Rain (1932)
Even though it’s the world’s oldest profession, most women feel it’s the role of a lifetime to play a prostitute. Joan Crawford tackles the part as Sadie Thompson in Rain, one of three version of W. Somerset Maugham’s short story. While trapped in a hotel, waiting out the rainstorm, Joan entertains the company of her usual slew of men, endures the insults of prim Beulah Bondi, and is made the target of missionary Walter Huston’s quest for conversion and salvation.
I haven’t seen either of the other versions of this story, but the 1932 version feels like a taped play. It all takes place in one area, and everyone plays their part with an intent to reach the back row of the theater. Even my beloved Walter Huston is one-dimensional for most of the movie. Joan chews gum, talks out of the side of her mouth, and slouches her posture to make it look like she’s had everyone. However, since it’s Joan Crawford and we know she’s had everyone, all those caricatures aren’t necessary. She could have just acted like a regular person and we still would have known she was promiscuous.
Though Rain is pre-Code, it doesn’t feel particularly nasty, and the big scene in the ending isn’t communicated very clearly to the audience. I had to read a synopsis of the story to find out what happened. Unless you like stylized, overacted portrayals of prostitutes—or are a Joan Crawford fan—you don’t need this one added to your list.
Want to watch it? Click here to watch it on ok.ru. And thanks "Classic Movies Kristine Rose" for posting!
More Joan Crawford movies here!
More Walter Huston movies here!
Be sure to check out Hot Toasty Rag's review of 1953's Miss Sadie Thompson here!
I haven’t seen either of the other versions of this story, but the 1932 version feels like a taped play. It all takes place in one area, and everyone plays their part with an intent to reach the back row of the theater. Even my beloved Walter Huston is one-dimensional for most of the movie. Joan chews gum, talks out of the side of her mouth, and slouches her posture to make it look like she’s had everyone. However, since it’s Joan Crawford and we know she’s had everyone, all those caricatures aren’t necessary. She could have just acted like a regular person and we still would have known she was promiscuous.
Though Rain is pre-Code, it doesn’t feel particularly nasty, and the big scene in the ending isn’t communicated very clearly to the audience. I had to read a synopsis of the story to find out what happened. Unless you like stylized, overacted portrayals of prostitutes—or are a Joan Crawford fan—you don’t need this one added to your list.
Want to watch it? Click here to watch it on ok.ru. And thanks "Classic Movies Kristine Rose" for posting!
More Joan Crawford movies here!
More Walter Huston movies here!
Be sure to check out Hot Toasty Rag's review of 1953's Miss Sadie Thompson here!