’m 58 years old ❤❤

[@peterharrer3261]

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]

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

[@harveycan5820]

​@@anthonytripp2251Technically between B'way and West End but actually just a few steps off B'way. If I went to the Thalia I always had to go to Sal's Pizza on the B'way side of the corner. Best pizza ever!

[@anthonytripp2251]

@@harveycan5820 I don't know if you're old enough but the Burger Barn was on that corner too. This is going back some years.

[@Spiderman7Bob7]

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]

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]

@@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.

[@Katiemadonna3]

I LOVED THIS! I discovered your channel through this essay on Tyronne Power, and I am very impressed with your work. Thank you for giving Tyronne a well-deserved spotlight. Such a stunning performer. Nightmare Alley is my favorite film ❤

[@brendadrew834]

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]

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

[@sterling4271]

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

[@sarahhearn-vonfoerster7401]

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

[@MothGirl007]

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

[@kelb6073]

It would have taken away from Rhett for sure

[@robjones2408]

"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]

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

[@PaulKyriazi]

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

[@CinemaCities1978]

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

[@angelbabysqueaky3985]

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..

[@inapickle806]

​@@angelbabysqueaky3985I always saw it as a pretty immature infatuation greatly enhanced by how hot and cold he was with her, unlike her other suitors. Once he married Melody, proving she could capture him became her focus more than anything intrinsic to him.

[@clairepalmer3876]

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]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@poetcomic1]

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.

[@Kerry_Berry1]

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.

[@cocoaorange1]

I heard he was a nice guy.

[@tiffsaver]

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]

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]

@@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!

[@arslongavitabrevis5136]

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)

[@peterhall5070]

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.

[@nawlinsman]

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.

[@allanmiller4972]

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

[@carollund8251]

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

[@CinemaCities1978]

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

[@bloggerblogg5878]

I love that movie and he is great in it!

[@henrybrowne7248]

He also DIED before they finished the film😢. .

[@alimolina4279]

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

[@ChrisLeonard-np7lh]

Just saw it recently and really liked it!

[@parisbreakfast]

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]

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.

[@harveycan5820]

​@@CinemaCities1978Well captured! The look of the remake (color, art direction, costumes, etc.) is lush but it really didn't hold together where it counted, ie, the story and the characters. Everyone in the cast was very earnest but it all seemed contrived, even desperate to evoke a noir sensibility. I wound up not caring for it. The original is just right in all regards... Maybe the ending is syrupy and let's Stan off too easy; but it elevates Molly's goodness and gives some hope of redemption. She's better than Stan deserves, but gives the audience something to hold onto. Did you ever get to the remake?

[@ellejay2021]

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]

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]

"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]

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

[@kennethrussell1158]

​@@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.

[@harveycan5820]

Lest we forget Milland grabbed the Oscar for Lost Weekend... It wasn't like a total loss! He was brilliant in that picture.

[@c.a.savage5689]

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

[@mikedaviot854]

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.

[@voicesonthebluff]

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]

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.

[@jamesallard7223]

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.

[@timothydigiuseppe1753]

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]

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

[@mrkurtlovesmovies]

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]

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]

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

[@harveycan5820]

​@@CinemaCities1978One actor to maybe look at is Robert Taylor. He was a real pretty boy in the 30s but seemed to have sought out much grittier, less sympathetic roles as he got older. The High Wall, Johnny Eager, The Bribe, Undertow, Saddle the Wind, Party Girl... These are all post-war so maybe that's a contributing factor. But each of these roles shows a very dark, brooding, compromised guy that belies the handsome face. There's also a Western that is so intense... Might be The Last Hunt? Wow, super dark! I didn't know that he had a long marriage to Barbara Stanwyck till recently, and I think they lived in Chatsworth nearby to me. The San Fernando Valley as a topic could be a lengthy piece! It was its own movie colony on a par with Beverly Hills! Still is! So enjoying your passion and scholarship! Are you also doing the tech side in assembling the pieces? So well done!

[@kamirobey175]

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]

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

[@CinemaCities1978]

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

[@johnlargan6045]

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]

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]

@@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.

[@Fomorian37]

Thanks!

