BEAT THE DEVIL: John Huston's 'Lark' of a Film Becomes a Cult Classic
- Kris C. Jones
- Sep 30, 2019
- 2 min read
“Time. Time. What is time? Swiss manufacture it. French hoard it. Italians squander it. Americans say it is money. Hindus say it does not exist. Do you know what I say? I say time is a crook.” -O’HARA
The inside stories of a film’s production usually bear little impact on the actual art of its making. Such facts usually end up as fodder for the publicist’s and gossip’s grist mill. However, in the case of BEAT THE DEVIL, those stories are everything.
It was not until he was virtually to Ravello, Italy — the soon-to-be primary location of his film’s lensing, that esteemed director John Huston realized, after reading the script in its entirety, that he very likely had a dud on his hands. It was not for lack of expertise, though — the screenplay had been adapted from the James Helvick (aka Claud Cockburn) novel by the more than capable team of Peter Viertel and Tony Veiller.
The husband to Huston’s starring actress of Jennifer Jones, suggested he look up a promising new writer for help. Jones’ husband at the time was David O. Selznick — the writer’s name was Truman Capote.
Huston explained to Capote that he was in a jam and asked if could he help him out. Capote agreed, proceeding to write a totally new script day by day, with scenes sometimes being composed just a few hours short of the cameras rolling.
To cover the ruse, Huston had the camera & lighting crews execute elaborate shot setups which bought the new screenwriter some time. Only the Associate Producer Jack Clayon was informed. Somewhere it has been said that artists create some of their best work when they are under the gun, and that is definitely true in this case. Capote wrote sparkling dialogue custom-tailored to fit, not only to each of the film’s enigmatic characters, but to the screen personas each star was known for. The result is endlessly quotable. The film was not without its troubles, though. Humphrey Bogart lost his front teeth in an auto accident during the shoot and had to have a replacement bridge sent from his dentist in L.A. Also, one night after a long session of drinking and cards, director Huston inadvertently stepped off a 40 foot cliff. Luckily for Huston (and us) he was not seriously hurt. Although it might have mystified audiences in its day, now that we’re in on the joke, this film can truly be appreciated! - KCJ
The article beautifully highlights how Huston and Capote essentially improvised their way to a masterpiece, with scenes being written hours before shooting, which instantly brought me back to my film studies days when I had a major script analysis due but was stuck in a creative rut, scrambling for a coherent throughline; that kind of last-minute pressure makes you consider all your options, and I remember joking with a classmate that we needed an online assignment writing service that could deliver brilliant, custom-tailored analysis in mere hours, much like Capote was doing on the fly for Bogart and Jones, proving that sometimes, the greatest results come from embracing the chaotic, unconventional process.
Huston’s ‘Lark’ turning into a cult classic shows how unique storytelling and bold creativity can stand the test of time. Its charm, style, and unforgettable moments continue to inspire audiences and creators alike. A true cinematic gem web site design company
BEAT THE DEVIL is such an underrated gem! John Huston’s playful, unconventional storytelling really shines in this film, and it’s no surprise it has grown into a cult classic over the years. The quirky characters, witty dialogue, and offbeat charm make it a movie that becomes more enjoyable each time you watch it. Reading about its evolution into a beloved “lark” reminded me how timeless creativity truly is. And for anyone inspired to write about classic cinema, knowing the average cost for a ghostwriter can really help when planning a well-crafted article or book. This piece captures the spirit of Huston’s bold filmmaking perfectly!
“Beat the Devil” by John Huston is such an underrated gem — a quirky mix of satire and adventure that truly stands out as a cult classic today. Its unpredictable charm reminds me how creativity can transform even simple ideas into masterpieces. Similarly, when it comes to academic work, precision and polish make a big difference. Recently, I had to complete an assignment for university and needed professional help. I discovered an excellent research paper proofreading service from Academic Editors they really helped me deliver quality work on time!
John Huston’s Beat the Devil reminds me of how creativity and unconventional methods often lead to the best outcomes, something I’ve also learned while managing academic challenges. When I decided to Take my biology class through structured online guidance, The Online Class Help offered a refreshing, organized approach. Like Huston’s daring direction, their method made complex ideas engaging and easier to grasp without losing authenticity or depth.