Poor Devil

In the 1973 film, Poor Devil, Sammy Davis Jr., Christopher Lee, and Jack Klugman combine their talents to create a unique and entertaining concoction of comedy and horror. The movie is perfect for those who enjoy the supernatural genre spiced up with a dose of humor, as it involves the devil, a hapless minion, and an underappreciated mortal, all woven into a plot filled with the struggle for redemption, pranks, and comic wanders.

In an eccentric plot twist, Sammy Davis Jr., renowned actor and musician, plays the unlikely role of a downtrodden demon named Sammy. Often making attempts to advance his positioning in Hell, yet frequently finding himself failing, Sammy is desperate to climb up the ranks. He exists in the fiery depths, undervalued and underappreciated, necessitating a truly significant achievement to earn the respect and recognition he craves.

Counterpart to Sammy, Christopher Lee, famous for his roles in horror films, takes the role of the devil, otherwise known as Lucifer. As per usual, he doesn't miss a beat as he delivers an intimidating portrayal of the Prince of Darkness wearing crisply tailored suits. Lee’s embodiment of Lucifer is teeming with an understated menace; however, it’s not without touches of humor and charm.

Jack Klugman, known for his roles in classics like The Odd Couple, takes on the character of Burnett J. Emerson, an accountant who's become disillusioned with his humdrum existence. He's undervalued in his job, with dreams and ambitions that extend far beyond the numbers. He's stuck in a life that's far removed from what he truly desires, making his predicament an attractive proposition for Sammy.

When Sammy stumbles upon Klugman's character in a low moment, he sees his opportunity and puts forth a devilish proposition. The demon offers Klugman's character a chance to exchange his soul to achieve his dreams. Here the narrative takes unexpected turns, resulting in a myriad of situations filled with humor, wit, and a touch of the macabre.

The movie successfully blends elements of horror and comedy, creating a contrasting atmosphere that keeps viewers engrossed. With the chilling depth of hell acting as the backdrop for much of the story, the director contrasts this with sharp comic punch lines and situational humor to bring about a balance that suits a wide range of audiences.

As the plot progresses, each character reveals their complexities and flaws, thereby keeping the audience guessing about their eventual plan of action. Sammy with his determination to succeed, Lucifer and his shrewdness, and Emerson with his struggles, draw viewers into their whirlwind of diabolical plots and insecure need for validation.

Apart from the story, the acting prowess of Davis Jr., Lee, and Klugman plays a vital role in making Poor Devil an entertaining watch. Davis Jr., despite his unconventional role, manages to infuse his character with a certain vulnerability that makes him relatable, while Lee brings a distinct charisma to Lucifer, bringing a larger-than-life character down to a more human level. Klugman impeccably portrays the typical 'everyman', flung into an unusual situation, ensuring that audiences can't help but sympathize with his position.

The look and setting of the movie enhance the overall appeal, adding to the warmth and charm the film exudes. The set designs, costumes, and the atmospheric quality of the movie serve their dual purpose – stylishly exhibiting the period's trend, and seamlessly blending into the narrative.

In essence, Poor Devil is not your typical horror or comedy film. Instead, it stands as a testament to the times when genre blend was an experiment and film narratives were allowed to flow without strict classification. The film is a fascinating mixture of horror, comedy, and drama, all wrapped into 90 minutes of screen time. Consequently, if you value an unusual plot, seasoned with clever humor and marked with spellbinding performances, "Poor Devil", released in 1973, might just be the film to watch.