Review of The Devil and Miss Jones (1941) by Bernard A — 29 Aug 2009

If you have never heard of character actor Charles Coburn, then this film will more than likely turn you into a fan! Charles Coburn gets third billing here behind Jean Arthur and Robert Cummings, but it's Coburn's performance that really stands out (and which earned him an Oscar nomination).

This wonderful comedy directed by Sam Wood (A NIGHT AT THE OPERA; GOODBYE, MR.CHIPS) plays out very much like a modern fairy tale:

John P. Merrick (Charles Coburn) is a tycoon. Merrick normally keeps himself holed up inside his boardroom surrounded by his financial advisors - which insulates him from the realities of the outside world...specifically, in regards to the morale of the workers of one of his department stores. There is talk of a strike for better wages & job security. Merrick gets wind of this and orders his advisors to root out the agitators. When the undercover detective he hires is unable to perform the duty - Merrick decides to takes the matter into his own hands.

Since the workers do not know him, Merrick easily disguises himself as a new hire in the shoe department. He secretly observes and notates the activities of the other workers. Merrick is able to befriend Mary Jones (Jean Arthur), a fellow shoe salesperson. What luck! Merrick finds out that Mary's boyfriend, Joe O'Brien (Robert Cummings), happens to be the lead labor agitator!

The comedy has some obvious socio-political overtones as rich man Merrick rubs elbows with the common man - but it's tempered nicely by a very delightful romantic subplot as Merrick finds himself falling in love with another senior clerk, Elizabeth (Spring Byington).

Coburn and the lovely Byington have wonderful chemistry here. So too does Jean Arthur & Robert Cummings as they muse upon the meaning of their relationship in yet another memorable scene.

I thought the cinematography was something which stood out too. Much of the time the camera was placed at a much lower level than usual - having the viewer look "up" at the action. As if viewed from a child's perspective. I haven't really thought about the implications of that here- but it does give the film a unique look IMO.

Jean Arthur happens to be one of my favorite actresses and I think she is just beautiful here (the illustration on the upper left is an altered photo btw - she never wears that outfit in the film, darnit)...but yeah, I do find her sexy anyway. Jean Arthur & Charles Coburn will co-star 2 years later in another favorite of mine, George Steven's THE MORE THE MERRIER.

8.5 / 10.