Review of All That Money Can Buy (1941) by Michael Y — 22 Feb 2011

Selling one's own soul to the Devil is a story of morality told time and time again. From fabels and books, then came The Devil and Daniel Webster presented as gothic Americana to theatres in Hollywood.

Jabez Stone, his wife and his mother live as poor farmers in 19th Century New Hampshire, struggling to pay their dept, but with high hopes that a politician named Daniel Webster will become president and help the farmers. Out of greed and despiration, Stone sells his soul to the Devil to become rich and powerful. Though out of this deal he gains everything he ever dreamed of, you're damn right to think that he's gonna regret it later. This classic Faust tale is an eerie and interesting look on morality and how greed can change a man entirely and loose sight of what is really important in life. Great preformences by the whole cast, my favourites being Simone Simon as Belle and, of coarse, the charming Walter Huston as the Devil.

This creepy story is brought to life in no ordinary Hollywood fashion, but as the dark and gothic style that the story is. The enviroment is very dreary and muddy at first, but changes as Stone's greed rises. But the whole movie looks incredable with it's use of hard lights and shadows showing as much light in the scenes as darkness. There are also some very creative effects with lights and smoke that shows an evil and stand out presence, and in the presence of the supernatural the characters become blurry. And to set the mood even better, legendary composer Bernard Herrmann creates an Oscar winning score that sets the gothic mood wonderfully.

This classic American film is a great treat for those who love the gothic taste and these supernatural stories about good and evil, morality, temptation and the ultimate clash with the greatest evil of all. The Devil and Daniel Webster is a movie that has all that and a bag of chips. This old movie is still a great movie to watch even after all these years.