A nineteenth-century New Hampshire farmer who makes a pact with Satan for economic success enlists Daniel Webster to extract him from his contract.
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Title: The Devil and Daniel Webster (1941)
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Cast
| Complete credited cast: | |||
| Edward Arnold | ... | Daniel Webster | |
| Walter Huston | ... | Mr. Scratch | |
| Jane Darwell | ... | Ma Stone | |
| Simone Simon | ... | Belle | |
| Gene Lockhart | ... | Squire Slossum | |
| John Qualen | ... | Miser Stevens | |
| H.B. Warner | ... | Justice Hawthorne | |
 |
Frank Conlan | ... | Sheriff |
| Lindy Wade | ... | Daniel Stone | |
| George Cleveland | ... | Cy Bibber | |
| Anne Shirley | ... | Mary Stone | |
| James Craig | ... | Jabez Stone | |
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Plot Summary
|
Add Synopsis
Storyline
A down-on-his-luck farmer makes a deal with the devil for seven years of prosperity. When Mr. Scratch comes to collect, orator and hero of the common man Daniel Webster comes to the rescue. Written by Little Pine Weasel <kristinat@cerritos.edu>
Taglines:
A GREAT MOTION PICTURE DARES TO BE DIFFERENT! (original print media ad - all caps) See more »Parents Guide:
Add content advisory for parents »
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See full technical specs »
Details
Country:
USALanguage:
EnglishRelease Date:
17 October 1941 (USA) See more »Also Known As:
A Certain Mr. Scratch See more »Company Credits
Show more on
IMDbPro »
Technical Specs
Runtime:
| (cut)Sound Mix:
Mono (RCA Sound System)Color:
Black and WhiteAspect Ratio:
1.37 : 1
Edit
Justice John Hathorne: There will be no cross-examination in this court. You may speak, if you like. But let me warn you, Mr. Webster - if you fail to convince us, then you, too, are doomed.
[Webster reels]
Justice John Hathorne: [whispering] Lost and gone... lost and gone...
The Jury: Drag him down with us...
Daniel Webster: BE STILL!
See more »
Yes - it could happen to you. See more »
Did You Know?
Trivia
William Dieterle was known to have some eccentricities as a director. He believed in astrology and started shooting a few days ahead of schedule because his horoscope indicated he should. See more »Goofs
Shortly after filming had begun, Thomas Mitchell fractured his skull and was replaced by 'Edward Arnold'. Not many scenes had been shot, none were re-shot, so Mitchell is still visible in some scenes. See more »Quotes
Daniel Webster: I wish to cross-examine the witness...Justice John Hathorne: There will be no cross-examination in this court. You may speak, if you like. But let me warn you, Mr. Webster - if you fail to convince us, then you, too, are doomed.
[Webster reels]
Justice John Hathorne: [whispering] Lost and gone... lost and gone...
The Jury: Drag him down with us...
Daniel Webster: BE STILL!
See more »
Crazy Credits
Opening credits prologue: It' s a story they tell in the border country, where Massachusetts joins Vermont and New Hampshire. It happened, so they say, a long time ago. But it could happen anytime - anywhere - to anybody . . . .Yes - it could happen to you. See more »
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Why would someone who has thoroughly enjoyed movies such as "Judge Dredd" and "Wild at Heart" consider this to be "my favorite movie"?
One word - "fantasy". It's my favorite movie category, and this is the best one that I've ever seen. The 1940s was the decade in which horror melodramas and fantasies really began to ramp up, and this movie helped to set the standard. Stephen Vincent Benet's story is a bit changed, but not enough to diminish this American Gothic tale.
Aside from being superior entertainment, the movie simply has no weaknesses. Where to start? The casting and acting are extraordinary. Though both are most often remembered for other movies, Edward Arnold and Walter Huston turn in their best performances here. Simone Simon (known today for the "Cat People" movies) is exceptional as Belle. Anne Shirley, James Craig, and the stellar supporting cast are also great.
This is Bernard Herrmann's best film score. William Dieterle's direction is quirky and involving, propelling the film along at a fast clip. Admittably, the characters are caricatures, but Dieterle helps us to feel their trials and tribulations. The movie also features brilliant cinematography, exceptional production values, and truly superior editing (this was an early job for director Robert Wise). The scenes are quite stagey, but never disjointed - the logic of the story is unmistakable and riveting.
Huston is the ultimate "Mr. Scratch". I've seen this show many times, and it's a 10/10.