Product Description

Studio: Gotham (dba Alpha) Release Date: 01/27/2004

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #35727 in DVD
• Brand: Alpha Video
• Released on: 2004-01-27
• Rating: NR (Not Rated)
• Aspect ratio: 1.33:1
• Formats: Black & White, DVD, NTSC
• Original language: English
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 94 minutes

Customer Reviews

Joan is caught between the bed and the Bible
"Rain" is the story of Sadie Thompson (Joan) who is staying on the island of Pago Pago after she left her home in San Francisco. Sadie is sexy, provocative, outspoken, and very friendly with the male G. I.'s who are also on the island with her.

Sadie's ways really tick off Alfred Davidson (played by Walter Houston). Mr. Davidson is a judgmental, prudish missionary that will not rest until he gets Sadie deported. At first, Sadie has no intention of leaving and becomes incredibly indignant. Sadie says, "you take care of your evil, and I'll take care of mine..." -- words to live by.

But, when she realizes that her deportation would be imminent she becomes very freighted and pleads with Alfred Davidson to allow her to stay.

He doesn't relent, but Sadie changes her ways, nevertheless. She is no longer the flashy dresser or "plaything" for the men on the island and has accepted her deportation (and subsequent prison sentence in San Francisco.)

On the eve of her return there is a climactic outcome and Sadie hightails it to Sydney; back to her old tricks!

Joan Crawford was absolutely devastatingly beautiful in this picture, and her acting was firstrate. The fear in Sadie was so believable; and the anger that Sadie had towards the hypocrisy of the missionaries was purely evident. This is without a doubt Joan's best picture of the 30's.

Poor Joan was crucified for this film (and for many since) when it was first released in 1932. Joan even publicly apologized to her beloved fans (who meant the world to her), because for the first time in her career they turned their back on her! No one wanted to see Joan Crawford play a wanton women of loose morals. They didn't realize that Joan Crawford was born to play the part of Sadie Thompson.

This is one of my favorite Joan Crawford pictures, because her true acting abilities really shine. She also plays a very different character; since she was on loan from MGM she was no longer tied to the sweet love-triangles that they gave her during her heyday in the 30's. This film does remind me of another Joan classic, "Laughing Sinners."

Thoughts on Rain
I just watched this movie again after 5 years or so, and I was just thrilled to find it as entertaining and heart-wrenching as ever. Joan gave a perfect interpretation of Sadie's hardships. You really feel for her when everyone starts to gang up on her. I would recommend purchase of this movie; it is a bargain at this price and will create memories you won't soon forget.

fine Joan Crawford movie--with an outstanding performance by Walter Huston
Rain is an excellent Joan Crawford film that features fine acting by the cast; the cinematography and the choreography work well, too. This may have been a flop at the box office back in 1932; but I can see why this movie made it to DVD--it's actually quite a good film.

The action begins when passengers on a boat are unexpectedly stuck on Pago Pago in the South Pacific after an outbreak of cholera. And there couldn't be two more opposite people amongst those passengers--Sadie Thompson (Joan Crawford), a loose woman, and a remarkably charismatic and somewhat nutty missionary named Alfred Davidson (Walter Huston). It isn't long before Sadie and the Marines on Pago Pago get friendly; and Alfred Davidson and his wife (Beulah Bondi) just can't stand it any longer. The Davidsons feel strongly that Sadie is a terrible sinner who must immediately repent for being loose, drinking liquor and dressing too "loudly."

Sadie resists Mr. Davidson's attempts to "reform" her; and the most of the others at the hotel where they're staying generally support Sadie to one degree or another. They do come to fear the political connections Davidson has; and when Davidson complains to the Governor of Pago Pago, Sadie just might be in a whole lot of hot water that even her Marine boyfriend can't help!

Joan Crawford is to be commended for a stunning performance as Sadie Thompson. The transformation of Sadie about one hour into the movie is astounding. Sadie is no longer a loose woman but instead she is now dressed very differently; she even completely agrees with the missionary Alfred Davidson that she must return to San Francisco to repent for her "sins."

Why does Sadie not really want to go back to San Francisco? Will Sadie's Marine boyfriend ever hold off Davidson, or will Davidson win the tug of war over Sadie's future? What makes Sadie change--and will it last? No plot spoilers here, folks--you'll just have to watch the movie and find out!

The DVD has no extras; but the movie held my attention so well it almost doesn't need any extras. The rain that almost constantly pours down on Pago Pago enhances the drama of the story in a good way, too.

Overall, Joan Crawford fans will love this film. Rain is an excellent example of Joan giving an outstanding performance. Look for Walter Huston to give a stunning performance as the missionary Alfred Davidson; and Guy Kibbee fits in well as the owner of the hotel where the action takers place.