Blu Ray Review: Devil and the Deep (1932)

Kino Lorber continues to offer outstanding pre-code dramas that are new to blu ray. Devil and the Deep is a 1932 Paramount feature directed by Marion Gering.

In one of his first major supporting roles, Cary Grant is a handsome, almost boyish naval lieutenant who is attracted to the sultry wife of his Commanding Officer (Charles Laughton), resulting in the sadistic Commander believing he has seduced her. She instead has an affair with a different naval officer (Gary Cooper).

Despite a strong cast of top, even iconic, actors, Devil and the Deep is rather easily stolen by Charles Laughton’s bravura performance. Laughton’s character is very layered, allowing this fine actor to appearing grinning and complacent in some instances, but showing himself to be truly vicious in the film’s more revealing scenes. Laughton’s snarling delivery, his imposing presence, and his command of every scene caused period critic David Fairweather to state: “Charles Laughton's magnificent acting disarms criticism of the more violently sensational incidents." He plays a man who is psychotically insecure and jealous at a most extreme level. While he appeared in many films that are much better known, Devil and the Deep contains one of Charles Laughton’s finest screen performances. Cary Grant is appealing, Gary Cooper is compelling, and Tallulah Bankhead exudes great charisma. But Laughton’s performance tops them all.

Devil and the Deep did not seem to be a particularly accessible film in past years, so its appearance on blu ray from Kino Lorber is worth celebrating. It not only allows us to investigate further into precode cinema, but it also spotlights the early screen work of some top starts who later became icons. Gary Cooper, although starting out in silent films like Wings and It (both 1927), was just starting to build his career as a leading man with movies like this one and A Farewell to Arms. Before the end of the 1930s he would be one of Hollywood’s biggest stars, a status he would keep until his death in 1961. Cary Grant would reach leading man status later this same year. Charles Laughton would exhibit true versatility in futher ventures. Tallulah Bankhead would do more on stage than in films, but would still remain active on screen well into the 1960s.

So, Devil and the Deep is a good movie that has several levels of significance, both historically and aesthetically. The commentary track by David Del Valle on the Kino Lorber blu ray offers a wealth of solid information and background that truly enhances our appreciation of the film.

The blu ray is available here: DEVIL AND THE DEEP