[@CinemaCities1978]

thank you so much for the Super Thanks!!! 😊

[@spnkysy791]

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]

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

[@alimolina4279]

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

[@harveycan5820]

Rawhide is excellent! The chemistry of the characters in that claustrophobic space is so dynamic!

[@FernandaGutz22]

I LOVE Tyrone Power, he is one of my favorite Hollywood actors.. Indeed, stunning. Wonderful job, you got yourself a new suscriber! Greetings from Mexico :)

[@CinemaCities1978]

I'm glad you enjoyed the video. Thanks for watching and subscribing!

[@catherineaiello7136]

You definitely did your research. Good video on TP. Thanks.

[@CinemaCities1978]

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

[@nhmisnomer]

I really enjoy your thoughtful, well-paced videos. I also enjoy your choice of music for them.

[@catherinekerr2160]

Tyrone Power was THE most handsome film star & a terrific actor. RIP💖💥

[@CinemaCities1978]

100%

[@darinsingleton3553]

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]

you're welcome!

[@xlta1]

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

[@CinemaCities1978]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@KamillGran-ch5sb]

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]

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]

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]

@@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]

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

[@KamillGran-ch5sb]

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

[@russellcampbell9198]

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

[@harveycan5820]

Totally agree about Abandon Ship! It's so under the radar as an outstanding film. I think it maybe had a VHS release but for DVD I've only been able to find bootleg copies. Many outstanding performances and highly taut suspense.

[@kjnq]

Beautiful well done 😍😍😍 and very easy to watch,,, bravo ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@CinemaCities1978]

Thanks so much 😊

[@mikebreen9980]

Hi thanks for these very interesting and informative videos. I have always been attracted to films of the 30s 40s 50s, and your intelligent narrative is a pleasure. Thanks again.

[@CinemaCities1978]

You're welcome. I'm glad that so many classic film fans have found this video.

[@highwaystitchercoletteking5633]

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.

[@crumpingtons]

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

[@CinemaCities1978]

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

[@aileen694]

Very well-done bio, thank you!

[@nihilioellipsis]

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.

[@sherryrobinson7389]

CinemaCities: I wrote some points, I guess the server stopped. I ran across your posts , and listened to 3 or so. I love your voice and pausing time! You have a gift of good communication and give space for reflection time. I cracked up over your dry humor at 3:00 on tight pants! 😀😀😀😀😀. I bet you are good in a group to be a good teacher, to clearly express your ideas, and hear others.

[@CinemaCities1978]

Thank you so much for taking the time to watch and for leaving such a thoughtful comment.

[@ghostwriterinme5050]

Please more exactly like this one. Thank you!

[@braylonmaverick2617]

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]

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.

[@harveycan5820]

​@@CinemaCities1978So true! Abandon Ship is way too unknown. Has it ever had a legit DVD release? (ie Criterion). Is it streaming anywhere? Has it been on TCM? Very strong performance in what had to be challenging circumstances to make. I wonder if it hastened his end, even. I also loved Eddy Duchin story! My favorite scene was when he played the piano with the little Asian boy in the rubble. Sadly, a kind of prophetic picture given the untimely demise of the main character and Ty Power.

[@brendadrew834]

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~

[@kbc163]

I'm an old Hollywood buff, but I'll admit Tyrone Power has not been on my radar very often. This was a well done, thoughtful portrayal, and I'll have to give Mr. Power (was there ever a better star name?!) another look. Thanks for posting.

[@buddyvilla7393]

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]

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]

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

[@buddyvilla7393]

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

[@CinemaCities1978]

@@buddyvilla7393 I wish!!!

[@geraldking4080]

Simply outstanding.

[@Rakesedan]

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

[@CinemaCities1978]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you!!

[@izzy9132]

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.

[@harveycan5820]

I'm going to join you on loving King's Row but differ on Bob Cummings. I thought he wasn't great but that his weaknesses fit those of the character. Paris needed to be naive and flimsy until he eventually finds his strength. I don't know that Power would have been believeable in that sense. And Cummings was a better contrast to Drake's confident swaggart than Power would have been. I thought it had the right chemistry as it was, including the great turns by Claude Rains, Ann Sheridan, and Betty Field!

