The Way of All Flesh 1940
"WHICH DID HE CHOOSE?...the Kiss of LOVE..the call of home and family...or the kiss of LUST..the law of the bright lights?"
Directed by Louis King, *The Way of All Flesh (1940)* plunges viewers into a gripping tale of trust betrayed and the seductive allure of danger.
Director: Louis King
Cast
Akim Tamiroff
Paul Kriza
Gladys George
Anna Kriza
William Henry
Paul Kriza Jr.
Muriel Angelus
Mary Brown
Berton Churchill
Reginald L. Morten
Roger Imhof
Franz Henzel
James Seay
Varno
Douglas Kennedy
Timothy
Norma Gene Nelson
Mitzi as a Child
Tommy Bupp
Timothy as a Child
Frequently Asked Questions
What is *The Way of All Flesh* (1940) about?
*The Way of All Flesh* follows Paul Kriza, a bank cashier and devoted family man who travels to New York City on a business trip. His encounter with a manipulative con artist and her gang unravels his life, exposing him to theft, violence, and moral compromise. The film charts his desperate fight to reclaim what he's lost before it's too late.
Who directed *The Way of All Flesh*?
Louis King directed *The Way of All Flesh*. Known for his work in crime dramas and noir-style storytelling, King crafts a tense and atmospheric narrative in this 1940 film.
Who stars in *The Way of All Flesh*?
The film stars Akim Tamiroff as Paul Kriza, Gladys George as the cunning Mary Brown, and features supporting roles from William Henry, Muriel Angelus, and Berton Churchill.
Is *The Way of All Flesh* (1940) worth watching?
*The Way of All Flesh* is a hidden gem for fans of classic crime dramas and noir-influenced storytelling. While it may lack the polish of bigger studio releases, its tight pacing, strong performances, and gripping plot make it a compelling watch. Its themes of trust and betrayal resonate even today, offering a snapshot of 1940s cinema at its most atmospheric.
How long is *The Way of All Flesh*?
The film has a runtime of 86 minutes.
The Way of All Flesh (1940) — A Family Man's Descent into Crime and Temptation
Directed by Louis King, *The Way of All Flesh (1940)* plunges viewers into a gripping tale of trust betrayed and the seductive allure of danger. Set against the backdrop of mid-century America, the film follows Paul Kriza, a devoted bank cashier, husband, and father sent to New York City on a routine errand. His journey takes a harrowing turn when a cunning con artist, Mary Brown, and her gang manipulate him, leaving him stripped of his valuables and left for dead on a railroad track. As Paul struggles to reclaim his life, he is forced to confront the darker impulses that lurk beneath the surface of urban temptation.
With its blend of romance, crime, and drama, *The Way of All Flesh* explores themes of deception, loyalty, and the fragility of innocence when faced with the bright lights of the city. Starring Akim Tamiroff as the hapless but resilient Paul and Gladys George as the seductive Mary Brown, the film delivers a tense, atmospheric narrative that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats. The stark contrast between Paul's small-town values and the moral ambiguity of New York City creates a compelling tension that defines this underrated classic.
