The Devil and Thomas Dale

I’m a fan of the film The Devil and Daniel Webster, based on the short story by Stephen Vincent Benet. In addition to the great Walter Huston’s delightfully dapper turn as old Scratch himself, it oozes with a realistic expression of old Americanism and American exceptionalism.  On one hand, there is more apple pie patriotism than in a glass case at Der Dutchman.  On the other hand, it’s not afraid – through old Scratch’s counter punches – to point out the meaner side of America’s history.  Probably a better take on what Americans have traditionally thought of their country than the counterculture myth of the 60s and beyond.

Anyway, I received a link to an interesting post that helps unpack the famous jury of the damned.  The names are tossed out rather quickly, and unless you are a student of that period in American history, you’ll probably get lost past Arnold.  So here it is, the place to go to find out about just who those infernal jurors are, starting with Mr. Thomas Dale.