[@jamesa.romano8500]

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]

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]

@@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]

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. ♐

[@cocoaorange1]

I thought he might have been part Italian, but maybe he was part Gypsy. I became addicted to his movies during the pandemic. My late mom was a big fan.

[@harveycan5820]

​@@AladdinSaneNYCLoved Mark Stevens in Dark Corner and some other noirs... Titles escaping me at the moment. He could go to some dsrk, gritty places! John Payne, too!

[@ronnydee2]

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.

[@TheloniousCube]

Long a favorite of mine, I'm glad you featured this. I didn't think del Toro added anything to the older version, but at least more people know about it now (and it got a Criterion release)

[@CinemaCities1978]

Agreed. I didn't care for the remake at all, but I was thankful for it because it introduced a lot of people to Ty Power and the 1947 version.

[@TheloniousCube]

@@CinemaCities1978 I remember when it was announced, my first thought was "Now THAT is a movie that does NOT need a remake!"

[@bryanabarca9860]

This content being free feels criminal. Thank you so much for the education on the history of cinema, def subscribing!

[@CinemaCities1978]

thank you so much for watching! i'm glad you're enjoying the videos.

[@toniadugger3954]

loved this !! thanks 👍🏼

[@a.m.hatfield9734]

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]

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.

[@kennethmurphy6621]

Witness for the Prosecution is my favorite Tyrone Power movie, though I have not seen Nightmare Alley, yet. It is the type of film that I enjoy, where all the pieces: actors, directing, writing, editing, and production work well together tell a good & enjoyable story. From your description of Nightmare Alley it seems I have been remiss in not seeing it sooner. I recently picked up the Criterion Collection version of it and will be correct this soon.

[@CinemaCities1978]

The criterion edition has a great commentary track and special feature interviews,

[@diego-search]

@@CinemaCities1978 Sara Imogen Smith's with the Criterion edition, and this presentation on Cinema Cities, are the two best, most accurate reviews/commentaries on video, pertaining to "Nightmare Alley."

[@andymoody8363]

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

[@ghayes220]

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

[@CinemaCities1978]

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

[@roadrunner381]

Enjoyed that very much, Yes yes yes, keep them coming!👍🌟

[@chinomatography]

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]

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.

[@VivaVinoTinto]

I’m a new subscriber so I’m a little behind and getting caught up, but thank you for giving me a renewed appreciation for Tyrone Power!

[@CinemaCities1978]

You're welcome! Thank you for watching and subscribing.

[@enrique25may]

Great video, I would love to see about Rodolfo Valentino too

[@dk60ish]

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]

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]

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

[@etherealtb6021]

​@@CinemaCities1978King is very underrated!

[@lauriem5751]

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

[@CinemaCities1978]

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

[@davewalter1216]

Thanks for this series. I've only watched three so far, but each was excellently researched and very well presented.

[@CinemaCities1978]

Thank you so much. Glad you like them!

[@vincentrea3499]

Completely agree with D.W. The speaker pulls you into the presentation, you listen to every word!

[@sandy3482]

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]

I agree 100%!

[@alimolina4279]

You're right, sandy!

[@JaesadaSrisuk]

I’m so glad to have found your channel! You definitely have one of the best classic film KZbin 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.

[@biskjay]

Wonderful videos, you have such a soothing voice! Would love to see a video on George Sanders...

[@CinemaCities1978]

Thank so much for watching. I will add Sanders to the list.

[@sherryrobinson7389]

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.

[@neilcoligan8621]

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]

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.

[@v.a.993]

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]

I think I would've enjoyed the competition 😂

[@c.a.savage5689]

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.

[@KellyfromMemphisDD214]

really enjoying your channel! 🤗

[@CinemaCities1978]

thank you! i'm glad you found it!

[@MisterSplendy]

A friend of mine owned one of the last video stores in Manhattan. He told me Ty Power Jr. was a regular customer. Nice guy, and looked almost exactly like his dad.

[@CinemaCities1978]

I'm glad he's a nice guy.

[@aruglaempire2518]

I think you put out the best docs on YT. New sub!!!

