Is The Devil Plays Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, The Devil Plays is likely a skip if you enjoy Mystery movies.
It features a runtime of 63 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
The Devil Plays Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1931, The Devil Plays emerges as a significant entry in the Mystery, Romance domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of A mystery novelist's detective skills are put to the test when he attends a party where a murder is committed. Unlike standard genre fare, The Devil Plays attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Mystery is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Devil Plays features a noteworthy lineup led by Jameson Thomas . Supported by the likes of Florence Britton and Thomas E. Jackson , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of The Devil Plays (1931) is negative. With an audience rating of 4.2/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
The Devil Plays Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: The Devil Plays is a Mystery, Romance film that presents a compelling narrative that engages viewers from start to finish. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
The Devil Plays Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: The Devil Plays attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to mystery resolution.
The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the mystery themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of The Devil Plays reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch The Devil Plays?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Mystery films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
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Full Cast & Crew of The Devil Plays
- Jameson Thomas – Harry Forrest
- Florence Britton – Diana Amberson
- Thomas E. Jackson – Captain Brown
- Lew Kelly – Sgt. Snyder
- Lillian Rich – Grace Stiles
Top Highlights
Jameson ThomasHarry Forrest
Florence BrittonDiana Amberson
Thomas E. JacksonCaptain Brown
Lew KellySgt. Snyder
Lillian RichGrace Stiles
Robert EllisGordon Stiles
Dorothy ChristyDolores Quincy
Edmund BurnsDick Quincy
Jack TrentDuncan
Carmelita GeraghtyRita Kane
Where to Watch The Devil Plays Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Amazon Video🏷️ Buy on
Amazon VideoParents Guide & Age Rating
The Devil Plays has not been officially rated yet. Based on its genres (Mystery, Romance), it contains romantic content.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 4.2/10, and global collection metrics, The Devil Plays stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1931 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Devil Plays movie hit or flop?
The Devil Plays is considered a flop based on audience ratings of 4.2/10 and lower collections.
Is The Devil Plays worth watching?
Based on the low rating of 4.2/10, The Devil Plays may not be worth watching unless you are a die-hard fan.
Where can I watch The Devil Plays online?
The Devil Plays may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
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Critic Reviews for The Devil Plays
A man is murdered in a mansion and we embark on a sort of "Cluedo"-esque search for the culprit. As we progress (?), it seems that everyone hated the man and had a motive; who knew there was such risk in investing in a tea room? Personally, I could have found plenty of better things to do with the lead piping, or the candlestick - we've got lethargic, repertorically theatrical performances (except, perhaps from Lew Kelly as the hapless sergeant "Snyder") with long drawn out poses and the ending is almost a spin-a-bottle affair. After 20 minutes I'd have used them on myself.
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This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
