The Devil & Daniel Webster (All That Money Can Buy)

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Plot: Stephen Vincent Benet's timeless 1937 short story gets the red-carpet treatment on Criterion's feature-packed DVD of The Devil & Daniel Webster. William Dieterle's inspired film remains the cla...( read more read more... )ssic it always was, proving that Citizen Kane wasn't the only cinematic marvel to appear in 1941. It's a sturdy, stylish rendition of Benet's original narrative, beginning when a luckless farmer (James Craig) strikes a Faustian bargain with the devil incarnate Mr. Scratch (Walter Huston at his devious best), trading his soul for seven years of prosperity, during which he grows corrupted, despised, and regretful of his mistake. To Scratch's chagrin, legendary orator Daniel Webster (Edward Arnold) intervenes with a triumphant defense, and Dieterle's brilliant direction gives the proceedings a light, economical touch of supernatural mischief.

To complement the cleverness of the film adaptation, this delightful DVD also includes a playfully expressive reading of Benet's original story by Alec Baldwin, and vintage radio performances of two of Benet's three "Daniel Webster" stories. The film and radio plays were scored by legendary composer Bernard Herrmann, whose Oscar®-winning film score is examined in an interactive essay by Herrmann expert Christopher Husted. Excerpts from an earlier preview version of the film (then titled Here Is a Man) reveal creepy, negative-image shock-shots of Mr. Scratch that were later removed, but they further demonstrate Dieterle's willingness to experiment. With additional essays and archival materials, Criterion's superb DVD shows how a great story can lend itself, with consistent success, to a variety of mediums. --Jeff Shannon

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  • sneakypetegb
    sneakypetegb
    4.5 Stars
    MCT:
    July 29, 2007
    This may compare with Welles "Citizen Kane," also released in '41, but is clearly in the same league at any rate. "Wow! indeed ... for good reason.
  • heartman71
    heartman71
    5.0 Stars
    MCT:
    July 4, 2007
    Even though this movie was made in the 40's, it is still just as eeire over 60 years later. This thriller about a man who must go to trial after selling his soul to the Devil is a masterpiece, and one of the few classic movies that I think might make a good remake.
  • lucymachado
    lucymachado
    5.0 Stars
    MCT:
    May 21, 2007
    Another of my all-time favourites. It's on a league of its own, I wouldn't even know how to label this. Just watch it, will ya.
  • differenthazels
    differenthazels
    5.0 Stars
    MCT:
    March 3, 2007
    The Devil and Daniel Webster is a classic. Genius, in my opinion. The court room scene is how every movie should thrive to be.

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