Sadie Thompson
by Raoul Walsh
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DVD Cover Information
Actor: Blanche Friderici, Gloria Swanson, James A. Marcus, Lionel Barrymore, Raoul WalshDirector: Raoul Walsh
DVD: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Original Language); Japanese (Dubbed)
Format: Black & White, DVD-Video, NTSC, Silent
Picture Format: 1.33:1
Running Time: 96 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2001-02-20
Audience Rating: Unrated
Studio: Kino Video
Movie Reviews of Sadie Thompson
Movie Review: A landmark of silent cinema history
Summary: 5 Stars
This DVD is a special treat for serious enthusiasts of classic films because despite its missing end scenes, Kino Video has resurrected this silent film with a reconstructed ending and many bonus features which give ample in-depth and background information about Sadie Thompson. Based on a real-life person, the story of a prostitute clashing with a religious reformer or minister first appeared as a novella by W. Somerset Maugham, then a Broadway stage play before screen legend Gloria Swanson decided to tackle the challenge of playing the controversial character. Her second venture as a producer for United Artists, Swanson chose a highly talented crew to complement her own outstanding performance, which resulted in an energy-charged, entertaining and well-balanced drama with touches of playfulness and subtle humour. Lionel Barrymore is frighteningly convincing in the role of the overly zealous and pragmatic reformer, who was originally a religious minister in the story and play, but due to censorship rules in the 1920s, any reference to a minister or church had to be removed. Gloria Swanson also excels in this role which allowed her more acting expression and depth than her `fashion clothes horse' roles she had become so famous for in the early 1920s. Her mannerisms and even her walk convey the essence of the Sadie Thompson character as she fools around with some US Marines, then challenged by the strict, conservative and judgmental reformer and his wife. When she finally gives in to pressure to atone for her sins, the transformation to a plain and sullen woman is also quite striking. Just as the electrifying tension between Sadie and the reformer culminates, the moving film ends and is replaced by stills which reveal the final twist of the story. This is somewhat of a disappointment, but considering that "Sadie Thompson" was believed lost for several decades, most viewers will surely be happy just to see this important film in its present state: almost complete with only a few segments of poor picture quality due to deterioration. An exceptionally good orchestral score more than makes up for the few blurry scenes, and enhances the various moods and intensity of the drama throughout. The bonus features give background information about the film, the original story, as well as comparisons between the written story, play and films, including a sound re-make only a few years later with Joan Crawford entitled "Rain". With hardly any action and most scenes shot inside the hotel in the tropical downpour, "Sadie Thompson" is more of an intellectual film which challenges two extremes of thought and life-style, and when or whether a compromise can be found. The classic story and its author aside, this film is also of interest due to the cast and crew, with Raoul Walsh both acting and directing, and art direction by the renowned William Cameron Menzies whose efforts to re-create the South Pacific inn also add to the overall high quality of this production.
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