Oh, God! You Devil (1984) User Reviews (24)

Worthwhile for any fan of Burns.

[Hey_Sweden · 6/10 · 10 April 2019]

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.

Sin and corruption

[bkoganbing · 6/10 · 21 February 2017]

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.

For Softies Everywhere

[bill-1140 · 6/10 · 30 August 2006]

I freely admit I'm a sap. Give me a good story line and decent acting and I'll be in tears at the end. (When Peter Falk says "As you wish" at the end of "Princess Bride", I'm a mess. When Danny DeVito's daughter finds the telescope in "Renaissance Man", same. And so on.) And like I am every time I see this one. When God joins in at the end in the singing, wow!

One thing bothers me. In the bet between God and the devil, they agree that if the devil wins, Bobby Wayne will die. But God wins the hand - and still Wayne dies. Even a sap likes a movie to be consistent.

The story line of the movie reminds me of "Damn Yankees". Guy makes deal with Devil to realize his dream, finds he prefers his real life to the reality of dream. Of course, divine intervention isn't required to save Joe Hardy/Joe Boyd; just the devil's bad temper. But wife and family win out. Hooray for us saps! Middle of the movie drags a bit but there are enough high points to bring it through. Cast is excellent. George Burns carries of both persona beautifully. Ron Silver is at his slimy best. Can't think of another actor who matches him at this. I think of "Time Cop" or "Blue Steel". He's horrible and great all at once!

The movie is good, satisfying fun.

George Burns is wonderful in both roles!

[dtucker86 · 22 October 2003]

This was the second sequel to "Oh God" (they had planned a third, but it never was made). Once again, George Burns plays the Almighty but he also plays a dual role as the Devil himself. What an original idea! I know that people who loved George couldn't picture him playing a role of evil, but he does it very well. The plot sort of reminds me of The Devil And Daniel Webster with Ted Wass's character as a sort of modern day Jabez Stone. A rock star who is willing to sell his soul for success. There is a wonderful bit of technology when we see the two "Georges" fighting for this man's soul in the end. We can actually see George walking behind "himself" as God! Movie technology has come such a long way. Once again, George makes movie magic and makes you believe. He is just so wonderful as God that I can't think of any other actor who could have done it as well as he (do you realize that in the original Oh God! they wanted Mel Brooks to do it?!). Jason Wingreen is a well-respected character actor (he was on All In The Family and Archie Bunker's place). He has a small role in the film and I wrote to him several years ago and asked him what it was like working with George Burns. He wrote me back and said that the few days he worked with George were among the happiest of his life. He said he was wonderful and so good to the cast and crew and kept them laughing with wonderful stories about his life. We as a society need more films like this with a positive message about God. We need it now more then ever. The singer in this film wanted fame and glory and yet in the end he found happiness in a simple life with his loving wife and child. What a wonderful message! This is a great film and George Burns is what makes it that way. God bless you Mister Burns, I hope you and Gracie are having a wonderful time in Heaven. We still miss you here on earth and need you now more then ever.

Pretty weak sequel; a big letdown from it's two predecessors

[spencer-w-hensley · 4/10 · 13 January 2021]

Oh God was never supposed to be a religious or pro Christian movie, but it worked because George Burns was perfectly cast in the role of the Almighty and it had a great message sandwiched in between all of its jokes and humorous situations.

Oh God Book II came along three years later and it was a basic rehash of the first film with a little girl as Gods messenger instead of John Denver's character from the original. Sure it was a rehash but it had such a nice innocent charm about it as well as touching scenes between Burns as God and the girl that it was a perfectly adequate, enjoyable sequel.

Third time was not a charm for this series four years later with Oh God You Devil. While it was always a welcome presence to see the great Burns still working up until shortly before his death in 1996, this film went in a very different direction than its predecessors. Sometimes that can work but this time it didnt.

The reason why is because the joke here is Burns is God and the Devil. But this is really the Devil's movie. God is in this maybe 10 minutes tops.

The idea could have worked a whole lot better if time were equally devoted to Burns playing both roles and contrasting both characters who are fighting over the soul of a failing musician played by Ted Wass.

And although Wass tries his best he just doesnt have the same likeability that Denver demonstrated in the first outing, nor any of the sweet innocence that the little girl did in Book II.

Also Burns portrays the image of a sweet wise old man which works perfect for playing God but he also transfers that into playing the Devil and it just doesnt work.

