Alias Nick Beal, also known by other titles, comes from director John Farrow and features a screenplay by Jonathan Latimer based on a Mindret Lord story. The film includes performances by Ray Milland, Audrey Totter, Thomas Mitchell, and George Macready, with music composed by Franz Waxman and cinematography by Lionel Lindon. The movie presents the familiar Faustian tale through the lens of film noir, as politician Thomas Mitchell inadvertently enters an agreement with the unsettling Nick Beal, played by Ray Milland. Nicholas Beal – Agent. It’s a world of fogs, smogs, and smoky bars; the year is 1949, and John Farrow and his collaborators seem to be enjoying themselves as they combine the Faust legend with political maneuvering. The story progresses through corruption and the deterioration of characters, along with the usual cinematic contrast between good and evil. Don’t touch him! He doesn't like it! Milland is excellent in this film; his Nick Beal embodies the ultimate Machiavellian manipulator, and the filmmakers really emphasize these qualities. Beal is full of smug smiles and gleaming eyes, appearing unexpectedly in scenes thanks to Farrow’s clever use of props and people to unleash this little devil when he's least anticipated. Subtle changes in attire and brief snippets of dialogue add to the devilish atmosphere; Totter portrays the woman caught in Old Nick's web, and Mitchell delivers a particularly strong performance as well. The last time I was here was quite exciting. City was on fire. Picked up quite a lot of recruits that night. Made quite a transportation problem. Lionel Lindon and Franz Waxman are also essential to the film’s success. Waxman (of Sunset Blvd. fame) skillfully moves between powerful bass drums for thunderous effects and delicate swirls creating an otherworldly, eerie feel. Lindon (known for I Want to Live!) does remarkable work highlighting eyes with light, and his fog and shadow techniques would fit perfectly in a Val Lewton production. This is a movie that deserves more attention; it’s not flawless because the mix of genres gives it an uneven quality. However, there's so much enjoyment, spookiness, and technical skill on display that makes it essential viewing for fans of the stars, noir films, and those with supernatural elements. 8/10

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