Angel on My Shoulder (1946)

65% of users liked it
(1,121 ratings)

In this comedy, Paul Muni plays a recently murdered gangster who finds himself roasting in Hell. Muni can't believe that he's in for All Eternity and keeps trying to "bust out," which brings him to the attention of the Head Man (Claude Rains), who calls himself Nick. Nick strikes a bargain with… More In this comedy, Paul Muni plays a recently murdered gangster who finds himself roasting in Hell. Muni can't believe that he's in for All Eternity and keeps trying to "bust out," which brings him to the attention of the Head Man (Claude Rains), who calls himself Nick. Nick strikes a bargain with Muni: There's a troublesome honest judge on Earth who's been shipping too many souls to Hell; if Muni will take over the judge's body and begin performing bad deeds, Nick will set him free. Muni readily agrees, eager to settle the score with the ex-partner (Hardie Albright) who bumped him off. Once he "becomes" the judge, however, Muni discovers that he is utterly incapable of performing any misdeeds--and when he falls in love with the judge's fiancee (Anne Baxter), Muni becomes determined to wriggle out of his agreement. Angel on My Shoulder is based on a story by Harry Segall, whose previous play Heaven Can Wait was filmed as Here Comes Mr. Jordan, also with Claude Rains. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 41 min.
Directed By: Archie Mayo
Written By: Harry Segall, Roland Kibbee
Genres: Classics, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Comedy

In Theaters: Jan 1, 1946 Wide
On DVD: Mar 14, 2000

Critic Reviews

Ken Hanke, Mountain Xpress (Asheville, NC)
Muni overacts, Rains saves the day

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Featured Audience Ratings

AJ V

Although the tape I rented was of bad quality, I was able to see that this was a great movie, I loved it. It's a twist on the story of the guy who dies but gets another chance by going back to earth. It's really worth checking out.
Nicki M

Not the best old movie i have ever seen, but pleasant enough for a boring weekend. Anne Baxter is the highlight.
cody f

A interesting film that is Here Come Mr. Jordan in reverse. Paul Muni is a murdered gangster that is resurrected by the devil(Claude Rains) to replace a judge to carry out his evil deeds. Muni is bent on revenge, but his bad intentions backfire and he starts to see the error of his… More
A interesting film that is Here Come Mr. Jordan in reverse. Paul Muni is a murdered gangster that is resurrected by the devil(Claude Rains) to replace a judge to carry out his evil deeds. Muni is bent on revenge, but his bad intentions backfire and he starts to see the error of his ways. At times the story is heavy handed, but Rains and Muni pull off good and fun performances. The story is a good idea, but not strong with a lot of holes. The performances make this film enjoyable and it has a good ending.

Cast

            Paul Muni as Eddie Kagle

            Anne Baxter as Barbara Foster

            Claude Rains as Nick

            Onslow Stevens as Dr. Matt Higgins

            George Cleveland as Albert

            Erskine Sanford as Minister

            Marion Martin as Mrs. Bentley

            Hardie Albright as Smiley Williams

            James Flavin as Bellamy

            Murray Alper as Jim (uncredited)

            Joan Blair as Brazen girl in Hell (uncredited)

            Maurice Cass as Lucius (uncredited)

            Chester Clute as Kramer (uncredited)

            Jimmie Dundee as Gangster (uncredited)

            Joel Friedkin as Malvola (uncredited)

            Sol (Saul) Gorss as Gangster (uncredited)

            Jonathan Hale as Chairman (uncredited)

            Noble Johnson as Trustee (uncredited)

            Kurt Katch as Warden (uncredited)

            Edward Keane as Prison Yard Captain (uncredited)

            Michael Lally as Gangster (uncredited)

            Fritz Leiber as Scientist (uncredited)

            George Meeker as Mr. Bentley (uncredited)

            Sarah Padden as Agatha Minister's Wife (uncredited)

            Addison Richards as Big Harry (uncredited)

            Lee Shumway as Bailiff (uncredited)

            Duke Taylor as Gangster (uncredited)

            Archie Twitchell as Police sergeant (uncredited)

            Ben Welden as Shaggsy (uncredited)

            Russ Whiteman as Intern (uncredited)
See full cast