Carnival of Sinners

A struggling artist buys a talisman that gives him love, fame and wealth. The talisman is a severed left hand, and it works perfectly, in fact, magically. But of course there is nothing free in this world, and after one year the devil comes and asks for his due.

Directed by Maurice Tourneur, Carnival of Sinners leans on a strong ensemble — Pierre Fresnay, Josseline Gaël, Noël Roquevert — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about fantasy titles of 1943.