Rating summary

Movie		4.5
Video		3.5
Audio		4.5
Extras		4.0
Overall		4.0

Alias Nick Beal Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Dr. Svet Atanasov December 30, 2020

John Farrow's "Alias Nick Beal" (1949) arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of Via Vision Entertainment. The supplemental features on the disc include exclusive new audio commentary by film noir expert Eddie Muller; vintage radio adaptation; and archival production and promotional materials for the film. In English, with optional English SDH subtitles for the main feature. Region-Free.

You signed a contract, remember?

Have you ever wondered why some people argue that life is a big game of numbers? No, these are not compulsive gamblers with a twisted perception of reality, but slightly more cynical people that see life from a very particular angle. Their theory is that the right numbers can make any life a magnificent journey, and I partially agree. Why partially? Because the right bank account numbers certainly could perform miracles for you, but if you don’t have your health, they are utterly meaningless. Now, consider a reversed scenario. Without proper bank account numbers your journey would not even be initiated, and almost certainly you will spend the time that has been given to you existing -- not living, but merely existing. It is an interesting theory these people have, isn’t it?

Now, I want you to consider a different scenario. Imagine that you have your health and one day you meet a man that has the ability not only to arrange these special numbers, but do all kinds of other things for you. He can give you that dream career you always wanted but could not get. If you don’t want to work, he can give you a unique talent that would allow you to be creative and successful in an entirely new way. He can force other people to see you in a way you always wanted but never thought possible. Imagine that such a man really does exist and he can grant your wishes, whatever they might be. What are you willing to give back to him, in exchange for his magic? Be honest with yourself now -- you can get everything you thought would make your life that special journey you dreamed of when you were younger. What are you willing to give back to him? Anything you have and he wants? Or are you strong enough to resist the man and his temptations?

The scenario with the man I just described to you is at the center of John Farrow’s film Alias Nick Beal. On a dark and foggy night, the man, Nick Beal (Ray Milland), emerges from the shadows and meets Joseph Foster (Thomas Mitchell), an aging District Attorney who has always dreamed of being a governor. Having overheard Foster stating that he would give up his soul to nail the notorious gangster Hanson, Beal offers him the deal he has described. Soon after, he points Foster in the right direction and he acquires Hanson’s secret financial books, which allow him to expose his shady dealings and then promptly put him behind bars. The case immediately transforms Foster into a public star and he is urged by colleagues and top politicians to pursue his dream -- becoming a governor. With Beal constantly around him and helping him overcome different obstacles, Foster quickly launches a massive political campaign and then goes to work. But the road to success proves bumpier than anticipated and under Beal’s direction and against his wife’s (Geraldine Wall) wish Foster is eventually forced to collaborate with Frankie Faulkner (Fred Clark), a shady character with plenty of important connections, who at the right moment helps him get the necessary votes to win. On the way to the top, Foster also begins a relationship with staff member Donna Allen (Audrey Totter), a beautiful former prostitute, who is reporting to Beal and making sure that her boss’ career progresses according to his wishes. For a while after he is declared a winner Foster feels as he always imagined he would if his dream came true, but when Beal announces that it is time for him to deliver on his promise, he slowly begins to reevaluate his profound transformation and the price he is expected to pay for it.

My initial impression of Alias Nick Beal was that it does not quite fit the proper profile to be considered film noir, but after viewing it a second time over the last forty-eight hours, I have changed my mind. It is exactly as Eddie Muller describes it in his new audio commentary -- a Faust-esque film noir. I even agree that, while not as glamorous, Totter’s femme fatale ranks right up there with some of the best ones the genre has introduced.

There are two aspects of the production that surprised me a lot and actually made me want to see the film twice. First, the cynicism that permeates the narrative feels very prophetic. (To be honest, however, it is not. It is just that we are often surprised when older films have the courage to state truths that have been around for decades. Preston Sturges’ films, while often extremely funny, are as illuminating as they are for this very reason). I don’t want to spoil its best moments for you, so let’s just say that it is not a coincidence that while playing his game Beal strikes deals with a politician and a prostitute. Second, the overlapping of the noir and supernatural elements is so masterfully done you eventually forget that they come from different places. It is what gives the film its flexible identity and ultimately makes it look different. Of course, the socio-political overtones that are intertwined with them make it look quite modern as well.

