Sadie Thompson

Starring:Sophia Artega, Lionel Barrymore, Blanche Friderici, Charles Lane (III), James A. Marcus, Florence Midgley, Will Stanton, Charles Sullivan, Gloria Swanson
Studio: Kino Video
Product Type: DVD

Average customer rating:

Superb Somerset, Swanson and Silent
Legendary Gloria Swanson In One Of Her Greatest Silent Film Roles
Maugham's Famous Story & Swanson's Finest Silent Performance
excellent film
excellent film

Sadie Thompson
Starring: Sophia Artega , Lionel Barrymore , Blanche Friderici , Charles Lane (III) , and James A. Marcus
Manufacturer: Kino Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Classics | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

Classic Comedies | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

( S ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
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ASIN: B000056N7V
Release Date: 2001-02-20

Customer Reviews:

Superb Somerset, Swanson and Silent.......2005-12-29

This 1928 silent film is perhaps one of the alltime great films and as much as I love Joan Crawford in "Rain," this version impresses with its fine attention to story.

Based on the Somerset Maugham tale, it tells of a fun-loving and seductive young prostitute, the titular character (Gloria Swanson), temporarily holed up on the island of Pago Pago with a forbidding reformer and a gaggle of marines when her boat to Apia is infected by small pox. It becomes clear what a maniacal, almost psychotic and self-delusional figure religious reformer Alfred Davidson (Lionel Barrymore) is and his exact attentions upon Sadie's conversion when his eyes stray to her heaving bosom. Barrymore is wonderful in conveying this man's frightening fervor and human frailty. This is in great contrast to the wooden quality of Walter Huston in "Rain" (although Huston was also very effective). Gloria Swanson is sexy, vivacious and full of fun, her antics actually making me laugh out loud, her camaraderie with the marines impish, funny and light. The attraction between "Handsome" Tim O'Hara (Raoul Walsh) and Swanson is palpable, particularly when the camera lingers in close-up on Swanson's ravishing beauty. She has eyes that rival Elizabeth Taylor's. Her face also expresses an entire range in the character from unself-conscious coarseness to innocence, wistfulness and desire for a better life with a respectable man -- in fact, Barrymore and Swanson create complex characterizations without a single word spoken.

The music also adds immensely to the mounting tension of various scenes and fortunately, some of the film footage that was lost has been painstakingly restored, although the loss remains a great one. One can only imagine how dynamic these high points in the plot would have been with the real footage and it is grievous to know that so many silent films and other early films, some perhaps as important as "Sadie Thompson," have indeed been lost forever.

In any case, a superb version of the classic Maugham story.

Highly recommended for any film buff and a great chance to see Swanson at the peak of her powers and beauty, her talent and magic in front of the camera undeniable. Yes, they certainly had faces then!

Legendary Gloria Swanson In One Of Her Greatest Silent Film Roles.......2005-11-28

For those that only know the legendary Gloria Swanson from her performance in the classic "Sunset Boulevard" in 1950, a viewing of Swanson in her prime in the 1928 silent feature "Sadie Thompson", is essential. This film really goes a long way towards illustrating to viewers unfamiliar with her work the legend that she was during the 1920's when she reigned as one of the silent screen's greatest stars. "Sadie Thompson", came about just as Swanson hit her creative peak and provided her with one of the best acting vehicles in her long career. It was also significant in being her second effort as her own producer at a time when it was rare for a woman to have such control over her own films. Arriving on the screen just as sound was turning the film industry upside down and abruptly ending the careers of many formerly successful foreign stars "Sadie Thompson", is still immensely entertaining today despite the tragedy of the last reel of the film being lost from decomposition during the 1950's. With its final minutes recreated through surviving fragments and still photographs "Sadie Thompson" is a testament to the often underestimated abilities of Gloria Swanson who until this film was restored and released on video and DVD was largely remembered only as the eccentric Norma Desmond from "Sunset Boulevard". While both films are undoubtedly classics "Sadie", reveals Swanson in a character who couldn't be further removed from the reclusive actress she won renewed fame with in Billy Wilder's classic about the down side of Hollywood stardom in the 1950's.

