Is Alias Nick Beal Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, Alias Nick Beal is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 93 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to mature audiences.
Alias Nick Beal Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1949, Alias Nick Beal emerges as a significant entry in the Drama, Crime, Fantasy domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of After straight-arrow district attorney Joseph Foster says in frustration that he would sell his soul to bring down a local mob boss, a smooth-talking stranger named Nick Beal shows up with enough evidence to seal a conviction. Unlike standard genre fare, Alias Nick Beal attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and Alias Nick Beal features a noteworthy lineup led by Ray Milland . Supported by the likes of Audrey Totter and Thomas Mitchell , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Alias Nick Beal (1949) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.7/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Alias Nick Beal Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Alias Nick Beal is a Drama, Crime, Fantasy film that explores complex human emotions and relationships through nuanced character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Alias Nick Beal Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Alias Nick Beal concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to drama resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the drama themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Alias Nick Beal reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Alias Nick Beal Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Alias Nick Beal incorporates elements from real criminal cases. As a drama, crime, fantasy film, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement.
Historical Context
The film takes creative liberties to enhance dramatic impact. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.
Creative interpretation shapes the final narrative, focusing on emotional truth over strict chronology.
Accuracy Assessment: Alias Nick Beal adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch Alias Nick Beal?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want a character-driven story with emotional moments
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Full Cast & Crew of Alias Nick Beal
- Ray Milland – Nick Beal
- Audrey Totter – Donna Allen
- Thomas Mitchell – Joseph Foster
- George Macready – Thomas Garfield
- Fred Clark – Frankie Faulkner
Top Highlights
Ray MillandNick Beal
Audrey TotterDonna Allen
Thomas MitchellJoseph Foster
George MacreadyThomas Garfield
Fred ClarkFrankie Faulkner
Geraldine WallMartha Foster
Henry O'NeillJudge Ben Hobbs
Darryl HickmanLarry Price
Nestor PaivaKarl
King DonovanPeter Wolfe
Where to Watch Alias Nick Beal Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
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YouTube🏷️ Buy on
Amazon VideoApple TVGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeParents Guide & Age Rating
Alias Nick Beal is rated NR. Parents should be aware that it contains mature themes, violence.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.7/10, and global collection metrics, Alias Nick Beal stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1949 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Alias Nick Beal movie hit or flop?
Alias Nick Beal has received mixed reviews with a 6.7/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Alias Nick Beal worth watching?
Alias Nick Beal is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Drama, Crime, Fantasy movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Alias Nick Beal online?
Alias Nick Beal may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
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How Alias Nick Beal Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Alias Nick Beal
Old Nick - Crafty Devil. Alias Nick Beal (AKA: A few other titles...) is directed by John Farrow and adapted to screenplay by Jonathan Latimer from the Mindret Lord story. It stars Ray Milland, Audrey Totter, Thomas Mitchell and George Macready. Music is by Franz Waxman and cinematography by Lionel Lindon. It's the Faustian legend filmed through film noir filters as Thomas Mitchell's politician unwittingly makes a deal with Ray Milland's suspicious Nick Beal. Nicholas Beal - Agent. It's all fogs, smogs and smoky pubs here, it's 1949 and John Farrow and his team are having a great time of things blending Faust with politico machinations. Narrative thrust comes by way of corruption and character disintegration, sprinkled naturally with your good old cinematic staple of good versus evil in bold type. Don't touch him! He doesn't like it! Milland is superb here, his Nick Beal is the ultimate Machiavellian Mannipulator, and the chief film makers really bring these traits to the fore. Beal is a bundle of smug grins and glinting eyes, he just appears in scenes, Farrow cunningly using various props and persons to suddenly unleash his little old devil when he is least expected. Around Nicky there are subtle changes of clothes and snatches of dialogue that hit the requisite devilish notes, Totter is our darling who is caught in Old Nick's trap, Mitchell (great) even more so. 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 key components to what makes the pic work. Waxman (Sunset Blvd.) deftly shifts between big bass drums for thunder clap effects, to delicate swirls that give off other worldly - eerie - effects. Lindon (I Want to Live!) does great work isolating the eyes in light, while his fog and shadows work wouldn't be amiss in a Val Lewton picture. This is a criminally under seen movie, it's far from perfect because the collage of genre influences give it a very unbalanced feel, but there's so much fun, spookiness and technical craft on show to make it a must see movie for fans of the stars, noir and supernatural tinged pictures. 8/10
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