Nightmare Alley

Stanton 'Stan' Carlisle sets fire to his Midwestern home, signifying his desire to leave his past behind. This drastic action marks the beginning of a new chapter in his life as he seeks a fresh start.

Stan finds work at a traveling carnival run by Clem, where he starts to learn the harsh realities of carnival life. This new environment introduces him to the dark side of entertainment and survival.

Clem enlists Stan's help in dealing with a sick 'geek,' who exemplifies the exploitation of desperate men in the carnival. Stan witnesses the disturbing circumstances of the geeks, which leaves a lasting impression on him.

At the carnival, Stan becomes involved with Madame Zeena and her husband Pete, who perform psychic acts. They teach him the art of cold reading, but emphasize the importance of ethics in their craft.

As Stan grows closer to fellow performer Molly, he proposes creating a unique act that distances them from the carnival's darker elements. Their blossoming romance adds to Stan's motivations to rise above their circumstances.

In a tragic accident, Stan mistakenly gives Pete the wrong type of alcohol, resulting in the older man's death. This moment weighs heavily on Stan and ultimately compels him to confess his love to Molly.

Two years later, Stan has reinvented himself as 'The Great Stanton,' a successful psychic performer in Chicago's elite society, with Molly by his side. Their act dazzles audiences, yet underlying tensions begin to emerge.

During a performance, psychologist Dr. Lilith Ritter interrupts, probing into their methods and testing Stan's abilities. Although Stan manages to maintain their ruse, Ritter remains skeptical and determined to uncover the truth.

Despite Molly's concerns, Stan agrees to use his abilities to connect a wealthy judge, Harrington, with his deceased son. The ethical lines blur further as Stan's ambition overshadows morality.

Stan's relationship with Dr. Ritter deepens into a manipulative affair, further complicating his life. Together, they scheme to exploit Harrington's vulnerabilities for monetary gain, creating a precarious situation.

Stan’s deception leads him to Ezra Grindle, a volatile individual seeking solace from a tragic loss. Ignoring caution, Stan attempts to con Grindle, escalating tensions that threaten to spiral out of control.

Molly discovers Stan’s betrayal and leaves him, an action that plunges Stan into despair. Grindle, consumed by rage at being conned, confronts Stan and Molly with deadly intentions.

As Stan's life unravels, he is betrayed by Dr. Ritter, who steals his earnings and threatens to expose him. Alone and injured, he finds himself rejected by the very carnival life he once deemed beneath him.

In a grim acceptance of his fate, Stan is offered a final drink and the role of the 'new geek.' This moment serves as a haunting reflection of his surrender to the very life he once sought to escape.

As he accepts his new role, Stan utters, 'Mister, I was born for it.' This chilling declaration encapsulates his tragic transformation and resignation to the cycle of exploitation he once witnessed.