The Devil and Daniel Webster Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Farmer yells at crops, makes a deal with a door-to-door salesman from hell, and then a famous politician uses a legal loophole to get him out of it.

🍿 The Devil and Daniel Webster: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Struggling Farmer’s Deal

In 1840s New Hampshire, Jabez Stone is a struggling farmer facing constant hardship. Overwhelmed by debt and misfortune, he impulsively declares he’d sell his soul to the devil for a change of luck. Mr. Scratch, a charming but sinister figure, immediately appears and offers Jabez a deal: seven years of prosperity in exchange for his soul.

Seven Years of Prosperity

Jabez agrees and signs the contract, etching the expiration date onto a tree on his property. His luck turns instantly. He discovers hidden treasure, his crops flourish, and he becomes wealthy, but at the expense of his morals. He becomes greedy, exploits his neighbors, and builds a lavish mansion, alienating his wife, Mary, and mother.

Moral Decline and Temptation

Mr. Scratch tempts Jabez further by introducing Belle, a seductive woman who becomes Jabez’s mistress. His family disapproves of his newfound wealth and behavior. As the seven years draw to a close, Jabez becomes increasingly fearful of the consequences of his bargain and seeks a way out.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Jabez Stone (James Craig): A struggling farmer who makes a deal with the Devil for prosperity, only to regret the consequences.
• Daniel Webster (Edward Arnold): A renowned orator and politician who defends Jabez Stone against the Devil’s claims.
• Mr. Scratch (Walter Huston): The charming and cunning Devil who offers Jabez Stone a deal for his soul.
• Mary Stone (Anne Shirley): Jabez Stone’s virtuous wife who remains steadfast in her faith and love despite his choices.
• Ma Stone (Jane Darwell): Jabez Stone’s devout mother who provides moral guidance and support.
• Belle (Simone Simon): A seductive and mysterious woman sent by Mr. Scratch to tempt Jabez Stone.
• Miser Stevens (John Qualen): A moneylender and neighbor of Jabez Stone, who also made a deal with the Devil.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Mr. Scratch: “I’m an American. Body and soul. Always was, always will be.” – Mr. Scratch is establishing his presence and laying claim to being an intrinsic part of the American experience.
• Daniel Webster: “Let it be the quick or the dead, so long as it is an American judge and an American jury!” – Daniel Webster demands a fair trial for Jabez Stone, asserting the importance of American justice even in the face of supernatural forces.
• Mr. Scratch: “There are some folks that ain’t bright enough to be tempted, but I do my best.” – Mr. Scratch mockingly comments on people’s susceptibility to temptation.
• Daniel Webster: “A man is not a hog, to be fattened and eaten.” – Webster argues for the inherent dignity and worth of human beings, contrasting it with a materialistic view of life.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $475,000 (estimated)
• Domestic Gross: $427,000
• Worldwide Gross: $427,000

💥 The Devil and Daniel Webster Reviews

Personal Review

I really enjoyed ‘The Devil and Daniel Webster’. Walter Huston’s performance is top-notch; he’s so charming yet menacing as Mr. Scratch! The courtroom scene is just iconic, with that jury of damned souls. I particularly liked the way they used light and shadow to create a spooky atmosphere. This film felt like a classic morality tale with a uniquely American twist, and it definitely made me think about the choices we make and their consequences.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of classic films”
  • “Those interested in American folklore and mythology”
  • “Viewers who enjoy morality tales”
  • “People who appreciate strong performances, particularly by Walter Huston”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Supernatural themes and depictions of the devil”
  • “Mildly frightening imagery”
  • “Themes of temptation and moral corruption”
  • “Some dated representations of women”

Professional Reviews

• Slant Magazine: “William Dieterle’s ‘All That Money Can Buy’ explores themes of greed and morality with stark visuals. Walter Huston shines as Mr. Scratch, offering a compellingly smooth and persuasive devil. The film’s German Expressionist influence provides a striking visual distinction between reality and the netherworld.
• Gold Derby: “Flashback 80 years to 1942: Battle of sisters Joan Fontaine and Olivia de Havilland plus a ‘Citizen Kane’ near shutout
• IMDb User Review: “Walter Huston is the ultimate “Mr. Scratch”. Simone Simon has the allure to drive leading character ‘Jabez Stone’ away from his sweet wife ‘Mary’. Edward Arnold plays ‘Daniel Webster,’ a folk hero during this time period.

