Burt Lancaster and Kirk Douglas Delight In “The Devil’s Disciple”

Based on the beloved play by George Bernard Shaw, the 1959 feature The Devil’s Disciple is a star-studded affair that can enchant classic and contemporary film lovers alike. Set in colonial New Hampshire, the movie concerns Dick Dudgeon (Kirk Douglas) an embittered wastrel who has little use for family, community, or the revolutionary cause. However, when the one man who’s ever shown him support — the passive-seeming minister Anthony Anderson (Burt Lancaster) — is targeted for treason to the crown by General Burgoyne (Laurence Olivier), Dudgeon prepares for a surprising sacrifice. Intriguing take on the familiar satire co-stars Janette Scott, Eva Le Gallienne, Harry Andrews. A tightrope waltz of drama and comedy is perhaps the best description of The Devil’s Disciple. Indeed, the film has some startling and unexpected moments I dare not reveal here, along with some warm scenes of mirthful release. This was the third pairing of stars Lancaster and Douglas, and once again their on-screen partnership yielded successful results — making this a valuable addition to your personal film library.