Watch Sadie Thompson

Sadie Thompson is a silent drama film directed by Raoul Walsh, and stars Lionel Barrymore, Blanche Friderici, and Charles Lane. It is based on the short story "Rain" by W. Somerset Maugham. The film was originally released in 1928 and has been restored and preserved throughout the years. The film is set on the Pacific Island of Pago Pago, where Sadie Thompson (played by Gloria Swanson) arrives at a hotel during a rainstorm. She is a free-spirited woman who was working as a nightclub dancer in Honolulu. She is initially greeted warmly by the hotel's owner, Alfred Davidson (Lionel Barrymore), but it soon becomes clear that Davidson is a strict moralist who disapproves of Sadie's lifestyle.

Davidson tries to force Sadie to leave the island, but she is determined to stay. She befriends a marine named Sergeant O'Hara (Raoul Walsh), who is himself embroiled in a scandal involving a native girl. O'Hara is attracted to Sadie and tries to help her out, but Davidson is equally determined to rid the island of her.

As the tension between Sadie and Davidson increases, she finds herself increasingly attracted to O'Hara. However, his feelings for her are complicated by his need to do what is right and by his own scandalous past. The film reaches a dramatic climax as Sadie fights to stay on the island while Davidson and O'Hara both try to persuade her to leave.

The film is a vivid portrayal of the clash between tradition and modernity, with Sadie representing the latter. Her character is a symbol of the changing role of women in society, as she refuses to be constrained by societal norms and is determined to live life on her own terms.

The film's use of location and setting is also noteworthy. The island of Pago Pago serves as a backdrop for the action, with the constant rain creating a sense of claustrophobia and tension. The film also depicts the complex relationships between the island's native people and the American military personnel stationed there.

In terms of acting, Gloria Swanson is excellent as Sadie Thompson. She captures both the vulnerability and strength of her character, and her performance is both nuanced and captivating. Lionel Barrymore is also impressive as the rigid and moralistic Davidson, bringing depth and complexity to his role.

Overall, Sadie Thompson is a powerful and enduring film that explores timeless themes of love, morality, and freedom. It is a classic example of the silent era's ability to tell emotional and resonant stories through visuals and performance.

Sadie Thompson is a 1928 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 31 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2.