Charles Coburn was a funny man. I wish had more movies with him in them, as he usually makes me laugh. He did here, and this movie was on it's way to a rating of "10" when it bogged down midway through and never really regained momentum. It did have a nice sentimental ending, though.

Coburn, meanwhile, was outstanding as the super-rich owner of a department store who goes "underground" as a shoe salesman in his store to find out the cause of worker unrest. Then romance takes over the story: Coburn and Spring Byington and then Bob Cummings and Jean Arthur and the story loses a lot of it comedy touch and its zip.

Overall, the film still exudes charm and Coburn, despite third billing, IS the star of this film. I'm sure a number of fans of this film are disappointed it still isn't out on DVD.

Some very talented people involved here in 'The Devil and Miss Jones'. Jean Arthur is not to everybody's tastes, she is mine though and she has given plenty of great performances. Robert Cummings is reliable though doesn't always get meaty enough material to stand out properly. Charles Coburn, Spring Byington and Edmund Gwenn could always be relied upon to steal their scenes. Really enjoy romantic comedies and also have liked some of Sam Wood's other films, namely 'Goodbye Mr Chips' and 'A Night at the Opera'.

'The Devil and Miss Jones' is one of Wood's most entertaining, most heart-warming and likeable films in my mind. Have seen a few comparisons to the work of Frank Capra, a good thing as Capra did have a distinctive style and speaking as someone that has really liked and more a lot of his work, and it is not hard to see why. There is a very feel good vibe without descending into corn or mawkishness. Anybody that loves any of the cast members should love 'The Devil and Miss Jones', it is a great representation of both.

Very little to criticize 'The Devil and Miss Jones' for in my view actually, it does bog down in the pace a little in the middle but actually the pace did pick up.

Also thought that the ending was a little on the silly side, but at least it also managed to be interesting and didn't wrap things up over-neatly.

From the start all the cast are on great form. Arthur is immensely charming and her characteristic sass is done with brio without being overdone. Cummings looks as if he's enjoying himself too and matches Arthur in the easy to like department, didn't think he was bland at all. Coburn is as hilarious and human as ever and Byington wins the heart of the viewer without trying too hard. Gwenn is endearing in a role that suits him well. Wood keeps the sentimentality at bay while allowing the cast to have fun.

Had no problem with the script, which is sophisticated and beautifully balanced and has snappy wit, adorable sweetness and it doesn't get preachy or heavy. The story is heart-warming with a truly sparkling first half in particular and the chemistry between the actors is always natural and not strained or robotic. The message avoids being heavy-handed and actually came over as sincere, it's an honest message too and actually has relevance today.

In conclusion, great. 9/10

Norman Krasna, was one of the best screen writers in the movies of the period. Sam Wood shows his ability to direct this excellent cast in one of the most satisfying comedies about the distinctions between the moneyed classes and the working stiffs they employed.

If you haven't seen the film, please stop reading now.

J.P. Merrick, is a millionaire who has investments all over New York. It is to his amazement he sees himself burned in effigy in front of the department store he has forgotten he owns. Merrick, like all people in business don't want to appear to be exploiting the workers, but this is too much! He must put an end to it.

In disguising himself as a salesman, he goes directly where the problem seems to be coming from, the shoe department. There he meets Mary Jones, who immediately feels Tom Higgins, his assumed name, is a man that is going through a rough time in his life. Mary feels pity when she realizes he doesn't know a thing about salesmanship.

In spite of everything going bad for him as a shoe salesman, Tom sticks to his new persona. He only meets kindness from all the people he is trying to fire. Merrick, by the end of the first full day at the store feels the strain of being on his feet all the time; we watch him soaking his feet in hot water, aided by his butler, George. In the process of gaining knowledge about the trouble makers, Merrick becomes human. He gets to realize how wrong he has been about a life he has lived so alienated from.

"The Devil and Miss Jones" is a movie that will delight anyone wishing to have fun. Of course, this is a film that depends totally in the two principals, Jean Arthur, who plays Mary Jones, and Charles Coburn, who as J.P Merrick/Tom Higgins shows why they were about the best actors working in the cinema in the 30s and 40s in Hollywood. Not only did they bring such class to whatever they played, but they are totally convincing. Ms. Arthur was a natural and so was Mr. Coburn.

The rest of the cast is extraordinary. A young Robert Cummings is perfect in his role as the union man. Spring Byinton, an actress that appeared in many films, is a charming Elizabeth, the woman that steals Merrick/Higgins heart. In her first scene with Mr. Coburn, she sits in the park bench to have lunch and he has nothing to eat. She gives him one of her tuna popovers and clarifies for him she paid 12 cents for the can! What times! In minor roles, S. Z. Sakall is George, the loyal butler. Mr. Sakall is a joy to watch, no matter what picture, or what character he is playing. Also, Edmund Gwenn, who probably stayed behind to played Santa Claus for the store, makes an incredible Hooper, the man in charge of the shoe department.

Thanks to Sam Wood's inspired direction this is a film that will not cease to please.