Oh, God! You Devil

I don't care what anyone says. I have a thing for this movie. It's a great and simple script. Right down to the choice of that great old song that they sing a pivotal points and at the end (Fugue for Tinhorns from 'Guys and Dolls') George Burns' reprisal of this role was and is pure gold. The little things he says, those simple eternal truths hit home every time. They offer us a few words to live by and things to think about...in essence telling us that God's vast plan for the universe is really quite a simple one.

Ted Wass, I am convinced, is the only actor that could have pulled it off with so much charm and sensitivity. He's never been a glittering star, but he will always shine brilliantly for me in this role as the object of the devil's temptation and God's redemption.

Call this a too-religious-sounding review and I will say God is everywhere, even in this typeface.

I recommend this movie to sensitive people only. All others, I am sorry you will never get it.

This is a classic! Great comedy from George Burns in both roles! The story leaves such a good message with the viewer, that it's hard to forget this film, even now, 37 years later. See it, it will stay with you.

You can tell that George Burns is really enjoying himself immensely, here: he gets to play not only his signature role of God, but the Devil as well. Old Scratch, passing himself off as a super talent agent, gives aspiring musician Bobby Shelton (Ted Wass) a real Devils' deal. In no time, Bobby is having great success. But Bobby is not happy, because this also means saying goodbye to to the great love of his life, Wendy Shelton (Roxanne Hart). God and Satan ultimately have a show-down poker game in Vegas as they fight for Bobbys' soul.

Written by Andrew Bergman, this third entry in the series doesn't contain a lot of comedy fireworks. It only really comes to life the more that that old fountain of youth Burns is exploited for his full comic potential. He's a joy, although it is interesting that "Oh, God! You Devil" is played more straight, and for more pathos, than one might expect.

A top notch cast brings to life a variety of colourful characters: Ron Silver, Eugene Roche, James Cromwell, Robert Picardo, Robert Desiderio, John Doolittle, Jason Wingreen, Susan Peretz, Arthur Malet, etc. Silver is especially funny as a music industry insider. Wass actually delivers a very appealing and sympathetic performance, and naturally one actually cares about whether his rock star will be redeemed.

But it's Burns fans will be in Heaven, as the veteran star lights up the screen whenever he's around.

Six out of 10.

The tale of Faust is the basis for the last film George Burns plays the Creator/Deity of Space, Time, and the Universe. Oh God, You Devil offers him a chance to see how the other half lives as he plays God's nemesis.

Again it lacks the profundity of the original, but Burns's droll humor again carries the day. And a double dose of it from down under is always good.

An ambitious man of music Ted Wass is not happy with the way his career is going. He'd like to be Bruce Springsteen or Jon Bon Jovi instead of playing yet another wedding or bar Mitzvah. Who does he call on but George Burns the dark side.

Why the Deity is intervening for Wass is really never explained. He's a decent guy but so are a gazillion others. Maybe it was the chance to be in Las Vegas. If you are going to battle sin and corruption this is the place to do it.

A chance to see George Burns is always a reason to watch a film.

George Burns is so great, I believe the older and wiser he got, he just became that much more endearing to the public. Any one of the "Oh God" installments is terrific. When Mr. Burns darns his figurative "robe" (regular guy garb, lol)the only way to describe it is "endearing". I don't care which of the 3 movies you might refer to, but any one of them just makes you feel good and gives you such a warm feeling in your heart. It is only a shame that some people can't just live forever. The previous reviewer's suggestion just might make for an interesting scenario. But seeing as how I don't know if he's even still around or active, Bill Cosby would have made a terrific follow-up to the "God" trilogy. I mean God "is" "all things to all men/women" so hey, who knows and why not? For another interesting twist, Rhea Perlman would have made a great "God" as well. GO God, we "really" need you now!!!!