The Devil Plays: A Charming, Creaky Old Whodunit Worth a Watch?

Alright, so you’re wondering about The Devil Plays. Is it worth digging up today? Well, if you’re someone who loves the slow burn of an old-fashioned murder mystery, especially those set in big, slightly creaky mansions, then yeah, probably. You’ll get a kick out of its charm. But if you need your thrillers to move at a breakneck pace or feature modern special effects, you’ll likely find it a bit of a snooze. It’s definitely not for everyone.

The whole thing kicks off with a group of folks gathered at this mansion for a weekend. You know the drill. Right away, you get that classic atmosphere, all hushed tones and suspicious glances. Then, naturally, someone turns up dead. 💀

Murdock MacQuarrie, who plays Detective Miller, has this really **stoic** presence. He walks through the house, taking everything in, and you just feel like he’s seen it all before. He doesn't rush, which actually adds to the tension.

There's this one scene where a maid discovers the body, and her scream feels a little… *over-the-top*. But honestly, that’s part of the fun of these older films. It’s less about realism and more about the drama of it all.

The plot, penned by Arthur Hoerl, does a decent job of laying out the suspects. Everyone has a motive, or at least, a secret they're trying to keep under wraps. It’s not always super subtle, but that’s okay.

I found myself really paying attention to George 'Gabby' Hayes. He plays the groundskeeper, and he’s got this wonderful **gruffness** about him. Every time he’s on screen, you wonder if he knows more than he’s letting on. His character provides some much-needed texture to the otherwise somewhat stiff cast.

The mansion itself is almost a character. Those dark hallways and grand, empty rooms just scream 'mystery.' You can practically hear the floorboards creaking, even when there's no sound.

One moment that stuck with me was a close-up on a character's face when they're being interrogated. Their eyes dart around, and you can almost *feel* the movie trying to convince you this person is lying. It’s a bit on the nose, but effective for its time.

The pacing is definitely a slow burn. Things don't happen quickly. This allows you to really sit with the clues, or at least, what *feel* like clues. Sometimes it’s just people walking from one room to another, but it builds a certain kind of mood.

There’s a bit near the end where the killer is finally revealed, and their explanation for *why* they did it is a bit… convoluted. It’s one of those classic old movie monologues where everything gets spelled out in painstaking detail. It almost becomes funny how much they need to explain.

You can tell this film was made in a different era. The dialogue, while clear, sometimes feels a little stiff. People don’t talk quite like that anymore, which adds to its charm, I think. It’s like stepping into a time capsule.

If you enjoy films like The Forbidden Path or even something like Pardon Me, where the focus is on a simpler, story-driven narrative, then this might be right up your alley. It’s a good example of its genre, without trying to be anything more.

All in all, The Devil Plays is a decent way to spend an evening if you're in the mood for something nostalgic. It’s not a masterpiece, but it’s a solid little murder mystery with just enough twists and turns to keep you guessing. And 'Gabby' Hayes is always a welcome sight. 👍

Random Notes from the Watch:

• That opening shot of the mansion really sets the mood, even if the print looks a bit rough.
• Lots of dramatic shadows. Very atmospheric.
• Was that a real telephone? Looked so old-fashioned!
• The detective's hat stays perfectly on his head, even when he's running around. Impressive.
• Someone keeps refilling the brandy glasses. Priorities, I guess.