Milland gives a terrific performance oozing meanness that feels most appropriate. Mitchell’s transformation is outstanding as well. However, the film is definitely a team effort. As Muller points out, a lot of the ‘smaller’ parts are actually pitch-perfect and have a tremendous impact on the desired tone and atmosphere.

Alias Nick Beal Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Presented in an aspect ratio of 1.35:1, encoded with MPEG-4 AVC and granted a 1080p transfer, Alias Nick Beal arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of Via Vision Entertainment.

I liked this film so much I saw it twice over the course of forty-eight hours, so I actually examined the current master really, really well. Here are my impressions of it:

It is an older master that was supplied by Universal Pictures and shows some predictable signs of aging, but when projected it looks quite nice. For example, there are some minor specks and scratches that pop up as well as a couple of pretty big damage marks. These are all cosmetic imperfections that digital tools can quickly and very effectively eliminate, so my guess is that if, or perhaps when, the film is fully restored, it will look cleaner. But this isn't a big issue for me. Furthermore, while ideally density can look better, the master is actually very nice. Indeed, this film has a lot of darker foggy footage where light and shadow are captured in very particular ways and despite some unevenness on a big screen the visuals look good, in many areas even very good. There are absolutely no traces of problematic digital tinkering and, as you know by now, this makes a huge difference. The grading is very convincing and the darker footage reveals surprisingly good shadow definition. Image stabilization can be optimized with modern digital tools, but there are no serious issues to report. So, overall this is actually a very fine master, with plenty of nice organic qualities. Can the film look better? Yes, and I am almost certain that at some point in the future it will. How do I know this? I don't have an insider information about a new 4K master that is in progress, but this film is too big for the folks at Universal Pictures not to consider a proper makeover when the time is right. My score is 3.75/5.00. (Note: This is a Region-Free Blu-ray release. Therefore, you will be able to play it on your player regardless of your geographical location).

Alias Nick Beal Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

There is only one standard audio track on this Blu-ray release: English LPCM 2.0. Optional English SDH subtitles are provided for the main feature.

The audio is clear and easy to follow. If you turn up the volume a lot, as I did, you will detect some extremely light background hiss occasionally sneaking in, but this isn't the heavy hiss with the mandatory distortions that pops up on very old masters. In other words, it is not distracting. Stability is good, too. However, there are some native fluctuations that produce light unevenness. Usually, they appear during mass or outdoor scenes where some organic sounds and noises flood the exchanges. (The catfight between the prostitutes in the busy bar is a good example). Dynamic intensity is good for a film from the 1940s. My score is 4.25/5.00.

Alias Nick Beal Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Commentary - film noir expert Eddie Muller recorded this new audio commentary in the middle of the devastating heat that hit California earlier this year. Predictably, it is another winner. Mr. Muller has a lot of interesting things to say about his friendship with Audrey Totter and her performance in Alias Nick Beal, the tremendous atmosphere of the film (with some very interesting comments about the decision to utilize the notorious crooked bar), the blending of different genre elements that takes place in it, Lionel Lindon's lensing and Ray Milland's presence before the camera, how John Farrow might have managed to get the risque content highlighting the true identity of the prostitute as it appears in the film, etc. You know how I feel about Mr. Muller's commentaries -- they are always fantastic.

• Radio Adaptation - presented here is a radio version of Alias Nick Beal from the Screen Director's Playhouse, featuring Ray Milland and Jan Sterling. In English, not subtitled.

• Theatrical Trailer - vintage theatrical trailer for Alias Nick Beal. In English, not subtitled.

• Photo Gallery - a collection of vintage production and promotional materials for Alias Nick Beal.

Alias Nick Beal Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

You know the classic legend about Faust, correct? So, do you know what would have been the easiest way to beat the Devil at his own game? A simple request to grant eternal life with perfect health, which instantly would have ensured two things: the negotiator gets to decide when and how he exits the deal, or the arrangement never happens because the Devil realizes on the spot that it is no longer his deal. It is a win-win situation for the negotiator. John Farrow's Alias Nick Beal puts a terrific spin on the classic legend which surprisingly -- or if you spend a bit of time thinking about it, not so surprisingly -- produces a wide range of truths that feel incredibly relevant in the current socio-political environment. It is a fantastic film, a genuine classic, really, with some absolutely marvelous performances. This recent release also features a predictably excellent exclusive new audio commentary by arguably the best man that does these types of recordings for film noirs, Eddie Muller. It is included in this four-disc box set from Australian label Via Vision Entertainment. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.