WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — On Thursday, Jan. 25, the Clark Art Institute continues its free five-part film series highlighting a group of classic films that have been recently restored to provide an exceptional viewing experience. 

 

The Clark shows "All That Money Can Buy" (aka The Devil and Daniel Webster) at 6 pm in its auditorium, located in the Manton Research Center.

 

According to a press release:

 

Set in 1840s rural New Hampshire, Faustian gothic fantasy "All That Money Can Buy" (1941; 1 hour, 47 minutes) centers around down-on-his-luck farmer Jabez Stone (James Craig). His desperation leads him to a seven-year deal with the devil, known as "Mr. Scratch" (an impish Walter Huston). Though great success awaits Stone immediately following this cursed contractual relationship, his fortune is won only through a nimbus of darkness and greed that swiftly finds his life—and his moral center—unraveling. Adjacent to Stone is the plight of the lauded congressman and orator Daniel Webster (Edward Arnold), who too is wooed by Mr. Scratch into selling his soul to win the presidency. The convergence of the lives of Webster and Stone stretches their tale beyond its simplistic roots and into a knotty narrative that speaks to the state of America then and now. The film is directed by William Dieterle.

 

Admission to the Clark is free through March 2024.