A B/W CLASSIC
Josep Parareda Saderra | Manlleu, Catalonia | 11/11/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"When I was a child my father used to talk to me about Paul Muni. When I watched "I Am a Fugitive From a Chain Gang," and "Angel On My Shoulder," I understood why he was one of his prefered actors.
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Judge for your self
bernie | Arlington, Texas | 01/18/2005
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Nick (Claude Rains) never satisfied with the amount of soles caught, has his hat set for an incorruptible judge. He will recruit Eddie Kagle to replace Judge Fredrick Parker (both played by Paul Muni) in exchange for a second chance at life.
If you were, raised Catholic then you will recognize the title as you have a devil on one shoulder and an angle on the other and you are struggling in the middle.
There is great interaction between Paul Muni and Claude Rains. This move takes unexpected twists and turns. I may remind you a little of "The Devil and Daniel Webster "(1941). However, no one can play "Nick" as well as Claude Rains.
I rather like the way they return to the surface. I never trusted those types of elevators. Before you write off Anne Baxter as just another personality in this film, remember that she was also Nefretiri in "The Ten Commandments" (1956)
The Devil & Daniel Webster - Criterion Collection
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Claude Raines reigns supreme
Ernest O. Pinion | Eugene, OR | 04/02/2010
(4 out of 5 stars)
"If you can get beyond the biblical nonsense, this film is a wonderful allegory. Muni is always great, and Claude Raines, that most underrated of actors, out-Lucifers Lucifer. Or his he Satan? Or Mephistopheles? Beelzebub? Heck, I can never keep all those naughty loci straight. Anyway, his voice alone makes this classic well worth seeing, so gorgeously, sumptuously wicked is it, the very personification of charming diabolicality, reeking splendidly of the smoky environs of the infernal regions. (Raines was chosen to play THE INVISIBLE MAN because he had the most evocative voice in the business.) The DVD transfer could be better, but the delightful performances and droll script far outshine any technical imperfections so that you won't even notice them."