The Devil's Partner

In the realm of classic horror flicks comes the 1960 film "The Devil's Partner". The film features the acting talents of Edgar Buchanan, Jean Allison, and Richard Crane, offering an eerie yet intriguing exploration of esoteric themes woven seamlessly into a drama plot. The film remains a testament to the horror genre of its time, combining elements of suspense, supernatural intrigue, and human drama.

The story opens in a seemingly peaceful, mundane town known as Furnace Flats, New Mexico, a place familiar to those who love yesteryears’ dusty Western towns. From this simple setting, the narrative launches itself into a world of supernatural mysteries as we soon discover the town harbors secrets that are as old and deep as the desert sands themselves.

In The Devil's Partner, we follow the eerie life of an old loner, Pete Jensen, deftly played by veteran actor Edgar Buchanan whose acting career spans a multitude of genre films and television series of the 1950s and '60s. Buchanan shines horribly in his representation of the desolate hermit who, it is gradually learned, is harboring a dark secret.

"Devil's Partner" isn’t content to just foreshadow its supernatural plot, rather it explodes into it when, out of sheer loneliness and fear of impending death, Pete cuts a diabolical deal. The very essence of the transaction is hinged upon a Faustian bargain, with the chilling and age-old theme of a soul-for-life exchange.

Following his pact, a distant relative, Nick Richards (played by Richard Crane), arrives in town to inherit Jensen's property. Reflecting on the consequences of Pete’s frightful agreement becomes a pivotal part of the narrative as the plot unfolds. Crane is a charismatic presence on screen, setting mesmerizing scenarios that lead the townsfolk, as well as the viewers, down a maze of eerie experiences, strange incidents, and chilling possibilities.

Adding further depth to the plot is the arrival of the beautiful but naïve Nell Lucas, played by the charming Jean Allison. Nell's relationship with Richards results in a complex love triangle, inducing romantic tension, and stirring the cauldron of suspense in an already fear-filled narrative.

The pace of the film is a balanced hybrid of the traditional western and horror genres, but "The Devil's Partner" climbs to a unique status within these genres by cleverly utilizing its desert town setting, a rich screenplay, and an undeniably riveting plot to maintain a potent aura of horror and suspense.

The film's direction is well above average for a small-budget project. The director, Charles R. Rondeau, lets the story develop patiently, skillfully using the desert landscapes' barren, desolate imagery, creating an ambience that's representative of the physical and moral isolation within the storyline. Also noteworthy is the music score created by Leon Klatzkin which sets the tone for each scene and heightens the overall dread factor.

Every component of the movie, be it the dialogue, the pacing, the character development, the atmospheric setting, or the music, is committed to creating an eerie environment that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. Its supernatural elements are tempered by the very human themes of loneliness, fear, despair, and the perilous lust for a second chance at life.

In a nutshell, "The Devil’s Partner" is a fusion of classic horror with a western backdrop, offering an eerie supernatural drama complete with a Faustian bargain, a mysterious stranger, a beautiful woman, and a town filled with unsuspecting folks. The film cleverly exhibits a simplistic narrative boosted by strong performances and atmospheric suspense to craft a captivating drama.

While the film's premise might seem clichéd to audiences now, its handling of the material is anything but. This vintage gem is obscure but impressively potent in its genre, encapsulating the eerie and supernatural thematic elements typical of the era it originated from.

For anyone who'd enjoy a good blast to the past, or simply a fan of classic horror movies, "The Devil’s Partner" is an offering that holds its ground. It’s a poignant reminder of the days when plots were a blend of intense suspense, character-driven narrative, and genuine storytelling. It’s undoubtedly a must-see for aficionados of old-school horror films. On this journey through the dusty plains of New Mexico, expect the unexpected, as nothing is as it appears. Guaranteed to send chills down your spine, it serves as a firm reminder that things are always more than what meets the eye.