Powerful story, probably based on real life incidents, particularly during the Great Depression. Superbly written by Wilson Mizner, who died not too long after this film. Mizner wrote such classics as 20,000 YEARS IN SING SING and ONE WAY PASSAGE, an inspiration to writers to this day.
Warren William, the master of suave, is perfect in the role of a debonaire con called Chandra the Great, master of trickery and deception. Chandra is hailed as an incredibly gifted mind reader, but nothing more than a fake who only knows how to steal money and subsequently ruin many lives of those who believe in his power.
Enter beautiful Sylvia (exceptionally played by Constance Cummings), an unemployed secretary who could use a job and goes to work for him. She discovers his racket, but also falls in love with him -- which complicates matters and may dramatically change his own future.
Excellent direction by Roy Del Ruth, who was behind many classic crime dramas at the time. Good support from Allen Jenkins (as Frank) and Clarence Muse (as Sam), playing Chandra's partners in crime. Mayo Methot, best known for being the wife of Humphrey Bogart, has a small but effective part as one of Chandra's victims. Also dramatic actress Natalie Moorehead co-stars.
This was one of the last Hollywood productions Constance Cummings would star in before moving to England, where she became even more popular for decades to come. Warren William would next star in GOLD DIGGERS OF 1933 and then onto playing detectives Philo Vance and Perry Mason.
A treat from start to finish, and one of William's best roles. Always on Warner Brothers remastered dvd. Thanks to TCM for running this classic.
Warren William, the master of suave, is perfect in the role of a debonaire con called Chandra the Great, master of trickery and deception. Chandra is hailed as an incredibly gifted mind reader, but nothing more than a fake who only knows how to steal money and subsequently ruin many lives of those who believe in his power.
Enter beautiful Sylvia (exceptionally played by Constance Cummings), an unemployed secretary who could use a job and goes to work for him. She discovers his racket, but also falls in love with him -- which complicates matters and may dramatically change his own future.
Excellent direction by Roy Del Ruth, who was behind many classic crime dramas at the time. Good support from Allen Jenkins (as Frank) and Clarence Muse (as Sam), playing Chandra's partners in crime. Mayo Methot, best known for being the wife of Humphrey Bogart, has a small but effective part as one of Chandra's victims. Also dramatic actress Natalie Moorehead co-stars.
This was one of the last Hollywood productions Constance Cummings would star in before moving to England, where she became even more popular for decades to come. Warren William would next star in GOLD DIGGERS OF 1933 and then onto playing detectives Philo Vance and Perry Mason.
A treat from start to finish, and one of William's best roles. Always on Warner Brothers remastered dvd. Thanks to TCM for running this classic.