One of the earliest and most provocative uses of the title was by Fenner Brockway in his 1914 play, The Devil's Business . Written as a critique of the global arms trade, the play argued that weapon manufacturers corrupt governments by selling to both sides of a conflict. Its message was so potent that it was shortly after publication due to the outbreak of World War I. 2. The British Occult Chiller (2011)
: While waiting for their target, they discover a satanic altar in the garage. The target, a man named Mr. Kist, turns out to be a sophisticated diabolist who is much more dangerous than the men sent to kill him. The Devil's Business
In modern pop culture, The Devil's Business is best known as a low-budget, highly acclaimed British horror film directed by Sean Hogan. One of the earliest and most provocative uses
: Critics often describe the film as "Pinter-esque," comparing its tense, dialogue-heavy atmosphere to Harold Pinter’s The Dumb Waiter . 3. Historical Infamy Kist, turns out to be a sophisticated diabolist
: Two hitmen—a cynical veteran named Pinner and a nervous novice named Cully—are sent to an isolated house to assassinate a former associate of their boss.
The phrase has also been tied to notorious real-world crimes. During the Manson Family murders in 1969, Charles "Tex" Watson reportedly told one of the victims at the Sharon Tate house, . This quote has since been echoed in various media, including Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood . The Devil's Business Review