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“The
Devil’s Disciple” was based on the George Bernard Shaw play. The play was a strange choice for a movie
considering Shaw did not like the play and never staged it in England. Considering the Irishman’s view toward
England, Shaw probably would have appreciated the movie. The film was directed by Guy Hamilton and
stars Burt Lancaster, Kirk Douglas, and Laurence Olivier (billed in that
order). Olivier did not enjoy the
experience and did not get along with his co-stars. He would purposely get their names mixed up. The movie was not a success. Possibly because of the egregious tag
line: “Burt, Kirk, and Larry are coming
– by George!”
The
movie opens with a nifty animated map explaining Burgoyne’s campaign to
separate New England from the rest of the colonies by invading New York. It summarizes the Revolutionary War as the
“suppression of a rebellion” versus “the pursuit of liberty”. Reverend Anderson (Lancaster) attempts to
prevent the execution of a rebel and then is prevented from giving the victim a
Christian burial. That night the rebel's
son Richard Dudgeon (Douglas) steals the body.
He’s a rogue who dresses like a dandy.
The title refers to him. He is
the opposite of the pacifist, moral Anderson.
Anderson’s wife Judith (Janette Scott) is repelled, yet intrigued by this
bad boy. When Gen. Burgoyne arrives, he
insists on arresting Anderson for burying the rebel. Dudgeon claims to be the Reverend and is
found guilty in a trial. Anderson leads
the militia in an assault to rescue him.
Judith is torn between the two.
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| You have violated the law against colonists being more handsome than Banastre Tarleton |
This
is not your typical war movie. However,
it is certainly more warlike than the play.
The movie does a good job fitting
some action in that the play did not have.
The movie is undoubtedly better than the play. The acting is stellar as can be expected. Lancaster and Douglas made seven movies
together and it looks like they are enjoying themselves. While Olivier may not have enjoyed the
experience, his mood was perfect for Burgoyne.
He probably found a kindred spirit in “Gentelman Johnny”. He is snarky (a word not yet in use back then). Janette Scott is in over her head and if the
movie was remade today, Lancaster and Douglas would go riding off into the
sunset at the end. The plot is fine even
if Shaw was not proud of it. Even lesser
Shaw is still pretty darn good. It is a
bit predictable and simplistic. When
Anderson changes his personality to action hero, he also changes his clothes to
buckskin. The dialogue is outstanding,
of course. At the end of the film, someone
asks Burgoyne what history will say about the events and he responds with: “History will tell lies, as usual.” Dudgeon gets some great lines in the trial. The movie is a deft blend of romance, comedy,
and action. The action is surprisingly
vigorous. The rebel assault includes
some effective cannon fire.
The
movie is appropriate viewing for the 4th of July. John Burgoyne was an actual figure and his
personality is portrayed based on his reputation. The Anderson character finds a loose
equivalency in Peter Muhlenberg – the “Fighting Pastor of the Revolution”. Muhlenberg was an Anglican minister who left
his pulpit to command the 8th Virginia Regiment. Muhlenberg had been active in rebel politics
before this so he did not have the transformation that Anderson undergoes. The background of his campaign is a fairly
good tutorial on what may have been the most important event in the Revolution. Burgoyne did flounder in the American
wilderness due to the recalcitrance of the rebels. The aftermath of the fictional events in
Springtown is going to be the Battle of Saratoga. The movie accurately reflects the divided
loyalties among the colonists and the frustrations this created for the British. Burgoyne is also frustrated by the lack of
support from the British high command.
One theme that is very Shawian is the movie is critical of the clergy and
religion. It is a bit of a surprise that
the screenwriters did not substitute action for the cynicism about
religion. Kudos on that.
“The
Devil’s Disciple” has its detractors, but I am not one of them. To me it is a fun movie as evidenced by the unique
animation. Of course, it did not hurt
that I am a huge fan of Lancaster and Douglas.
Throw in Olivier and I’m all in.
Besides, considering the paucity of movies about the Revolutionary War,
you have to take what you can get.
GRADE = A
Nice review. Saw this on TCM a few years back and liked it, mainly for Olivier. Given how few good Revolutionary War movies exist, it's well-worth seeking out.
ReplyDeleteI've seen parts of this one. In fact it was on today when I got home on TCM I believe. Great cast. Three real heavy weights. Not a very well known movie and probably did lousy for the studio at the time. But your right: the chance to see those three actors together in one movie is a rare thing.
ReplyDeleteLancaster + Douglas + Olivier + Shaw = must see
ReplyDeleteIt was not as good as I had hoped, given the cast, but Douglas dominates the film as the rogue who does not pretend to be anything else. As you said, there are few movies on the American Revolution, and the cast is amazing.
ReplyDeleteRick Camp Rick Camp http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1352452/
ReplyDeleteI wasn’t familiar with this story, even though I had heard of the story The Devils Disciple.
George Bernard Shaw did himself proud: he should’ve been proud of his story!
My family came from Scotland in 1630 after having fought with Wallace and the Bruce and came over to America for our Freedom! The Camps had fought with William The Conqueror in the battle of Hastings in 1066 and were given land grants in England and then moved onto Scotland.
The reason why the British and others came to America was for a new way of life and a freedom unshackled by the rules, laws and many times suppression of a ruling government or king.
The British were arrogant unprepared, and really didn’t have the support of the American colonist, even though only about a third of the population really actively supported the rebellion and the Revolutionary War. Becoming United States of America was inevitable.
As a note, the British were the only ones that ever attacked our capital in the war of 1812 where they tried to take back the American colony
The second time was except January 6, 2021 when an insurrection was inciting by you know who!
I’ve always loved Burt Lancaster and Kirk Douglas, especially their roles together. I actually had the pleasure of meeting Kirk Douglas and his son Michael..
It’s funny, even though history was my favorite subject, especially American history, early history, including the American Revolution and the Civil War, which was a terrible cost to the United States: I get so much information from movies that are condensed forms of novels. When movies are done well as this story, The Devils Dsciple was; in less than two hours you can gain a ot of insight into what was actually happening with the American revolution and its many facets.
Enjoyable fun, not too heavy historical somewhat accurate into what was actually happening with the American people during the revolution. George Bernard Shaw you should’ve appreciated your own work.People came to America for their freedoms. Hopefully we can sustain it.. Amen
Rick Camp
Actor Screenwriter musician/Songwriter Filmmaker