Review of All That Money Can Buy (1941) by Helen W — 17 Sep 2014
There are moments in this film where the straightforward telling of the tale suddenly becomes a bit woozy and wobbly and the supernatural asserts itself. Chalk this up to the incredible performances offered by Walter Huston (as Mr.
Scratch) and Simone Simon (as his "friend" Belle, from "over the mountain") - they have their creepy characterizations down pat. The story itself is one we've seen before: a poor farmer sells his soul to the devil and becomes a greedy uncaring bastard.
His suffering wife has no choice but to go to the great orator and legislator, Daniel Webster (played warmly by Edward Arnold, after Thomas Mitchell cracked his head open) to try to get the contract over-turned.
Bernard Herrmann's score turns intensely weird at times (and won an Oscar). Did I tell you the film takes place in New Hampshire? Of course, it champions the rugged individualism found there but makes a plea for community solidarity too.
This review of All That Money Can Buy (1941) was written by Helen W on 17 Sep 2014.
All That Money Can Buy has generally received very positive reviews.
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