The Devil's Disciple (1959) [Blu-ray]

This is one of my all-time favorite movies, and it's unfortunate that it is largely forgotten. George Bernard Shaw tried his hand at writing a melodrama — complete with a last-minute rescue — and did a wonderful job. But even more interesting is the play's (and the film's) theme, which is delivered as dialogue in the drama (in case you missed it): "In times of trial, a man finds his true profession."Lancaster, holding his emotions in check for most of the film, is wonderfully steadfast and caring as the Rev. Anthony Anderson. Kirk Douglas is charming and witty and smart as Richard Dudgeon, the ne'er-do-well son of a local family who returns just as the action starts. And Laurence Olivier is at his best as General Burgoyne, aka Gentlemanly Johnny. The repartee between Burgoyne and Dudgeon is just a delight to listen to. Shaw at his best.But the best part of the movie is its beautiful score. I still hum it in my head sometimes. Just lovely.Its funny that another Lancaster movie he made years later also rates as one of my all-time favorite movies. Local Hero, another gem with a wistful score.

Worth the time to watch

"Devil's Disciple" is an exciting, witty surprise sporting two charismatic performances by Lancaster and Douglas, who's at his roguish best, and Laurence Olivier. Based on a play by George Bernard Shaw, it's a sharply-acted British production taking place during the Revolutionary War with a very entertaining twist of destiny between the two main characters and a marvelous turn by Olivier as a disaffected British officer. It's much more fun than you'd expect and deserves a full dvd release. I was happy to be able to get an excellent vhs copy - which was unused because of the film's unfortunate obscurity.

Who could ask for more? George Bernard Shaw might be turning over in his grave at the changes they made to his play, but Laurence Olivier as General Cornwallis has some of the best lines and makes the most of them.

Filmed more like a video as you would see on TV soap opera, very old school

Okay film with good actors. A bit slow in places, and with a predictable outcome.

A nice version of a Shaw play not often seen. Lancaster and Douglas play off each other nicely, as always.

My favorite playwright, George Bernard Shaw, with one of his 3 wittiest scripts (with Pygmalion and Caesar and Cleopatra). Olivier shines as a sarcastic British officer.

If only the producers could have afforded to make this on colour, it would have made more money particularly now and would have been much better looked on. Still it's fairly good with 3 of my favourite stars. Supporting cast pretty good too. But it shouts out for colour!