Despite its exploitation of black stereotypes, this musical fantasy has been praised by contemporary black writers for providing an imaginative showcase for outstanding black actors and musicians. The story is an adaptation of Lynn Root's morality-fable; its naiveté is balanced by the wit and exuberance of an extraordinary cast and director Vincente Minnelli. Eddie "Rochester" Anderson plays Little Joe Jackson, husband of the God-fearing Petunia (Ethel Waters in a memorable performance). With his weakness for dice and liquor, and his strong appreciation of women like the temptress Georgia Brown (Lena Horne), Little Joe is a natural quarry in the struggle between the General of Heaven (Kenneth Spencer) and Lucifer Jr. (Rex Ingram), who wage a battle over his soul.