It's a sequel that had a good idea and potential but we needed more of George Burns as God. We fell in love with him as that character in the first two movies so why would we want to see less of it the third time? Just totally defeats the purpose of this otherwise delightful film series.

Any film with Mr. Burns is GREAT!

[[e-mail] · 7/10 · 14 April 2006]

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!!!!

Expected more.

[cobram-1 · 2/10 · 13 September 2003]

Burns acting is good, story is weak. Alot more could have been done with this one, it seems almost like the money was running out as the movie was progressing, and they had to cut to the chase without much thought except ending the movie quickly.

Burns plays both satan and God in this amusing commentary on 'success'

[Wuchakk · 7/10 · 10 December 2020]

A piano player in Los Angeles (Ted Wass) wants to make it big and so the devil (George Burns) offers to turn him from a Barry Manilow wannabe into a stud-ly Rick Springfield rock star. Will he stay with his wife (Roxanne Hart) and simple life as a struggling musician or give into temptation and the 'success' he craves?

"Oh, God! You Devil" (1984) was the third and final "Oh, God!" film. It's superior to the sitcomy precursor from 1980 while the first half is just as good as the original 1977 film. Shortly after the midway point, though, it starts to lose its mojo and becomes a little tedious, but things perk up when 'God' (Burns) appears for a showdown with the devil. If you ignore the paranormal elements, it's reminiscent of "The Rose" in ways (1979).

Lovely Roxanne Hart is a highlight in her brief role. Too bad it wasn't bigger. Meanwhile Wass is surprisingly convincing as the Rick Springfield-like rocker.

The film cost $5,560,001 and made $21,538,850 in the USA alone in late 1984, which means it was a modest box office hit. Roger Ebert & Gene Siskel gave it a positive review, calling it "charming" and "delightful" "with a wicked sense of humor."

The movie runs 1 hour, 37 minutes and was shot in Los Angeles, with some scenes done in Las Vegas.

GRADE: B

Really not that great

[ajlposh · 3/10 · 15 January 2007]

I'm a 15-year-old fan of George Burns. He's one of my favorite comedians. I've loved him since I was 10 years old. I saw the first Oh, God, and loved it. I thought maybe this one would be almost as good. Boy was I wrong.

The humor wasn't that great. Neither were any of the other actors. The other people in this movie, besides George Burns, are not really well known. I was just waiting for it to end. If you want a good George Burns movie, see the first Oh, God, or the Sunshine Boys, but avoid this.

3/10

George Burns as the devil

[SnoopyStyle · 6/10 · 20 September 2015]

Bobby Shelton (Ted Wass) is a down-on-his-luck songwriter watched over by God (George Burns) after his father prayed for him as a sick child. He reluctantly does a Beverly Hills wedding. He asks to sell his soul to make it in the business and Satan (George Burns) obliges by signing him. Instead of the standard 7 years deal, he gets a trial period. He becomes superstar Billy Wayne in an instant. His wife Wendy Shelton (Roxanne Hart) is with another man in his place as Bobby but is pregnant with his baby when he was still Bobby. He tries to break his deal with the devil and goes in search for God. He's told to go to the desert and he goes to Las Vegas.

George Burns is good as a cigar smoking Satan. The movie could probably use more Burns. Ted Wass is not that great. This is a little darker and doesn't have quite the same humor as the original. I do need Bobby to do more to break the contract than simply finding God. It would be great if he does good deeds to appeal to God. There are opportunities for drama and humor that aren't taken. I do love the irony of Bobby going to Vegas to find God. It's definitely not as good as the original but it's good to see Burns again anyways.

Slept through much of it

[kenmazing60 · 3/10 · 5 October 2023]

So I'm not qualified to give a full review. Let's just say that Burns was pretty good and enjoyable, but was devil too much and God not enough. So much could have been made of the contrasts and Burns playing off Burns, but maybe they didn't have the budget to have two full appearances of George Burns. The rest of it was so slow moving and unremarkable that I couldn't make it through without napping.

The script was so horrible, trope-y, and sappy that the best actors in the world couldn't have saved it, and you could tell they weren't putting much effort in to try.

Can't recommend, even for the irony, just too boring.

