Not a big fan of Joan's but I have to say having seen the otherwise awful Grand Hotel and now Rain , I'm beginning to see the appeal. Joan in the 30s was very sexy and quite beautiful. More importantly, she could act. Her Sadie Thompson is a multifaceted characterization. Arrogant, crude, fun-loving but ultimately vulnerable and needing reassurance. Co-star Walter Huston is also terrifyingly good as the fanatically religious Davison. Other reviewers have mentioned the scene of them praying together. This one moment in Rain has an emotional wallop like a tropical storm and is one of the great moments of early cinema. It will haunt you. The oppressive continuous monsoon and cholera quarantine only add to the almost overwhelming psychological oppression of the film. Great supporting cast as well , particularly Guy Kibbee as the Neitchze reading hotel owner. It's slow . It's ponderous .But in the end, it is unforgettable. Crawford and Huston should have won Oscars for this.
