#214: DIETERLE, William: The Devil And Daniel Webster (1941)

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DIETERLE, William (United States)
The Devil And Daniel Webster [1941]
Spine #214
DVD


Jabez Stone is a hard-working farmer trying to make an honest living, but a streak of bad luck tempts him to do the unthinkable: bargain with the Devil himself. In exchange for seven years of good fortune, Stone promises "Mr. Scratch" his soul. But when the troubled farmer begins to realize the error of his choice, he enlists the aid of the one man who might save him: the legendary orator and politician Daniel Webster. Directed with stylish flair by William Dieterle, The Devil and Daniel Webster brings the classic short story by Stephen Vincent Benét to life with inspired visuals, an unforgettable Oscar-winning score by Bernard Herrmann, and a truly diabolical performance from Walter Huston as the Devil.

106 minutes
Black & White
Monaural
1:33:1 aspect ratio
Criterion Release 2003
Director/Writers


Short story by Stephen Vincent Benét.
Screenplay by Dan Totheroh and Benét.
William Dieterle was 48 when he directed The Devil and Daniel Webster.

The Film

Film Rating (0-60):

60

The Extras

The Booklet

Twelve-page wraparound featuring essays by Benét and Tom Piazza.

Commentary

By film historian Bruce Eder and Bernard Herrmann biographer Steven C. Smith.

Reading

Of Benét’s original short story “The Devil and Daniel Webster” by acclaimed actor/director Alec Baldwin.
Comparison

Between The Devil and Daniel Webster and the earlier preview version of the film, Here Is a Man.
The Columbia Workship’s

Radio dramatizations of Benét’s short stories “The Devil and Daniel Webster” and “Daniel Webster and the Sea Serpent,” both featuring music by Herrmann.
The music of

The Devil and Daniel Webster, presented in an interactive essay by Christopher Husted of Herrmann’s estate.
Gallery

Of behind-the-scenes photos and promotional materials.
Extras Rating (0-40):

39

60 + 39 =

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