This might be in my Top 20

[pmtelefon · 10/10 · 1 March 2020]

I remember seeing "Oh, God! You Devil" in the theater (Sunrise Multiplex, Valley Stream, NY). I was a fan then and, all these years later, I'm more of a fan now. This movie has always touched me in a way few movies have. The script is terrific. The cast is great. George Burns hits the ball out of the park. "Oh, God! You Devil" is one of my all-time favorites. Honorable mention: Eugene Roche.

almost as good as the original

[disdressed12 · 7/10 · 22 April 2010]

that's more like it.this third film of the series puts a new spin on things.George Burns is back as God,of course,and the Devil.the story here is fresh and original,and there are quite a few laughs to be had.there are also some very touching moments.George Burns is a gas as the Devil,and it sure looks like heed had a ball playing that role.Ted Wass is great as the hapless victim of the Devil.this movie is quite fast paced compared to the previous two,and it has a much slicker polished look to it,but it works in this case.while i didn't quite like it as much as the first one,it comes in a very close second place.for me,Oh, God! You Devil is a 7/10

You want Fame and Fortune ... until you have it

[dennisg-6 · 7/10 · 17 February 2010]

Many people ignore God, and follow the path of chasing Fame, Fortune and Power.

This movie shows one such story (although this man is wanting to have SOME Fame, enough to get some good gigs, instead of weddings and bar mitzvahs).

He said the magic words: "I'd sell my soul to the Devil to make it in this business." Satan heard this, and came to him (as a Business Manager), saying that he could help him make it BIG in the music business.

Satan embarrassed him into signing the "contract" ... and POOF, everyone sees him now as Billy Wayne (a HUGE rock star). This new life might have been OK, except that his wife no longer knew him. There was a new hubby for her.

Billy spends the rest of the movie upset at losing his wife, and eventually prays to God to have him released from his contract.

This is an important movie to watch. See how when people get the Fame that they want, the rest of their life gets distorted, and they lose the thing that made their life happy (but didn't know it at the time).

So often, in Show Business, once Fame comes ... their old life fades away: Wife, supportive friends, a life in the slower lane.

Then that life is replaced by things which come along with the trappings of Fame: screaming fans, and people who want to use you, and NO true friends to offer honest perspective to their life.

Great Movie, Great Series, How bout another sequel

[tkelly294 · 13 September 2005]

I think this installment of the Oh God series is very good. When Satan said the contract was a trial period, that just shows how Satan likes to lie and manipulate. Even though George Burns is gone, I think they should make a fourth installment to the series and have Bill Cosby play the role of God and the devil (If the devil wants to be in this one)

To explain Bill Cosby in the role, the beginning of the movie could have God saying that this time he has decided to take on a different form, than the one he used in his last three visits to earth, and then the movie picks up from there just like the other ones did.

Since George Burns can't star in another sequel, I think Bill Cosby would be the perfect alternative, as he would give the character a very similar touch.

2nd best of the trilogy

[epatters-3 · 7/10 · 29 May 2008]

Good not great. Not as good as Oh God! but better then Oh God! Book II. I finally saw this today and it was good. Oh God! You Devil is a good ending to the series. So if you liked the first 2 or just the first, then you should like this. George Burns is funny in both roles. So it is a good film. MPAA Rating:PG. My MPAA Rating:PG-13. Too bad that we never got a fourth one. Well, enjoy. I hope you like it. I liked it because it has some funny parts and it was appealing and if your a lonely(or feel lonely) then you should like this. so, My overall rating for Oh God! You Devil is 7 out of 10 angels. So enjoy. Thank you. Have a good time while watching it. It has some good slapstick and a good performance by George Burns. So enjoy.

"Good Comedy!"

[gwnightscream · 6/10 · 28 December 2015]

This 1984 comedy stars George Burns, Ted Wass, Roxanne Hart and Ron Silver. The late, Burns plays dual roles as God and the Devil. This story focuses on Bobby Shelton (Wass), a struggling musician/songwriter who wants more to his life. Soon, he meets Harry Tophet aka The Devil who makes a deal with him to have a trial run as rock star, Billy Wayne. Bobby gets a taste of fame, but soon realizes he's been tricked into giving his soul and desperately tries to get back his own life with God's help. Hart (Highlander) plays Bobby's wife, Wendy and the late, Silver (Timecop) plays Gary Frantz, Billy's manager. I watched this on TV growing up and always liked it. It's got humorous and a couple dramatic moments and Burns & Wass are great in it. I recommend this good comedy.

I Always Loved This Movie

[Enrique-Sanchez-56 · 10/10 · 27 August 2006]

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.

