French dramatist Adolphe d'Ennery (1811–1899) follows the Faust story originally developed by Goethe, but with a leavening of humor that the German playwright lacked. Especially entertaining is the character of the female demon Sulphurine, who's created by Faust's servant Wagner to be his slave. Needless to say, this she-devil is no one's mistress! Faust initially repels the advances of Mephistopheles, but suddenly finds himself in love with the young woman Marguerite, whom the devil has dangled in front of him. Now he wants the youth and vigor that Old Nibs has offered, and is willing to do whatever's necessary to gain the girl's love. But “love” is not part of the equation, as he discovers to his ultimate dismay. A marvelous--and highly entertaining--version of the Faust legend.
