Scratch Author:Archibald MacLeish Here is a play of such thundering eloquence and philosophical optimism that it restores honor and dignity to the American theater. Archibald MacLeish's "Scratch," an old-fashioned new play, was suggested by Stephen Vincent Benet's short story, "The Devil and Daniel Webster." MacLeish yokes his play to Benet's story when Scratch comes to claim hi... more »s debt, Jabez Stone's soul. The now prosperous banker pleads for a year's delay. It is sunset, and he has only until midnight before giving up his life to the Devil who refuses to accept any delay.« less