The read
Critics rate it 24 points higher than audiences do.
Synopsis
Farmer Jabez Stone, about to lose his land, agrees to sell his soul to the devil, known as Mr. Scratch, who gives Jabez seven years to enjoy the fruits of his sale before he collects. Over that time, Jabez pays off his debts and helps many neighboring farmers, then becomes an advocate for the upstanding Sen. Daniel Webster. When Jabez's contract with Mr. Scratch concludes, he desperately turns to Webster to represent him in a trial for his soul.
Ratings
IMDb7.6/10
Rotten Tomatoes100%
Critics rate it 24 points higher than audiences do.
101 audience votes
Key crew
- Dan TotherohScreenplay
- William DieterleDirector
- Stephen Vincent BenetScreenplay
- Bernard HerrmannOriginal Music Composer
Cast
- Edward ArnoldDaniel Webster
- Walter HustonMr. Scratch
- Jane DarwellMa Stone
- Simone SimonBelle
- Gene LockhartSquire Slossum
- John QualenMiser Stevens
- H.B. WarnerJustice Hawthorne
- Frank ConlanSheriff
- Lindy WadeDaniel Stone
- George ClevelandCy Bibber
- Anne ShirleyMary Stone
- James CraigJabez Stone
Stills
Themes
pact with the devildevilfarmer