Directed by William Dieterle and written by Dan Totheroh and Stephen Vincent Benet, a nineteenth-century New Hampshire farmer makes a pact with Satan for economic success, then enlists famed orator Daniel Webster to extract him from his contract. Starring James Craig, Anne Shirley, Edward Arnold, Walter Huston, Jane Darwell, Simone Simon, Gene Lockhart, John Qualen, H.B. Warner, Frank Conlan, Lindy Wade and George Cleveland.

Jumping into All That Money Can Buy, it’s difficult not to think of The Wizard of Oz, the farmyard setting, the highly dramatic score and the slightly calamitous nature of things. It has a similar wholesome feel, that’s very of its time, dipping into darkness here and there but remaining family friendly for the most part. Although its forays into a haunting or psychological edge are what keeps it most interesting.

At its core is a classic story of greed and the seductive powers of money and influence, how Jabez (James Craig) is quickly corrupted, given a taste of them. It’s a tale as old as time but no less entertaining for it, especially when paired with a peppering of fear and the charismatic, enjoyably manipulative nature of its devil incarnate, Mr. Scratch (Walter Huston). It may not hold any major surprises in store but it has that typical comforting, charming feel that comes with classic cinema.

While All That Money Can Buy arrived several years prior, it feels in a similar vein to It’s a Wonderful Life, a man led astray and needing a reminder of what really matters in life. Especially as it’s also filed with an interesting and endearing mix of characters. Starting with James Craig’s farmer, good at heart but naïve and tired of the daily toil, he provides a strong core to this ensemble. Anne Shirley plays his wife with endless patience and generosity, while Jane Darwell gives us a classic matriarch, unfazed by anything and unimpressed by everything.

Then you’ve got Walter Huston’s sharp-tongued trickery which finds its match in stalwart Daniel Webster played by Edward Arnold. The two of them make for a great battle of the wills, and Simone Simon then adds a touch of the femme fatale. It’s an interesting mix to see no-one truly take the lead in this film, everyone has a part to play and they each find their moment to shine.

All That Money Can Buy is exactly what you want from a classic film, it’s wholesome and highly dramatic. The 4K restoration work is fantastic, the direction makes for a nicely intense tone but never overly melodramatic, as can so often be the case with 1930s cinema. There’s a wonderful ensemble at work, it moves really well and has a lot of personalities and charisma to add to the mix, both through its style and actors. It’s definitely one any classic film fan should check out.

Verdict: ✯✯✯✯ | 8/10

New 4K Digital Restoration Available on Blu-ray from the Criterion Collection

Special Features include: