The Devil and Daniel Webster (1941)

Plagued by bad luck, desperate farmer James Craig makes a deal with a devilish Walter Huston to trade his soul for seven years of prosperity. When Huston comes back to collect, Daniel Webster, in the form of Edward Arnold, lends his oratory skills to try to win the soul back. It’s a Faustian tale set firmly on American soil, especially with the role of Webster, placing the famed orator’s inability to succeed in presidential elections firmly on his own unwillingness to make a similar deal. Along with Arnold’s robust portrayal, it’s obvious Huston is having a fabulous time in his role, but that’s about all there is to recommend the film. The farmer’s goody two shoes family members become so sanctimonious that the devil’s deal seems worth it to get away from them. 

Oscar Win: Best Music, Scoring of a Dramatic Picture

Oscar Nomination: Best Actor in a Leading Role