MovieChat Forums > The Devil and Miss Jones (1941) Discussion > Brilliantly acted comedy!

Brilliantly acted comedy!

posted 14 years ago by DS3520
10 replies | jump to latest

Kudos to the cast of this overlooked comedy gem of the 40s. Led by the very talented Charles Coburn (whose wonderful performance makes the whole film!), it is a showcase for a supporting cast of great character actors and actresses; these include Florence Bates, Edmund Gwenn, Spring Byington, & Montagu Love, to name a few. Each of them imbues their character with that certain something that contributes to making the film a comedic delight. It surprises me that "The Devil & Miss Jones" is not better known. It more than holds its own against some supposed comedy "classics," which cannot hold a candle to this flick. About the weakest link in the film is Robert Cummings, who makes no real contribution, and, as usual overacts his part to the point of distraction.

[–] shadowsndust284 14 years ago

I agree. It was wonderful and as soon as it's available on DVD, I plan on purchasing it.

[–] CindyH 14 years ago

Totally agree with you here. It was absolutely charming and I recorded it on a whim. I love Jean Arthur and Robert Cummings. I had never even heard of it, but saw it was going to be on so I recorded it.

The only nag I have about it has nothing at all to do with the film, but the billing. I can scarcely believe that Charles Coburn was billed as the supporting actor. He was absolutely and positively robbed. He was no supporting actor in this, but clearly a solid lead.

I love Jean and Robert, but give me a break! Give credit where it is due.

[–] digitaldiva 14 years ago

Hi Cindy,

Lovely comedy with a great cast. I agree it was Charles Coburn's shining moment but the rest of the cast were great too.

[–] WarpedRecord 14 years ago

Charles Coburn was indeed the lead male here, but I guess they wanted to pass this off as a romantic comedy so Robert Cummings got better billing. Really, this is an ensemble film, even though it's based around Jean Arthur's character, and all the cast works well together. Great writing, performances and timing.

[–] greenbanzanas 13 years ago

If you liked the Devil and Miss Jones, then I hope that you've seen The More the Merrier with Jean Arthur and Charles Coburn.

Totally agree with anyone and everyone who thinks Charles Coburn is a movie gem.

[–] kcwerick 13 years ago

Yes! The More the Merrier is great!

[–] Errington_92 12 years ago

I can scarcely believe that Charles Coburn was billed as the supporting actor. He was absolutely and positively robbed. He was no supporting actor in this, but clearly a solid lead.

I agree. Most likely the only reason why Jean Arthur got top billing was due to the fact her then husband (Frank Ross) was the producer of The Devil and Miss Jones as his production company collaborated with RKO on the film.

"I'd rather be hated for who I am, than loved for who I am not".

[–] digitaldiva 12 years ago

Stunning film, one of the cutest comedies ever and it still holds up.

[–] mathmaniac 8 years ago

You'll LOVE 'The More the Merrier.' It's not as fine a comedy but it is one fine romantic film. One of the most romantic, IMO. Charles Coburn is great in it, too, but there, he truly does not hold center stage the way he does in 'The Devil and Miss. Jones'

[–] mathmaniac 8 years ago