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*** This review may contain spoilers ***
An excellent but neglected example of a seamy carnival or State Fair, is The Spieler (1928), in the which the lovely Renee Adoree tries to clean up her graft-ridden sideshow alley in which rubes are set upon right, left and center by grifters and pickpockets led by that ace of heavies, Fred Kohler. A remarkably handsome and presentable jailbird, Alan Hale, playing the title role with considerable charisma, comes to her rescue. Assisted by that lively stuntman-comedian Clyde Cook, Hale falls for adorable Renee (and who will blame him?) and decides to reform. Unfortunately, Killer Kohler has other plans.Tightly written and powerfully directed by Tay Garnett, The Spieler whips up plenty of suspense, presenting the viewer with three or four really terrifying moments in its short running time.Arthur Miller's atmospheric photography still comes across effectively, while an appropriate music score and sound effects add to the movie's intrinsic appeal.
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