Oh, God! You Devil

Oh, God! You Devil is a 1984 American comedy movie, the third and final installment of the Oh, God! series. Directed by Paul Bogart and written by Andrew Bergman, the film brings together George Burns, Ted Wass and Ron Silver, in a divine comedy that stitches together a story of ambition, fame, moral dilemmas, and divine intervention.

George Burns masterfully dons two illustrious roles in this film, creating a definitive dichotomy with his portrayal of both God and the Devil. This double duty provides a delightful spectacle, showcasing Burns' talent with charm and wit central to each character while focusing on their opposing personalities and intentions.

Ted Wass stars as Bobby Shelton, an aspiring musician struggling to bust out of his untouched bubble of anonymity. He dreams of making it big in the music industry and yearns for fame and fortune, believing that it will bring him the contentment he seeks. On the brink of despair, he enters into a pact that will test his moral boundaries and bring him face-to-face with the age-old dilemma of good versus evil.

Facing failure after his numerous attempts to break into the music industry, Bobby strikes a Faustian bargain with Harry Tophet (George Burns), a slick-talking, charismatic figure who promises to catapult him to stardom. Unbeknownst to Bobby, Harry Tophet is actually the Devil (Burns again), eager to snap up vulnerable souls. The Devil follows through on his part of the deal, delivering Bobby's dream of fame, success, a posh lifestyle and legions of fans. However, the cost of these new riches is higher than Bobby expected.

Just when Bobby's world starts spiraling out of control, the affable and benevolent God (also portrayed by George Burns), steps in to lend a helping hand. Unlike his dual character, the Devil, Burns' God is congenial, wise and exudes a grandfatherly aura. He teams up with the crestfallen Bobby in an attempt to save him from the despair that has tainted his dreams and threatens his very soul.

In his dual role as God and the Devil, George Burns is the life and soul of the movie, delivering hilarity, wisdom, and drama with his trademark deadpan humor. His portrayal of the divine beings throws a major twist into the narrative making the film a fantastical theological journey seen through the lens of a funny, touching and thought-provoking comedy.

Ted Wass energetically portrays the disillusioned Bobby with a vibrant desperation that brings a human touch to the moral journey the character embarks on. Despite the metaphysical turmoil surrounding him, Bobby maintains his lovability thanks to Wass' incredibly down-to-earth performance.

Ron Silver plays a supporting character as Gary Frantz, a music industry mogul who aids Bobby's climb to stardom. Silver adds an extra layer to the narrative with his convincing performance, offering a glimpse into the tumultuous world of the music industry. The performances are well-rounded and enhance the overall comedic and dramatic feel of the film.

The movie brilliantly explores themes such as integrity, the lust for success, and the ethical dimensions one faces when lured by the dazzling promise of fame and fortune. It threads satire, theology, and human vulnerabilities together to create moments that are insightful and comedic at the same time.

Paul Bogart's direction straddles the fence between fantasy and reality, commanding a seamless performance from his cast and delivers a narrative that is both sensible and entertaining. Accompanied by an endearing score and engaging visuals, Oh, God! You Devil becomes more than just a comedy–it's a heartwarming exploration of how personal desires can lead to desperate measures, and how a divine intervention, effectively used as a comedic tool, can shift the narrative to lend it a sense of hope and redemption.

With its magnificent balance of laughter, introspection and a jovial look at theological matters, Oh, God! You Devil makes for an entertaining and thought-provoking watch. It takes viewers on a roller coaster ride and leaves them with powerful messages about the price of ambition, the importance of integrity and the undying hope for salvation.