The Devil's Disciple

What a great adaptation to the screen! Kirk Douglas seems slightly out of his depth, but the source material (via Shaw) never falters. Great work from Lancaster, and, in particularly, from Sir Laurence. He is exquisitely subtle, and self-assured... Detailed direction, camera work, and fight choreography are all exceptionally strong, too...

Kirk Douglas commands every scene he's in and those he's not in, they seem flat. Maybe it was good casting, but Douglas nailed the part of Richard Dudgeon. The court marshal provided a great gentlemanly exchange between Laurence Olivier and Douglas. This movie was better than I expected and I expect that I will watch it again.

Generally entertaining adaptation of Shaw's play, though hurt by some obvious budgetary constraints and occasionally leaden direction by Hamilton. Lancaster is uncharacteristically stiff and dull, but Douglas and Olivier both deliver deliciously amusing performances, the final courtroom scene alone is worth the price of admission. Scott's irritating performance in support is another detriment, but Shaw's writing is superb, and film is defintely worth watching for its considerable virtues.