Alias Nick Beal by John Farrow Attorney meets a stranger - Nick Beale, who helps him make a dizzying political career. Meanwhile, Nick Beal's demonic character soon becomes apparent. It doesn’t matter who he is, it’s important that he is dangerous.
This film, perfectly directed by John Farrow became simply a benefit of Ray Milland. Custom, intelligent, callous, tough - he perfectly creates the image of a mysterious puppeteer who will stop at nothing to achieve the goal. Certainly one of the best roles of this wonderful actor.
Of course, the film is similar to “The Devil’s Advocate” with Al Pacino. Which immediately implies the possibility of comparison. And here's the amazing thing: Farrow's painting seems to me more interesting, lively and dynamic.
Moreover, of course, purely subjective, but the acting work of Ray Milland, I think many times more accurate than the work of Al Pacino.
Farrow so enthusiastically created the image of an unscrupulous scoundrel that he cannot help but push parallels with Hitchcock’s films. Moreover, in “In case of murder, dial M” – starred Ray Milland, and the stylistic between the films Farrow and Hitchcock are obvious. I think Sir Alfred was inspired by such works as Alias Nick Beal or A Thousand Eyes in the Night.
Comparisons with Farrow's "Night of a Thousand Eyes" are also fair. Despite the extreme realism, each of these films includes different shades of mysticism, as well as descriptions of human meanness and greed.
In the end: impeccable directorial work of John Farrow and the magnificent actor's benefit Ray Milland.
8 out of 10