The macabre French horror parable LA MAIN DU DIABLE was released in the U. S in 1947 under that title (a more direct translation would be: The Devil's Hand). Loosely based on a short story by Gerard de Nerval, it's essentially a variation on the Faustian bargain legend where a person sells their soul in exchange for earthly success and riches. (one of de Nerval's earliest credits is translating Goethe's Faust)
The soul seller here is a failed painter, Roland (GRAND ILLUSION's Pierre Fresnay), who becomes the toast of the Paris art scene when he buys a talisman from a once successful chef. When the devil pays him a visit its time to pay the piper. Called just "the little man" here, he is played by one-name actor Palau with an impish cackle (Palaou appeared in the classic CHILDREN OF PARADISE and his last film was the cult movie THE KING OF HEARTS).
What distinguishes CARNIVAL from so many similar projects is the detailed manner in which both the bargain, and the consequences are laid out. Director Maurice Tourneur gives the film a foreboding atmosphere and the highlight is an expressionistic dinner sequence. The film was shot by Armand Thirard (DIABOLIQUE, WAGES OF FEAR). Tourneur's son, Jacques directed famed horror films such as CAT PEOPLE and CURSE OF THE DEMON (another devil's pact classic).
The soul seller here is a failed painter, Roland (GRAND ILLUSION's Pierre Fresnay), who becomes the toast of the Paris art scene when he buys a talisman from a once successful chef. When the devil pays him a visit its time to pay the piper. Called just "the little man" here, he is played by one-name actor Palau with an impish cackle (Palaou appeared in the classic CHILDREN OF PARADISE and his last film was the cult movie THE KING OF HEARTS).
What distinguishes CARNIVAL from so many similar projects is the detailed manner in which both the bargain, and the consequences are laid out. Director Maurice Tourneur gives the film a foreboding atmosphere and the highlight is an expressionistic dinner sequence. The film was shot by Armand Thirard (DIABOLIQUE, WAGES OF FEAR). Tourneur's son, Jacques directed famed horror films such as CAT PEOPLE and CURSE OF THE DEMON (another devil's pact classic).