Intro.
You know you are addicted to old movies when, after a very busy period that leaves no time for film-viewing, you go through a serious withdrawl. Such is my case recently, as circumstances have kept me so busy I haven't been able to watch much of anything, let alone write a review. So finally I got some time and decided to watch a film I'd never heard of before - it's called Rachel and the Stranger, which to me sounds like a kid's movie about the dangers of talking to strangers or perhaps a follow up to Sarah and the Squirrel. It's far from both of these things luckily, and quite an enjoyable film.Overview
Rachel and the Stranger is a pretty typical Western drama/comedy. Rachel (Loretta Young) is a woman working off her father's debts as a bond servant. Recent widower and father David (William Holden) decides that he needs a wife to care for his son Davey (Gary Gray), so he first buys her and then legally marries her, but only for convention as they will be living under the same roof. Things get off to a rocky start as Rachel is treated more like a servant and outsider who is constantly compared against David's late-wife Sarah. Everything changes though when David's long-time friend Jim (Robert Mitchum) - the typical free-spirit backwoodsman - comes to visit with the announcement that he's looking to finally settle down and find himself a wife. Jim's bright spirits and good nature are a big contrast to the coldness Rachel's been getting from David, so it's only natural that she responds to Jim's growing attentions. David begins to grow jealous and realize that he has married such a wonderful woman, not just a bond servant. The two men come to blows when Jim suggests buying Rachel from David, and Rachel, so upset at the idea of being bartered for, ups and leaves. It isn't safe though, as the local Indians are starting to raid nearby farms and set cabins on fire. When their own cabin is targeted, all of the characters must come together. And it's there under fire that true feelings finally bring a good ending to the film.Highlights
I don't know where to start. One of the reasons this film listing caught my eye was also one of the best parts of the film - the cast. Holden, Young and Mitchum are great together! Solid acting on all parts, even if it is a bit unusual to see William Holden in a Western. Gray is also a lot of fun to watch and gets the feeling across that he misses his mother and really resents Rachel for taking her place. I also enjoyed the initial interaction between Jim and David - Jim returns to learn of Sarah's death and in only one quick exchange we get an entire backstory between the men: Jim loved Sarah and wanted to marry her, but as he was too wild and outgoing, she married David, a simple farmer.The story is simple, but very well done in this film. It did remind me of so many other films, but I think what is special about Rachel and the Stranger is that it so succinctly tells the story and each scene is very rich - there's one part where Jim and Rachel are singing and you see David in the background with Sarah's metronome, obviously still grieving. It's so well told without too much explanation that you have to both laugh and cry at times (not to mention cheer out loud when Rachel finally gets a clean shot off with her rifle!). I think the storytelling and cinematography reminded me of Angel and the Badman, Loretta Young's performance reminded me of her role in The Bishop's Wife, the relationship of Jim and David reminded me of Ethan and Aaron Edwards in The Searchers, and the general plot reminded me of everything from North to Alaska to The Grass is Greener and River of No Return (all of which I recommend!)**.
Finally, a few last points from my fangirl perspective. First of all, Robert Mitchum gets to sing in this film (HOORAY!!!) He has a great voice and he's just all around fantastic. He is obviously enjoying his role in this film and I was delighted that he sang a few songs. Also, William Holden is great - and shirtless in one scene (I had no idea he had so much chest hair). I can clearly see now why so many women went crazy for him back in the day. Finally, Loretta Young gets to kick butt with a rifle and instead of running off to civilization for help, as she rides back to the cabin under fire and starts to shoot alongside the men. Talk about a woman turning into a strong female lead! She does a complete 180 from the shy fragile servant and that in itself is what the film is really about.
Review
Although the storyline may be familiar, Rachel and the Stranger delivers a fine overall performance. A wonderful cast and entertaining scenes keep the pace light and enjoyable. I would definitely recommend it to anyone interested in a good old-fashioned Western that doesn't take itself too seriously. **A word of caution - of the films I listed, I would suggest reading up a bit on The Searchers before watching it for the first time. If you watch it without any sort of reference or understanding, it comes across as a crass Western that comes dangerously close to comedy and can be very off-putting to some viewers. There is a reason for almost everything in a Ford Western, even the humor.