[@CinemaCities1978]

Thank you!!!!!!

[@grievousangel7742]

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.

[@PhilippinesFarmLife]

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

[@alisdairmckenzie]

An excellent and well researched video - I've seen a couple of them but I recognise your voice now. I will def be watching more of them. Entertaining and informative. I love stories about the nightmare that was the Hollywood studio system.

[@CinemaCities1978]

Thanks for watching. The studio system gave us some great films but some people paid a terrible emotional/psychological/spiritual price for it.

[@alisdairmckenzie]

@CinemaCities1978 Indeed, no doubt about that. One of the best films about the horror of the studio, in addition to The Day of the Locust, is Mullholland Drive. Once you understand Lynch's dream logic and his cinematic language, it unlocks so many secrets. Thank you, once again.

[@coreolis7]

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

[@curiousworld7912]

I'm coming way late to the party, but 'Nightmare Alley' has long been a favorite. (It was still on KZbin, 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]

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]

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

[@catirerubio]

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]

Well said! 👏

[@KerrieKruegner]

Perhaps John Wayne was a pacifist and against the war Ironic I know seeing he was in all those nasty shoot out westerns?!

[@marvel096]

i just discovered your channel and fell in love with it!! i adore tyrone power, the first movie of his i've watched was the razor's edge, i was a fan immediately

[@CinemaCities1978]

As a fellow old hollywood fan, I'm so glad you found this channel! Welcome!

[@petergraham8681]

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.

[@terryolsson4145]

Fantastic!

[@erinchilds4028]

very well done. thank you!

[@CinemaCities1978]

You're welcome! Thank you for watching.

[@vickiebunch3072]

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

[@MoreMovies4u]

Wow. First, what film is this shot from 24:35 ? Secondly, confession. I knew next to nothing about Tyrone Power beforehand. Zorro was all I could think of, and Witness for the Prosecution. I have always known he was a legend, but never really knew anything about his career or watched many of his movies. Compared to his contemporaries, as you point out, he was undersold. I have learned so much from this video. I didn't hear much about the Nightmare Alley remake until it was ready to roll out, so to discover the original too, I have to say thanks again, CC. You know, I actually want to watch Ty's version first, before seeing the remake. I cannot believe Bradley Cooper is playing Stan! I remember you saying something similar a ways back, and now that I really get ya. Great bumper episode. Will watch again at some point, no doubt!

[@CinemaCities1978]

That shot is from IN OLD CHICAGO. It's a film about the great Chicago fire and really a prototype for all the great disaster films that came later, especially the ones in the 1970s like AIRPORT and THE POSEIDON ADVENTURE. Please do watch Ty's NIGHTMARE ALLEY. It really is one of the finest film noirs to come out of that classic period. Also, put into the context of his career, it is the one film he would most want to be remembered for. And yes, he was so undersold. I think it was because he was so versatile. If you look at his filmography he did it all - comedy, drama, noir, musicals, and he made it look so easy. He even remade films that had originally starred personalities as different as Rudolph Valentino (BLOOD AND SAND) and Douglas Fairbanks (THE MARK OF ZORRO) and he made those films his own. He was truly a great talent!

[@alimolina4279]

@@CinemaCities1978 : You're right! I'm completely agree with you! Also he was so subtle!

[@patrickcosgrove886]

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.

[@tiffsaver]

I really enjoyed your documentary. First-class, and excellent all around.

[@teresavandyck784]

Thank you for this. I’m such a fan of Ty. The first TP movie I saw was Captain from Castile. I fell hard, I must have been about 4 yo. Jean Peters was so beautiful woman. I also loved Nightmare Alley. Of course, I cried during Suez. Annabella and he truly loved each other. Dad he didn’t see his only son after he was born. I saw him too in a movie where he played Captain of a lifeboat where he made difficult decisions but kept most of them alive. That was also very good, and not at all glamorous. Again, I agree with you and am so glad you gave us this look at that crappy Hollywood Studio system, but they did manage to give us some great movies.

[@almanook3005]

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.

[@lisetteeliseparis7070]

Love your content and production values - thank you so much. Subscribing.

[@CinemaCities1978]

Thank you! That is awesome to hear.