The Devil and Daniel Webster

The Devil and Daniel Webster is an intriguing amalgamation of fantasy, drama, and folklore, an American movie released in 1941. Directed by William Dieterle and produced by William Perlberg, the film hosts a remarkable roster of talent, including Edward Arnold, Walter Huston, and Jane Darwell. Based on the short story written by Stephen Vincent Benét, it makes use of a captivating narrative that melds the realms of the supernatural and real-world dilemmas to challenge conventional perspectives and bring home substantial moral lessons.

The movie is set in 1840s New Hampshire where it tells a cautionary tale about ambition, manipulation, and the price of success, using the backdrop of the American farming community. At the center of it all is Jabez Stone, portrayed brilliantly by James Craig, a luckless farmer. Stone is overwhelmed by hard luck and desperation, and in this state of heightened frustration, he goes to the extreme. In his ill-advised emotional explosion, he declares that he would sell his soul to the devil in exchange for a change in fortune.

As they say, "be careful what you wish for". Walter Huston, as Mr. Scratch, the devil incarnate, takes Stone's declaration quite literally. With his seamless amalgamation of charm, wit, and sinister intent, Mr. Scratch makes for an enthralling antagonist. He approaches Stone with a tempting offer - seven years of incredible prosperity and success in return for his soul. Overwhelmed by the dire state of his life and the lure of success, Stone finds himself entering into this unholy pact.

As Stone's fortunes ascend, the movie brings to the foreground the destructive influences of wealth and materialism. His familial relationships strain as he excessively indulges in his newfound wealth and detaches from his earlier life. Jane Darwell offers a fabulously heartfelt portrayal of Ma Stone, Jabez Stone's mother, her character being one of the most affected by the transformation in Stone.

Amidst this twisted turn of events, Daniel Webster, played by Edward Arnold, shines as the eponymous hero of the tale. Webster is a famed orator, statesman, and Stone’s neighbor, widely reputed for his skills in lawmaking and oratory. When Stone, wracked by guilt and fear, realizes the enormity of his pact with the devil and seeks legal aid, he turns to Webster.

Arnold portrays Webster with a patriotic spirit, intelligence, and sense of justice that infuse hope into the storyline. His character is the moral compass of the film, persistently valuing neighborhood unity, fighting against despair induced by hard luck, and standing up against the devil. The film beautifully plays up the battle between good and evil with this classic courtroom drama setup, where Webster is tasked with not just saving Stone, but also value systems and the essence of what it means to be human.

Supporting performances by Simone Simon as Belle, a seductive presence and the devil's aide, and Anne Shirley as Mary Stone, Jabez's conscientious and devoted wife, lend further depth to the narrative. The legendary Bernard Herrmann, known for his collaborations with Hitchcock, provides a musical score that is as fantastical and dramatic as the storyline it underpins.

The Devil and Daniel Webster is a visual treat with high contrast black and white cinematography by Joseph H. August. The dark shadows and lighting lend an eerie Gothic atmosphere to the film, adding to its supernatural theme. More than that, it expertly uses allegory and symbolisms to communicate, through Stone's moral agonies, universally poignant messages about the perils of unchecked ambition and materialism.

Making excellent use of folklore, drama, and a dash of American history, the film presents spectral characters, dreamlike sequences, and poignant realities. It’s a fascinating thematic expedition into the evils that accompany unchecked ambition, the far-reaching consequences of regrettable decisions, and the enduring power of good to triumph over evil. Viewers are sure to enjoy this timeless classic, reveling in its cinematic nuances, compelling performances, and a tale that resonates even today.