Based on the controversial story titled "Miss Thompson", by W. Somerset Maugham, this was the first of three well known film versions of this story and tells the quite risqué (for the time it was written), story of a San Francisco prostitute Sadie Thompson (Gloria Swanson) who while on her way to take up a new "job" in Apia becomes stranded in Pago Pago when the boat taking her there becomes quarantined with small pox. Forced to seek temporary accommodation in a local seedy hotel Sadie not only becomes an instant hit with the marines stationed on the island and with one Sergeant Tim O'Hara (Raoul Walsh) in particular, but runs afoul of the fanatical missionary Alfred Davidson (Lionel Barrymore) who disapproves of Sadie's lifestyle and sets out to run her off the island. The two strong willed characters continue to lock horns with Davidson going to the governor to get Sadie deported back to the States. Tim soon expresses his love for Sadie and attempts to get her to come to Sydney with him to start a new life however Davidson attempts to blackmail Sadie when she in a weak moment reveals to him why she can't go back to San Francisco. Sadie under the constant threats from Davidson finally gives in to his reforming zeal and begins to repent her former free living lifestyle and she turns Tim away as she prepares to follow Davidson's advice and return to San Francisco to serve her sentence. However time reveals that the fanatical reformer Davidson is not the perfect individual he pretends to be and that under his determination to make Sadie see the error of her ways he secretly has a passion for her. Just when Sadie is at her most vulnerable however Davidson sees the hypocrisy of his own existence as a man of reform and kills himself thus freeing Sadie from ruining her own life. Reunited with the ever loyal Tim the pair then plan that future together in Sydney that they almost threw away because of Davidson's determination to destroy Sadie.

Long regarded as the supreme clothes horse on screen in the 1920's when just as much attention was often paid to how many exotic gowns she wore in each of her productions as for her acting, "Sadie Thompson", provided the type of dramatic challenge that Gloria Swanson craved after finally finishing her long contract with Paramount the previous year. She is luminous in the role of the free spirited prostitute who locks horns with the hypocritical missionary played by Lionel Barrymore. She displays different shades to the character of Sadie, as written by Somerset Maugham; one moment appearing fiery and unconventional, and the next seeking acceptance and the conventional love of a respectable man. It truly is a wonderful performance that shows what Swanson was capable of when given more to work with in her roles and it rightly earned her an Academy Award nomination as Best Actress at the first year of the Oscars. Lionel Barrymore's missionary is certainly a difficult role and despite the potential for going over the top with this character for the most part Barrymore manages to steer an even keel. He and Swanson make a formidable set of antagonists and their verbal sparring even in this silent drama is riverting and at times very comical. The legendary Raoul Walsh playing Sadie's love interest Tim wore many hats in this production which was both adapted and directed by him and at Gloria Swanson's insistence found himself also starring in. While his unconventional looks make him an unlikely love interest for the ever glamourous Swanson his simple manner and sincerity makes the character of the smitten marine ring true. The look of "Sadie Thompson", is first rate in every way with Catalina Island standing in for exotic Pago Pago to great effect courtesy of the atmospheric art direction of William Cameron Menzies especially in the construction of the seedy and perpetually rain soaked hotel where most of the action takes place, and in the Academy Award nominated photography of George Barnes.

One of the miracles of "Sadie Thompson", is that it was ever produced at all in the light of the tight Hays Code censorship that made filming of such a story literally impossible at this time. Although Sadie's profession is never mentioned by name it is obvious as to what her "job", actually is and getting the go ahead to film the story makes very amusing reading in Gloria Swanson's superb autobiography. I'm just grateful that the impossible was achieved as we have Swanson's interpretation of this famous character to enjoy always. Famed for both her film work and her colourful personal life, I often think of Gloria Swanson as the forerunner to Elizabeth Taylor; both actresses being blessed with incredible looks, great acting ability and an always newsworthy personal life. "Sadie Thompson" however proves there is much more to silent film legend Gloria Swanson than the ability to wear beautiful clothes on screen. Here we have a terrific story with plenty of emotion, atmosphere, and characters with depth that should not be missed. A true silent masterpiece.

Maugham's Famous Story & Swanson's Finest Silent Performance.......2005-03-18

During his lifetime Somerset Maugham (1874-1965) was best known for such novels as OF HUMAN BONDAGE and such plays as THE CIRCLE; today, however, he is chiefly recalled for his short stories, of which the 1921 "Miss Thompson" is easily the most famous. The original story was soon adapted for the stage under the title RAIN--and it was a tremendous success. The play has been performed countless times and continues to be revived on a consistent basis; there have also been three major screen adaptations.

The best of these is the 1928 silent film SADIE THOMPSON starring Gloria Swanson (1897-1983.) Swanson was perhaps the first Hollywood "Diva," an actress as controversial as she was popular. By the late 1920s her liaison with the infamous Joe Kennedy (father of John, Robert, and Ted) gave her the clout to become her own producer, and with Kennedy money behind her she selected the Maugham story and cast herself in the title role.

