Review of All That Money Can Buy (1941) by Brett B — 24 May 2011
A film most notable for its mood swings- incredible shifts in tone which cause the film to alternate between genres. It's funny and dramatic, spooky and beautiful. The film is anchored by Walter Huston's addicting and amusing performance as the devil himself, Mr.
Scratch. His wicked sense of humor and haunting whispers earned him an Academy Award nomination, and the performance is still as effective today. However, he isn't the only one working hard; Edward Arnold is richly heroic as the film's other title character, and James Craig is absolutely wonderful as the very human Jabez Stone, a man torn between success and devotion, both in the name of his beloved wife, Mary (Anne Shirley).
But a good film is made out of the sum of its small parts, and two of this one's strongest are its devilish musical score (an early one by the great Bernard Hermann) and its crisp and expressionistic cinematography, gorgeous black and white imagery by cinematographer Joseph August.
This review of All That Money Can Buy (1941) was written by Brett B on 24 May 2011.
All That Money Can Buy has generally received very positive reviews.
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