Audience Reactions

Walter Huston’s portrayal of Mr. Scratch is considered iconic and unforgettable.: Viewers are captivated by the film’s unique blend of fantasy, morality, and American folklore.

Bernard Herrmann’s musical score is recognized for enhancing the film’s atmosphere and tension.: The film’s visuals, especially its use of light and shadow, create a memorable and haunting cinematic experience.

Overall Consensus: ‘The Devil and Daniel Webster’ is a thought-provoking and visually striking film that blends American folklore with a timeless morality tale, anchored by outstanding performances, especially Walter Huston’s Mr. Scratch.

Awards

1. Academy Award (Best Original Dramatic Score)- 1942

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Thomas Mitchell was originally cast as Daniel Webster, but he fractured his skull shortly after filming began and was replaced by Edward Arnold.”
• “The film’s score by Bernard Herrmann won the Academy Award for Best Original Score, marking one of Herrmann’s most celebrated achievements.”
• “Director William Dieterle was known for his unique directing style, often wearing white gloves on set, a habit some attributed to a possible phobia of germs or dirt.”
• “The movie was re-released several times with significant cuts, eventually being restored to its original length in the 1990s, revealing differences in the condition of the restored footage.”
• “The movie is based on Stephen Vincent Benet’s story and draws inspiration from the Faust legend.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Devil and Daniel Webster?

The Devil and Daniel Webster is available for streaming and purchase on various platforms. You can find it for rent or purchase on Amazon Prime Video. Check local listings for television airings. While it might not be available on subscription services like Netflix or Hulu, keep an eye out for it on platforms that offer classic films like The Criterion Channel or Turner Classic Movies (TCM).

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Devil and Daniel Webster, you might like these similar films:

• Faust (1926): A silent German Expressionist film that presents the classic Faustian bargain with stunning visual artistry, offering a darker, more stylized take on the same themes.
• Angel Heart (1987): A neo-noir mystery that explores a private investigator’s descent into a world of occult dealings and deals with the devil, with dark and disturbing themes.
• Crossroads (1986): A young blues enthusiast seeks out a legendary bluesman rumored to have sold his soul to the devil for musical talent, exploring themes of ambition and dark pacts.
• The Picture of Dorian Gray (1945): Deals with themes of morality and corruption in a Faustian way.
• The Witch (2015): A Puritan family in 17th-century New England faces dark forces, exploring themes of faith, temptation, and the supernatural, reminiscent of the American Gothic elements in ‘The Devil and Daniel Webster’.

🛒 The Devil and Daniel Webster Related Products

• The Devil and Daniel Webster (The Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray]: A restored version of the film with exclusive features, offering pristine audio and video quality. It is a classic addition to any movie collector’s library, showcasing the film’s stunning visuals and Bernard Herrmann’s Oscar-winning score.
• The Devil and Daniel Webster: American Folk Legend T-Shirt: Features iconic imagery from the movie, blending vintage style with a modern fit. It is a soft, comfortable shirt.
• Devil and Daniel Webster Movie Poster: A high-quality reproduction of the original theatrical poster. A vibrant and iconic piece of movie history.
• The Devil and Daniel Webster (Audio Drama): A fully dramatized audio adaptation of the story, complete with sound effects and a full cast. Immerses listeners in the world of ‘The Devil and Daniel Webster’.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Devil and Daniel Webster features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Come, Ye Thankful People, Come” – performed by George J. Elvey
• “Devil’s Dream” – performed by Bernard Herrmann
• “Springfield Mountain” – performed by Bernard Herrmann
• “Miss McLeod’s Reel” – performed by Bernard Herrmann

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

He helped the old man 😌 | Movie title: The Devil and Daniel Webster | #movie #film

Ever wonder what happens when good deeds meet desperation? This clip from ‘The Devil and Daniel Webster’ shows a moment of unexpected kindness that just might change everything. Honestly, this scene is so heartwarming!

✨ Rate