It was an inspired choice. Swanson had somewhat hard features and tremendous attitude, and many consider that this is her best overall performance. The story concerns the collision of a brash prostitute (Swanson) and a holier-than-thou minister (Lionel Barrymore) who find themselves trapped by quarantine and monsoon rains in a rundown hotel on Pago-Pago. Needless to say, the sparks fly--especially when Davidson pressures the island govenor to deport Sadie as soon as possible. But it gradually transpires that Davidson may have more than one reason for wanting Sadie gone: it may be that he finds her a temptation himself.

SADIE THOMPSON would be Swanson's last great success in the silent era--the later QUEEN KELLY was never finished or widely released. But like most other silent films, it was buried by the advent of sound, and over the years the final ten or fifteen minutes of the film was completely lost. Without a conclusion, it was rarely shown even after interest in silent films revived. Fortunately, Kino has been able to restore the conclusion with a mixture of film fragments, stills, and title card recreations, and the brazen Sadie, the dour Dr. Davidson, and the statement made about intolerance, tempation, and hypocrisy live and breathe once more.

The picture quality shows age, but on the whole it is quite good and probably the best available short of digital restoration. The bonuses are slight but interesting, including comparisons of key scenes from the original story, the playscript, the 1928 Swanson version, and the 1932 Joan Crawford version, which was titled RAIN. (Comparison with the 1953 Rita Hayworth version, titled MISS SADIE THOMPSON, is not made; this version, however, is negligable.) KINO Video has done a tremendous job of restoring, preserving, and once more making this memorable film available. If you're a fan of Maugham, Swanson, or silent film in general, SADIE THOMPSON is a must-have.

GFT, Amazon Reviewer

excellent film.......2002-07-21

"Sadie Thompson" is a brillant film that reflects one of gloria swanson's finest moments. Gloria Swanson portrays a woman of easy virtue, and for that time period, it was a very controversial film. Gloria Swanson's superb acting and clean viewing, for that type of story line, makes this movie a time piece of excellence. There is some strong language seen through her lip movements, but only if you look very closely. Overall it comes across very strongly and passionately. For the drama within you, you can see the story by the bodily movements which makes this type of film a masterpiece. Inspite of the distorted damage to the film from throughout the years, Sadie Thompson was restored enough to please the eye and the added orchestra sound makes this film a pleasure to have. I strongly recommend this film.

excellent film.......2002-07-21

"Sadie Thompson" is a brillant film that reflects one of gloria swanson's finest moments. Gloria Swanson portrays a woman of easy virtue, and for that time period, it was a very controversial film. Gloria Swanson's superb acting and clean viewing, for that type of story line, makes this movie a time piece of excellence. There is some strong language seen through her lip movements, but only if you look very closely. Overall it comes across very strongly and passionately with its drama of bodily movements which makes this type of film a masterpiece. Inspite of the distorted damage to the film from throughout the years, Sadie Thompson was restored enough to please the eye and the added orchestra sound makes this film a pleasure to have. I strongly recommend this film.

Average customer rating:

Miss Sadie Thompson 1953
"All desire is sad when it must be bought."
Glossy, but mediocre
Overblown interpretation of basically good story
daring, bold, exotic

Miss Sadie Thompson [Region 2]
Starring: Rita Hayworth , José Ferrer , Aldo Ray , Russell Collins , and Diosa Costello
Director: Curtis Bernhardt
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Musicals & Performing Arts | Genres | DVD | Video

( M ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
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Customer Reviews:

Miss Sadie Thompson 1953.......2006-04-26

Miss Sadie Thompson (Rita Heyworth 1918-1987) is a bawdy night club entertainer stranded on a tropical island during World War II, and she loves every minute of it...Until she encounters the Reverend Davidson (Jose Ferrer 1909-1992) . When Sadie seeks her salvation throug the hyporcritical minister , she?s met with a brutal assault . But in spite of all he exposes about her past , Sadie managers to find someone who loves her . Don?t miss Rita Heyworth in one of her finest moment of tempestous love and stagging drama . This modern version of MISS SADIE THOMPSON are similare to MISS SADIE THOMPSON from 1928 with Gloria Swanson (1897-1983) . Breattaking scenes from a sunny , tropical island in a great plot . High Quality digital transfer . Highly Reccomended

"All desire is sad when it must be bought.".......2006-01-05

On a tropical island in the Pacific, a ship arrives bearing Sadie Thompson (Rita Hayworth). She's on her way to New Caledonia, but when the ship is quarantined, Sadie is stuck on the island for a week. The amorous, enthusiastic marines on the island are thrilled with the news. In many ways, Sadie becomes a mascot to the men--they drive her around, and hang out in her room. The marines are desperate for female company, and her lack of ceremony (unbuttoning her blouse and standing in front of a fan, for example) drives the men wild.

