Customer Reviews

Miss Sadie Thompson [VHS]

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

Another one of Rita Hayworth's great classics every classic lover must watch. Thoroughly enjoyable and worth spending an evening viewing it.

The movie is a good one. Rita Hayworth at her best and most beautiful. As for the product, I could only view it on my computer. It would not play on my DVD player which cuts the enjoyment in half. I did enjoy watching it on my computer and remember it from when I first saw it at the theaters long ago, but would really have loved to have been able to watch it on my tv thru my DVD player. I wish there was a viewer notation on the list product so a person knows it may not play. I don't really understand the mechanics of this obstacle, so maybe it is something I am doing wrong. I think it has something to do with the "region" which I also do not understand. Thankyou anyway, I am happy to be able to watch it on my computer if I want!

Ordered and receivd the DVD "Miss Sadie Thompson", a Region 2 DVD. This DVD is not available in Region 1 for the USA market. The DVD case and cover was retail quality and the picture quality on playback was very good. My only complaint was the shipping time it took to receive the item. It took 3 1/2 weeks from the date it was ordered until received (North Carolina to California). Other than that I have no other complaints. Good quality merchandise as one would expect to receive.

Couldn't ask for anything more than. I Received my product right away, in great condition at a great price. Excellent, so happy. Thanks so much!

It was not made clear in the sales ad that this video was for Region 2 DVD's. In other words, it would only play on European DVD Players. I am fortunate to have friends in the UK and sent the video to them at an additional cost to me, as opposed to returning it to the seller. The Region 2 DVD's should not be listed with the American Region 1 DVD's. That tends to be confusing.

Bought a "new" VHS of Rita Hayworth's Miss Sadie Thompson.(Still in the original wrapping) It was so old, that the film had stuck together. My VCR had to be taken apart to get the film out. When I explained this to the supplier, saying that I would gladly try again...did not expect a refund, but perhaps could receive a film that had been tested before shipped. I'll pay for it. No answer. Nothing. Would still like this film.

We were not able to view this video because we ordered one that was not intended to be viewed in our "zone". It was not worth sending back because the shipping was more than the movie. I wish there was a better way to keep us from ordering a DVD that is not in our "zone". Of course, now we know for next time.....