Inflation

The Devil (a chortling Edward Arnold) und der Führer (or at least the phone-voice of der Führer) plot to use inflation to weaken 'the arsenal of democracy' by encouraging Americans to horde, cheat on rationing, cash in war-bonds, extravagantly spend on credit, and in general ignore the pleading of F.D.R. to show fiscal restraint and responsibility. Stephen McNally and an unusually dry Esther Williams are Mr. and Mrs. Smith, stand-ins for 'typical American' consumers who finally 'get it' when they hear a radio address from the President explaining the strategic necessity of financial self-control. The film's message is not subtle and after 15 minutes, becomes a bit repetitious but, as economics lessons go, the old home-front propaganda-short is imaginative and entertaining. The best parts are Satan's art-deco office, his insincere commiseration with Hitler about the large 'consignment' of German soldiers who just arrived in hell from the Russian front (and who appreciate the warmth), and his devilishly seductive assistant (Vicky Lane) with her self-lighting cigarettes and infernal hairdo. Vintage fun.