Miss Sadie Thompson

Overblown interpretation of basically good story
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...

Blue Pacific Blues
With the haunting song "Blue Pacific Blues" in the background the beautiful Rita Hayworth portrays a loose woman running from her past in the south sea islands soon after WWII. Aldo Ray, a young Charles Bronson, and Jose Ferrer play out the drama of religion vs love, lust, and loneliness. This is a must-see movie for the person who fantasizes about the lure of the tropics and has a romantic familiarity with the war in the Pacific.

Why isn't it on DVD?
Miss Sadie Thompson

This movie is well worth watching, if only for Rita Hayworth's fabulous, "The Heat is On" dance number. But I don't understand why it's not available on DVD, given that "Trouble in Texas," "Charlie Chan in Egypt" and a few of her other, early, and not as interesting films, are. I'd also like to see "Tonight and Every Night" on DVD as well. That film has some great dance sequences. Given how little Rita was allowed to produce in her best years, at least Sony/Columbia Pictures ought to produce the better ones in current technology. My own view is that Rita Hayworth's talent went far beyond the glam image, both in acting and dancing, and should be recognized as such. I read the book "Being Rita Hayworth," which was an interesting analysis of Hollywood and actors such as Rita's efforts to forge an identity and claim the value of their work, despite all the hype and iconography.

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