The Devil and Miss Jones (1941), directed by Sam Wood, is a comedy with a conscience. Believe it or not, in 1941, moviegoers could accept the fact that rich people cared more for profits than they did for their employees. When department store employees try to organize for better pay and conditions, the store owner hires detectives to find the organizers so that they can be fired. When the detective doesn't appear motivated enough, the owner takes on the job himself. He goes undercover and pretends to be a new employee.
On his first day on the job, Mr. Merrick (Charles Cobern) is befriended by Mary Jones (the incomparable Jean Arthur). This part was written with Ms. Arthur in mind, and she is perfect for it. She's kind, tough, romantic, and compassionate.
Robert Cummings does a creditable job as Mary's sweetheart, and Spring Byington is perfect as an older woman who is looking for love, but will only consider someone who's not rich. S.Z. Sakall plays Mr. Merrick's Butler. (A year later, he was cast as the waiter in "Casablanca.")
Although the movie is, naturally, somewhat dated, it's still worth seeing. The scene in which the fabulously rich Mr. Merrick is left--literally--without a nickel for a telephone call is fascinating. The basic message--the poor will only get their rights if they organize--is as true today as it was 66 years ago.
This movie will work well on DVD, but we in Rochester were privileged to view a beautifully restored print. Thanks go to UCLA for restoring the film, and making the print available. Thanks also are due to the Rochester Labor Council for showing this movie as part of the Rochester Labor Film Series.
