Hell is Sold Out

Hell is Sold Out is a 1951 British film directed by Michael Anderson and produced by Sydney Box. The film stars Mai Zetterling, Ivor Barnard, and Nicholas Hannen. It was based on Angus MacPhail's novel of the same name.

The plot of the movie revolves around Pierre Bonnet, a shy and stuttering Frenchman who has been in love with his boss's wife, Yvette, for years. When Yvette's husband dies in a car accident, Pierre sees his chance to pursue her. However, Yvette wants nothing to do with Pierre, and instead agrees to marry her wealthy American cousin to escape her unhappy life in France.

Desperate to win Yvette's heart, Pierre follows her to England, where she is set to marry her cousin. Once there, Pierre comes up with a scheme to prevent the wedding and convince Yvette to marry him instead. But Pierre's plan goes awry when he meets a mysterious man who seems to be able to grant his every wish.

As Pierre tries to win over Yvette, he is constantly thwarted by the man, who seems to have supernatural powers. Eventually, Pierre realizes that this man is none other than Satan himself, and that he has been meddling in Pierre's life to get him to sell his soul.

Despite its title, Hell is Sold Out is not a horror movie, but rather a romantic comedy with supernatural elements. The film explores themes of love, desire, and temptation, as well as the nature of good and evil.

Mai Zetterling delivers a strong performance as the conflicted Yvette, torn between her duty to her family and her desire for Pierre. Ivor Barnard is equally impressive as the stuttering Pierre, who becomes bolder and more assertive as he pursues Yvette.

Nicholas Hannen is also memorable in his portrayal of Satan, injecting just the right amount of menace and charm into the character. Hannen's Satan is not a purely evil figure, but rather a force that is at once seductive and terrifying.

In addition to its strong performances, Hell is Sold Out boasts impressive cinematography and production design. The film was shot on location in France and England, and the scenery is used to great effect.

Overall, Hell is Sold Out is an entertaining and thought-provoking film that deftly blends romance and the supernatural. Though it may not be as well-known as some of the other movies from the era, it is certainly worth checking out for fans of classic British cinema.