A classic morality tale, William Dieterle’s The Devil and Daniel Webster, combines European expressionism
with quintessential Americana and is based on a short story by celebrated author Stephen Vincent Benét.
Echoing the legend of Faust, a poor farmer Jabez Stone (James Craig) makes a pact with the devil for
seven years of prosperity in return for his soul. When the devil incarnate Mr. Scratch (Walter Huston) comes
a-calling, Stone begins to have second thoughts, enlisting famed orator and folk hero Daniel Webster
(Edward Arnold) to fight what becomes a case of life and death. The Devil and Daniel Webster won an
Oscar for Best music score and Huston was nominated for Best Actor.