Self-righteous missionary Alfred Davidson (Jose Ferrer) strongly disapproves of Sadie, and revealing her shady past, he arranges to have her deported back to San Francisco. Meanwhile Marine Sgt Phil O'Hara (Aldo Ray) wants Sadie to marry him and join him in Australia.

Based on a story by W. Somerset Maugham, a 1932 version "Rain" starred Joan Crawford and a 1928 silent version starred Gloria Swanson. Unfortunately, this 1953 version directed by Curtis Bernhardt suffers by comparison to these earlier films. "Miss Sadie Thompson" toys with morphing into a musical through its several musical numbers dubbed with Rita Hayworth. In one number, the Marines are singing and there are shades of "South Pacific", and yet another sweetens Sadie's image by depicting her singing surrounded by island urchins. There's one hot dance number with Rita Hayworth dancing in a room packed full of panting marines, and it's doubtful if she'll get out alive, but apart from that, the film suffers from the Hays Code restrictions. In this film version, all the bite is taken from Sadie Thompson's personality, and while Hayworth plays Thompson very mannishly, the finer nuances of the character are weakened. This film loses much of what is in best in Maugham and instead what remains is a pale version of the original story--mutated into a vehicle for Hayworth fans--displacedhuman

Glossy, but mediocre.......2005-01-08

Rita Hayworth's performance as Sadie Thompson is okay, but it can't hold a candle to Joan Crawford's brilliant 1932 portrayal. The film is a glossy, technicolor semi-musical, but it seems like its heart was not in the story, restrained by '50s moral codes (and therefore less moving). This film is more about Hollywood glamour and Rita Hayworth's body, which is great if you love classic films, but don't expect a masterpiece (which it very well could have been). It would have been much more entertaining in 3-D.

Overblown interpretation of basically good story.......2001-12-16

This 1953 film stars Rita Hayworth in a loosely adapted version of a Somerset Maugham story. It takes place on a American occupied Pacific Island where the marines, and especially Aldo Ray, are all quite smitten with Miss Sadie Thompson, a tough and sexy lady who loves to party and who is forced to spend some time there because her ship is quarantined. Jose Ferrer, cast in the role of an angry and dour preacher quarantined there too, manages to arrange for her to be deported. He has his own weaknesses, however, which are revealed as the story progresses. The inevitable tragic conclusion has a typical Hollywood ending, but the basic theme is there.

Ms. Hayworth sure looks pretty. She has flaming red hair and wears brightly colored clothes and every movement of her body draws the eye. As she can't sing, though, she lip synchs through several non-memorable musical numbers and her acting abilities vary from scene to scene. Occasionally, the actress in her shines through, but mostly it's just Rita Hayworth, the movie star, mouthing her words. Jose Ferrer fares better in the acting department and so does Aldo Ray, but this film was not made to show off anyone's acting. It was originally released in 3-D and it's the beautiful Pacific Island as well as the producer's attempt to push the envelope on the censorship code that drove this picture. Also, as it was made in the fifties, it reflected the general moral code of the time as well as a dose of pop psychology. I enjoyed the video. It's a good story and there's enough tension and romance to keep it moving swiftly. But, alas, its just a bit too overblown.

daring, bold, exotic.......2001-03-15

Originally filmed in 3-D, MISS SADIE THOMPSON stars the perfectly cast Rita Hayworth as the sexy nymphet, with Jose Ferrer as the corrupt minister who tries to "reform" her.

Sadie finds herself stranded while trying to get to a "gig", and gets caught up in the rabble of soldiers patrolling the South Pacific. A naive young officer (Aldo Ray) courts the girl while she is being tracked down by the sadistic minister, too weak to practice what he preaches.

This effort to transform the gritty moralistic drama into a semi-musical works somewhat, although Hayworth's vocals were dubbed here. She tries to be grating when she sings, though she's more Mary Poppins than Mayflower Madam, singing with the island children.

Based on the Somerset Maughn story, with direction by Curtis Bernhardt.

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