Movie Reviews for The Devil's Disciple

The Devil's Disciple

	List Price: ~~$5.54~~ Our Price: $5.50 You Save: $9.44 (63%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Used: from $1.65 (click here) Category: DVD See more DVD releases

Buy this DVD movie at online store in your country
Canada

Movie Reviews of The Devil's Disciple

Movie Review: BBC America Production -- Fascinatingly Historic!
Summary: 5 Stars

With a title like 'Devil's Disciple' I was expecting some kind of Satan worship or something. What I got was far different and far more interesting.

It's the American Revolution, 1777, as British general Burgoyne comes down from the north, hanging potential leaders to quell rebellion. One such unlucky fellow is the uncle of one Dick Dudgeon (Mike Gwilym) is the "devil's disciple," self-proclaimed.

At about the same time as the passing of his uncle by the British rope, Dick comes back home to his mother and family as they await the reading of the will of his recently deceased father. To everyone's surprise, Dick is given most of the money and property. His mother hates her son, curses him but she has no power over him now that the will has been deemed valid.

Despite these things, Dick is a happy guy and seems to delight in being the foil to the Puritan ideals of the townsfolk.

To throw off the yolk of British imperialism though, it will take certain people to speak out for freedom and Burgoyne's campaign of death is doing its job -- anyone outspoken enough will be hanged.

We also meet the minister (Tony Anderson) of the village, well-played by Patrick Stewart (of Star Trek fame). His eloquent speech and manner are that of a minister -- forgiving, and a solid foundation of faith.

Dick confronts him and also declares he himself is as solid in his foundation of the devil as the minister is of his faith.

The story takes a major turn when the minister leaves his wife and house on an errand, leaving Dick with the minister's wife. Just then, the Redcoats come in and arrest who they think is the minister. Pretending to be the minister, both Dick and the wife (Judith) let the Brits be fooled.

Trouble is, looks like Dick will be hanged! The further story of the trial, of Judith's hatred and then 180 degree turn of emotion is compelling. Also Gentlemen Johnny (nickname for Burgoyne) realizes that his days are possibly numbered, as Patrick Stewart comes riding to the rescue.

Inventive, and clearly a sarcastic interpretation of relations between not only men or women, but that agnostics also have a faith of sorts -- and we all have faith in freedom -- and perhaps that's the real upshot of Americans -- their renewed sense of purpose and freedom rather than the Brit's purpose (in the film at least) of maintaining a status quo.

I have not seen the old version from the Sixties, but this 1987 BBC production is a must-see for sure. The sets were made as if with a play or theater in mind (G. Bernard Shaw being a playwright, this is not surprising) -- painted backdrop, accurate historical costumes as well as in the context of the historical battle that was about to play out with Gentlemen Johnny.

Recommended!

Movie Review: "The Devil's Disciple" Sent From Heaven
Summary: 5 Stars

I just watched this wonderful 2-hour BBC program now on DVD. The wit of Bernard Shaw is crisp and biting in the dialogue. The actors, namely Patrick Stewart and Ian Richardson, pump just the right amount of energy, sarcasm, drama, and humor into their lines to make this piece truly enjoyable. Shaw is the only playwright who has ever had the power to make me laugh and cry at the same time. This piece will undoubtedly do that for you.
The DVD transfer is nothing special, though. Some images look a bit grainy. The sound quality is fairly crisp, but everything is perfectly audible. This DVD has one extra, which is also marvelous: a program titled, "The Wit and Wisdom of G. Bernard Shaw." It is a great biography of the playwright's life with scenes and quotes recited by (a 1980s) Christopher Plummer among other fine actors. I would recommend this DVD for purchase by anyone with a remote interest in Shaw or the actors in the program. Also, if you're interested in stories set in Revolutionary War America, I would recommend this to you as well. Basically, if you've clicked on this page out of curiosity, you have what it takes to fully enjoy this program! Enjoy!

Movie Review: Devil's Disciple
Summary: 5 Stars

The Devil's Disciple is a wonderful BBC production which is set during the American Revolution (1777) in New England. There are humorous moments and several interesting plot twists leading to a very satisfying conclusion. The entire cast is excellent. Mike Gwilym as the Devil's Disciple, and Susan Wooldridge as the minister's wife, are outstanding. I thoroughly enjoyed this DVD and highly recommend it.

Movie Review: A new perspective on the American Revolution
Summary: 5 Stars

This is a great play that carries you away with wonderful acting. Don't miss Bernard Shaw's unique, thought-provoking, funny take on the American Revolution.