Angel on My Shoulder

As the other reviewers stated the story and acting are top-notch. Even on the short. I have one other VCI disc and there is a Leon Errol short on it. I had never heard of him. He is actually pretty funny.


A Gangster goes to Hell and meets the Devil.   December 9, 2003
James McDonald (Lancaster, California)
If you can't sleep or it's raining outside and you don't have to work tomorrow, here is a good late night movie to watch. Paul Muni plays a gangster, "Eddie", who has just been released after four years in prison. A gangster pal, "Smiley", picks him up in a car. Suddenly, Eddie is shot and he ends up in Hell. Claude Rains plays the Devil. The Devil decides to let Eddie go back up on Earth. He puts him in another body, a look-alike who is a Judge. All that Eddie can think of is getting even with Smiley for shooting him. But everyone else looks at him as The Judge who is not himself anymore. Ann Baxter plays Miss barbara.


A Classic for All Generations   October 4, 2003
The popularity of "Angel on My Shoulder" spans seven decades. This 1946 classic film stars Paul Muni, Claude Rains, and Anne Baxter. Originally written by Harry Segall, it is the reverse telling of his earlier work, the stage play "Heaven Can Wait", (which was adapted for the screen as "Here Comes Mr. Jordan" and remade in 1978 by Warren Beatty). Whereas "Heaven Can Wait" is the story of a man who's prematurely sent to Heaven, "Angel" tells the tale of a mobster, Eddie Kagle, who is sent to Hell after he's gunned down by his best friend. The Devil gives him an opportunity to spend a few days back on Earth to seek revenge. While there, Eddie manages to redeem himself... much to the Devil's chagrin. It's a clever re-telling of Faust.

Both "Here Comes Mr. Jordan" and "Angel on My Shoulder" not only spoke to the era in which they were made, but also became classics in their own right. Despite the fact that "Angel" was produced during the tail end of World War II, it continues to be enjoyed by audiences year after year. Its heartwarming comedy and central theme of redemption have stood the test of time.

Paul Muni plays the lead with much charm, while Claude Rains is a debonaire Devil. There's a few loose ends in the story's structure and non-organic characters whose only purpose is to serve a utility function. However, in the end the overall film delivers an entertaining viewing... and afterall, isn't that the bottom line?

Current rumor has it that a re-make is in the works with a major actor to play the lead. I personally can't wait to see the update.


A Classic That Doesn't Disappoint   March 6, 2002
I had wanted to view this film for quite some time and when it arrived at my doorstep and later was loaded into my VCR it was all I had hoped for. Well written, solidly acted and directed, suspense laden yet humorous, the movie was definately as good as I'd heard. Especially outstanding is the performance of Claude Rains but it doesn't overpower the rest of the cast's excellent acting undertakings, particularly that of Paul Muni. This film is certainly well worth seeing and I encourage all of you to do so. One thing I should point out is that I purchased the VHS Hollywood Classics Collector's Edition put out by the Madacy Music Group of Quebec and my copy arrived damaged. This may very well have occurred during shipping and may not reflect on the distributor at all. I am also confident that, had I chosen to, I could have returned it and gotten another copy without a problem. However, I chose to repair it myself, which I was able to do but it did involve taking the tape apart and reassembling it. I don't know who was at fault but the bottom line is that my copy was damaged and you have the right to know that. As far as the film itself though; its a classic that absolutely does not disappoint. I urge you to give it a look.


Judge for your self   July 27, 2001
B. Chandler (Arlington, Texas)
There is great interaction between Paul Muni and Claude Rains. This move takes unexpected twists and turns. I may remind you a little of " The Devil and Daniel Webster "(1941). However no one can play "Nick" as well as Claude Rains I kind of like the way they return to the surface. Before you write off Anne Baxter as just another personality in this film remember that she was also Nefretiri in " The Ten Commandments" (1956)