The Devil and Daniel Webster (2004)

Director:

Alec Baldwin

Writers (WGA):

Stephen Vincent Benet (story)
Archibald Macleish (play)

Release Date:

17 August 2007 (Kazakhstan)

Genre:

Comedy | Drama | Fantasy

Tagline:

the devil is in the details.

Plot:

A down-and-out writer sells his soul to the devil in exchange for fame and fortune.

Plot Keywords:

Devil | Writer | Fame | Fortune | Based On Short Story

Cast

Anthony Hopkins	...	Daniel Webster
Alec Baldwin	...	Jabez Stone
Jennifer Love Hewitt	...	The Devil
Ken Murton	...	Daniel's Agent
Frank Sivero	...	Luigi
Dan Aykroyd	...	Julius Jenson
Gregg Bello	...	Rick Fusco
Kim Cattrall	...	Constance Hurry
John Savage	...	Johnny
Al Palagonia	...	Anthony
Barry Miller	...	Mike Weiss
Jason Patric	...	Ray
Paul Thornton	...	James Joyce
Kevin Olson	...	Tommy Anderson
Bill Corsair	...	Aging Writer

Also Known As:

Shortcut to Happiness (USA) (new title)
The Devil (USA) (working title)

MPAA:

Rated PG-13 for language and sexual content.

Runtime:

106 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Certification:

USA:PG-13

Filming Locations:

Bethpage, Long Island, New York, USA

Company:

Yari Film Group (YFG)

Trivia:

According to Alec Baldwin, the film was extensively re-edited after it came into the possession of Bob Yari Productions, and no longer bears any resemblance to its original form or to the Benet short story, hence the title change. Baldwin has since requested that his name be removed from the credits as director and producer.

Goofs:

Continuity: When buying the house, Jabez Stone sees the Devil on the beach. He runs to her with his shirt's collar over his jacket. But when he is there and talks to the Devil the collar is carefully tucked under.

Quotes:

The Devil: Hmm. You know what they say. In order for one to succeed, another must fail.

Movie Connections:

Referenced in "Family Guy: Stuck Together, Torn Apart (#3.19)" (2002)

Took so long to see the light of day, because it's pretty blah.

This is one of those films that I remember being in the can for years before anything happening w/it. I don't think it's terrible, but it's not really good either. Alec Baldwin was pretty good, but the plot is it kind of flimsy at best. The cast is pretty good in what they're given, but again you are only as good as the script. Baldwin directing this although I could have sworn he didn't direct all of it, I thought I read somewhere or lots of re-shoots wasn't bad but he definitely has some potential in there. Although his work on "30 Rock" is nothing short of genius & should keep him busy for a little while longer. I just hope the show bows out gracefully a la Seinfeld, but maybe not even that long. 9 years it went. So if you want to see a film that you won't get much from, but won't really hate either well this is for you. I can't remember the last time a film had been wrapped so long before finally being released & only on DVD at that. It was nice to see Alec Baldwin & Anthony Hopkins again together since their excellent yet not much people have seen "The Edge." Now pick up that excellent film for some real entertainment.