Plot: What’s it about?
Sadie Thompson (Joan Crawford) has ventured to the tropical paradise of Pago-Pago to start a new life, but as she soon discovers, even in paradise some things never change. She has come from San Francisco to settle within the palm trees and blue skies, but even here, she finds problems she wanted to leave behind her. Sadie works as a prostitute and with her stunning good looks, she never has a lack of clients, so she manages to do well enough for herself. Add in her intense charm and power over most men and viola, Sadie can pretty much do whatever she wants, with little resistance in the path. But in the midst of this lush tropical place, she runs into someone who disapproves of her and wishes to change her, even if she feels no change is needed. With a preacher (Walter Huston) determined to convert her and a policeman in love with her, Sadie always seem to have problems with love and freedom.
Although I had the silent version of this story, Sadie Thompson, I had never viewed this 1932 incarnation. I didn’t care for the silent version much, but I thought the story had potential and as such, was ready to spin this disc when it arrived. I knew that Rain was ignored when first release, but found an audience later on, so perhaps it held some elements I was looking for. I did like this edition better than the silent one, but I wasn’t all that taken in the end. I do think the storyline has some real potential, but due to the taboos of the time, this movie fails to explore some of the darker sides of the material. I admit it pushes the limits for its time, but looking back, it steps over some of the real strong potential ideas here. But there is enough good to recommend this release, although just as a rental.
I know he is not the main performer in Rain, but I think Walter Huston warrants the bulk of my discussion here. Huston is terrific as the fire and brimstone toting preacher, which is vital to this film’s level of effectiveness. Now I still think Rain lacks in some respects, but Huston more than elevates some of the weaker spots, which is impressive. I have always liked Huston’s work, so I was very pleased to see yet another strong performance from him. Other films with Huston include The Maltese Falcon, The Treasure of The Sierra Madre, The North Star, Edge of Darkness, and Always In My Heart. The rest of the cast includes Joan Crawford (Mildred Pierce, Above Suspicion), Beulah Bondi (Mr. Smith Goes To Washington, Our Town), Walter Catlett (Up In Arms, Horror Island), and William Gargan (Strange Impersonation, Dynamite).
Video: How does it look?
Rain is presented in a full frame transfer, which is the intended aspect ratio. I was impressed with this presentation, as the image looks very sharp and clean, which defies the age of the materials. Some debris, marks, and grain can be seen at times, but this print used is much cleaner than I expected, very impressive indeed. I saw a couple instances of edge enhancement also, but not much and not enough to complain much over. The black & white image is well done in all respects, very sharp and well defined, thanks to dead on black levels throughout. I wasn’t expecting much here, but this disc houses a superb visual treatment.
Audio: How does it sound?
The audio is not as impressive as the video, but it gets the job done and never disappoints much. Of course, the dynamic presence of a mono track from 1932 is limited, but as far as the circumstances allow, I was pleased here. The track seems clean enough and I heard minimal distortion, which ensures the basics can surface in fine form. The music, sound effects, and dialogue all come across well here, even if the technology is a little awkward at times. But given the origins of the source materials, I can’t knock this one much in the end.
Supplements: What are the extras?
This disc contains no bonus materials.
