Oh, God! You Devil

In the midst of 1960s New York City, Arthur Shelton's fervent prayers by his ailing son Bobby's bedside are answered, as God himself, disguised in a humble elderly man's attire, takes notice. The notepad scribbles a testament to God's watchful eye over the young boy, setting the stage for a chain of events that would span decades and continents.

Fast-forward to Los Angeles, California, where the now-grown Bobby Shelton (Ted Wass) is struggling to make a name for himself in the cutthroat music industry. His wife Wendy (Roxanne Hart), a social worker with a heart of gold, provides unwavering support as Bobby faces yet another rejection from a major record label. Despondent and at his wit's end, Bobby makes a vow to himself: he would sell his very soul to the devil for success.

Unbeknownst to Bobby, his plea has caught the attention of a suave talent agent named Harry O. Tophet (George Burns), who just so happens to be The Devil in disguise. As Harry navigates the streets of Los Angeles after a personal mission in Miami, he's alerted to God's previous involvement in Bobby's life through a computerized update on his car. But here's the twist: The Devil claims priority whenever someone directly asks for him.

Meanwhile, at a wedding reception, The Devil/Harry O. Tophet makes a dramatic entrance, flashing his business card and promising to book Bobby at the most prestigious venues in town – Carnegie Hall, Madison Square Garden, you name it. Although Harry's credentials are shrouded in mystery, Bobby is won over by his charisma and impressive organizational skills, which he puts on full display with a series of expertly orchestrated pratfalls among the wedding guests.

As the clock ticks down to midnight, rock star Billy Wayne (Robert Desiderio) finds himself in a state of panic, realizing that his seven-year contract with The Devil is about to expire. Little does he know, Bobby's encounter with The Devil has only just begun, setting the stage for a series of events that would change the course of their lives forever.

As Bobby and his stalwart talent agent, Charlie Gray (Eugene Roche), arrive at Astral Records for a pivotal meeting with executive Gary Frantz (Ron Silver), they are met with an unexpected twist. The usually unflappable Harry makes his presence known, forcing Bobby to confront a choice between the two seasoned professionals. In a bold move, Bobby opts to sever ties with Charlie and bet on the determined elderly man, much to the amusement of Frantz and his colleague as they await the outcome. The stakes escalate when Harry presents Bobby with a tantalizing recording deal worth $3.5 million, only to reveal a seven-year representation contract that stretches to a dozen years if Bobby signs. As the young musician hesitates, Harry agrees to a trial period, but only to later morph into a binding agreement. With Bobby's signature now bearing the name "Billy Wayne," Frantz suddenly becomes receptive to the lucrative deal, oblivious to the fact that Bobby has unwittingly become a celebrity.

As Bobby telephones his wife Wendy to share the news of his newfound fame, he is met with an eerie realization: another man has taken his place, and Wendy remains none the wiser. The wheels are now in motion for Bobby to grasp the true nature of his Faustian bargain with Harry, who had earlier deceived him about the trial period. During his maiden concert as Billy Wayne, Bobby's initial trepidation gives way to growing confidence on stage, surrounded by screaming fans and the trappings of stardom.

Meanwhile, back in Los Angeles, the real Billy Wayne finds himself trapped in Bobby's body, oblivious to his former life and the new reality that has unfolded. Five months later, Harry pays a visit to Bobby at his hillside estate, remarking on God's growing disillusionment with humanity and His rare appearances on earth.

That night, as Bobby revels in the news of Wendy's pregnancy - conceived before he made the pact with the Devil - he is struck by a sense of regret outside their shared loft apartment. In desperation, Bobby turns to Harry once more, pleading for release from his contract and a chance to return to his wife. However, the Devil remains unmoved, leaving Bobby no choice but to seek guidance from a Catholic priest and a Jewish rabbi about the unholy arrangement he has entered into with Harry O. Tophet. The two religious leaders, though sympathetic, ultimately diagnose the musician as mentally disturbed, further solidifying the complexity of his predicament.

As Bobby navigates the concrete jungle, a chance encounter with a charismatic sidewalk evangelist sparks an unexpected pilgrimage to Las Vegas. The musician's sudden urge to perform at Caesars Palace is met with prompt arrangements by Gary Frantz (actor name). Following his initial show, Bobby makes a peculiar request of the casino operator: he wants to be paged by "the Lord" himself. And so, in a surreal twist, God calls Bobby's suite, offering words of reassurance and revealing that He has been watching over him since 1960 - but without offering immediate aid, the divine visitor hangs up.

As the curtain rises on the next performance, Bobby retreats to his dressing room, where he grapples with the weight of Billy Wayne's life. In a desperate bid for freedom, he attempts to sever ties with his rock star persona by taking an overdose of pills and liquor. Meanwhile, in a secret conclave, God and the Devil (Harry) engage in a high-stakes game of poker, wagering Bobby Shelton's very soul against that of countless others. The Devil folds under God's cunning bluff, relinquishing control over Bobby's destiny.

In the aftermath of this divine intervention, Gary Frantz finds Billy Wayne's lifeless body, while Bobby Shelton rises anew from the ashes. As a doctor declares Billy dead, Bobby finally breaks free from his rock star persona and its suffocating grasp. A wise-cracking, elderly God, eerily resembling Harry the Devil, appears to guide Bobby through the transition. This benevolent deity explains that He had long promised to watch over Bobby after he contracted scarlet fever as a child, and that Arthur Shelton's heartfelt prayer on behalf of his son proved compelling.

God commands Bobby to return to his wife, Wendy, unaware that her actual husband has been absent for months. As Bobby arrives home that evening, he shares with Wendy the profound impact of his life-changing experience. Five years later, as his sick daughter lies before him, Bobby turns to song, and in a heartwarming moment, God's reassuring voice whispers sweet nothings in his ear.