Wonderful Movie and screen play and music

[navy7344 · 10/10 · 11 May 2005]

Andrew Bergman should have won an academy award for this screen play. For the first time in a long, long time i actually listened to a screenplay that says something important, real and is not just useless gibberish to fill in monologue. The music By David Shire and Orchestrations by Jack Hayes were both superb. This movie should have also won an Oscar for best musical score. If you listen to the score i mean really listen you will be listening to a classic score and a more then wonderful orchestrations. George Burns should have won an Oscar for this movie as well. His delivery of lines were impeccable. They made you believe the story even more. Roxanne Hart and Tedd Wass were wonderful together ...They both worked very well together.Tedd Wass was wonderful in his delivery of his lines as was Roxanne Hart. Roxannes expressions were delightful. She was a true delight and Ted Wass delivered his lines very well also. Good old Jane dulo was wonderful even though a small part and doolittle was great. he was i believe also in sophie's choice. King Baggot did a wonderful job of cinematography on this film. Excellent! What a refreshing breath of fresh air. A true treasure for the whole family. Also The wonderful Eugene Roche was terrific as Charlie Gray the talent manager. He played the part to a t and added so much realism to this smaller but very important part. He plays the part of the honest Joe who is just trying to make a living. Ron Silver was terrific as well. He brought realism to the A&R man at the record Company. Robert Desiderio Brought true life to the famous "Billy Wayne" who also sold his soul to the devil and wanted an extension on his contract and finds himself over dosing on booze and medicine. Ian giatti and brandy gold were also effective as child actors and actresses and added a certain tenderness to the part of a very ill child during the middle of the night. The acting,script,music and cinematography in this movie must not be underplayed. They are all integral to a great movie!

I got the horse right here, his name is Paul Revere

[deshaver1 · 8/10 · 16 March 2021]

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.

Double the George Burns, Double the fun!

[GOWBTW · 10/10 · 28 January 2016]

Is that it for the Oh, God! Series? NO! There's a number 3! "Oh,God! You Devil". This time, there are two beings fighting for a soul. Here you have Bobby Shelton (Ted Wass) a down on his luck musician who wants to make it to the top. He would meet a new agent name Harry O. Tophet (Burns). He gives him a chance of fame. Unbeknownst to Bobby, Harry O.Tophet, is actually The Devil! He gives him fame and fortune, at the price of his soul. Bobby Shelton becomes Billy Wayne. He gets what he wants, but Billy Wayne(Robert Desiderio) enters Bobby's life. The real Bobby wants his own life back. His only regret, selling his soul for fame. So he goes to Las Vegas, and he calls out for God (Burns). In order to get back to his former life, God and Harry play poker for Bobby's soul. And the scene was very climatic. Is fame worth the price of your soul? I think not! A very good movie and sends a very strong message. See all three movies. This one has a little more edge to it than the first two. 5 stars!

Oh, God! You Devil

[Coxer99 · 27 May 1999]

Burns is effective in dual roles, as God and the devil in this third installment of the Oh, God! series. This time God tries to save Bobby Shelton (Ted Wass), who was once a nobody and now a rock star, from the clutches of the devil. The story works for a while and doesn't take itself too seriously. For fans of Burns, you'll be satisfied.

The Final Oh God Installment

[sebastian_michelson · 9/10 · 31 October 2021]

I remember when this movie first came out in 1984. I wax nostalgic whenever I watch it on Blu-ray. I certainly enjoy the basic plot, characters and music score. A nice ending to the trio with a terrific score! It was also nice to learn that Ted Wass could sing and George Burns was also enjoyable to watch on the big screen. I only wish I had watched this movie on the big screen for both the onscreen performances as well as listening to the wonderful music score by the very talented David Shire! Burns, Wass, and hart were all terrific! I give special honorable mention to the late Ron Silver. He was funny, charming and an all-around talented and great guy! He was also an alumnus from St John's University in Queens, NY and quite a linguist! I loved him on the Rhoda show too! A slice of a piece of nostalgia pie!

If you love to laugh, you'll love..

[Luke-84 · 29 April 1999]

Are you looking for a laugh attack?! Ready to wet yourself?! We are talking about madcap antics and wacky hi-jinks here. Run, don't walk to your local video store and pick this up. You will not be disappointed. Get ready to bust a gut! My face hurts from smiling just thinking about this masterpiece.