The Devil's Disciple (1959)

Director:

Guy Hamilton

Writers:

John Dighton (screenplay) and
Roland Kibbee (screenplay) ...

Release Date:

20 August 1959 (USA)

Genre:

Comedy | War

Plot:

The black sheep of a family (Dick Dudgeon) and the local minister (Anthony Anderson) discover their true vocations during the Revolutionary War.

Plot Keywords:

Minister | Revolutionary War | General | Cannon | Impersonation

Awards:

Nominated for BAFTA Film Award.

Cast

Burt Lancaster	...	The Rev. Anthony Anderson
Kirk Douglas	...	Richard Dudgeon
Laurence Olivier	...	Gen. Burgoyne
Janette Scott	...	Judith Anderson
Eva Le Gallienne	...	Mrs. Dudgeon
Harry Andrews	...	Major Swindon
Basil Sydney	...	Lawyer Hawkins
George Rose	...	British Sergeant
Neil McCallum	...	Christie Dudgeon (as Neil Mc Callum)
Mervyn Johns	...	Rev. Maindeck Parshotter
David Horne	...	Uncle William
Erik Chitty	...	Uncle Titus
Allan Cuthbertson	...	British Captain
Percy Herbert	...	British Lieutenant
Phyllis Morris	...	Wife of Titus

Runtime:

Germany:82 min | USA:83 min | Argentina:85 min

Country:

UK | USA

Language:

English

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono (RCA Sound Recording)

Certification:

Norway:16 | USA:Approved (PCA #19282) | Finland:K-16 | Sweden:15 | West Germany:12 (w) | Argentina:Atp

Filming Locations:

Associated British Elstree Studios, Shenley Road, Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, England, UK

Company:

Hill-Hecht-Lancaster Productions

Trivia:

The play was first performed as a 'Copyright Performance' on 17 April 1897 in London, with Shaw reading the part of Rev. Anderson. He was unhappy with the play and wouldn't permit a public performance at that time. It was first shown in the United States on Broadway's Fifth Avenue Theater in New York City on 4 October 1897, and in London the following year. There were 4 Broadway revivals in the United States, the last in 1988.

Goofs:

Anachronisms: Several times while going through the forest, the British refer to "snipers." However, the term sniper didn't come into being until about 40 years after the American Revolutionary War. The term came into usage in 1824, while the war ended in 1783.

Quotes:

Major Swindon: I can only do my best sir, and rely on the devotion of our countrymen.
General John Burgoyne: May I ask, Major, are you writing a melodrama?
Major Swindon: No, sir.
General John Burgoyne: (sarcastically) What a pity! WHAT a pity!

Movie Connections:

Version of The Devil's Disciple (1987) (TV)

Sparking fun

Sparkling adaptation of George Bernard Shaw's witty play set in American's revolutionary war. It has everything; a wonderful script (most of Shaw's play is let be), lively direction, and a top-notch cast. Kirk Douglas gives his lightest and most charming performance as the self-professed Devil's Disciple, there's no trace of the usual heavy-handed ham, he completely steals the film. Burt Lancaster doesn't have as much to work with in the part of a virtuous minister, but he does what he can and I consider a man who looks that great to be above criticism.

The only disappointment is Laurence Olivier as General Burgoyne. Olivier castigated himself in his autobiography for botching one of Shaw's most hilarious roles, his personal griefs were overwhelming him at the time. He's nervous and unfocused, line after wonderful line falls flat. (He returned to form shortly after in "Spartacus" and "The Entertainer")

So, this isn't just a fun film that can be enjoyed by any level of sophistication, it's something every film buff has to see... A movie where Kirk Douglas acts rings around Laurence Olivier!!! Surely the stars must have fallen out of the sky in pure shock!