Movie spotlight
Up Jumped the Devil
Two ne'er-do-wells, Washington and Jefferson, just out of prison are looking for jobs so they won't get arrested for vagrancy. They find out that the wealthy Mrs. Brown is looking to hire a butler and a maid, and Jefferson talks Washington into dressing up as a woman so they can get both jobs. They get the jobs, but they soon run into Bad News Johnson, a crook they met in prison. They find out that Johnson is planning to pull a con on Mrs. Brown and he wants them to go in on it with him. Complications ensue.
Insights
Plot Summary
A young man, recently released from prison, tries to go straight but is drawn back into a life of crime by his former associates. He struggles to protect his family from the dangerous underworld that continues to pursue him. The film explores themes of redemption and the difficulty of escaping one's past.
Critical Reception
Upon its release, 'Up Jumped the Devil' received modest attention, generally being reviewed as a typical B-movie crime drama of its era. Critics noted its straightforward narrative and competent, if uninspired, direction. Audiences likely viewed it as standard genre fare, offering predictable thrills and a cautionary tale.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its earnest portrayal of a man trying to reform.
Criticized for predictable plot points and a lack of originality in its crime elements.
Seen as a serviceable example of early 1940s crime cinema.
Google audience: Information on specific Google user reviews for this film is not readily available.
Fun Fact
This film was one of the earliest productions by Irving Allen, who would later become a significant producer of action films in the 1950s and 1960s.
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