Rachel and the Stranger (1948)

User Rating:

7.0/10   

Director:

Norman Foster

Writers:

Waldo Salt (screenplay)
Howard Fast (story)

Release Date:

25 April 1949 (Sweden)

Genre:

Western

Tagline:

REBEL BRIDE of a man she never kissed! Pledged to share his home...but not privileged to claim his love! Until one day...one fateful day...along came a Tall, Dark Stranger!

Plot:

David Harvey is a widower with a young son, Davey. They live on an isolated Ohio farm during the pioneer days...

Plot Keywords:

Widower | Father Son Relationship | Old West | Beautiful Woman | Young Boy

Awards:

1 nomination

Cast

Loretta Young	...	Rachel Harvey
William Holden	...	David Harvey
Robert Mitchum	...	Jim Fairways
Gary Gray	...	Davey
Tom Tully	...	Parson Jackson
Sara Haden	...	Mrs. Jackson
Frank Ferguson	...	Mr. Green
Walter Baldwin	...	Gallus
Regina Wallace	...	Mrs. Green

Also Known As:

The Tall Dark Stranger (USA) (working title)

Runtime:

80 min | UK:92 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono (RCA Sound System)

Certification:

Finland:K-12 | Sweden:Btl

Filming Locations:

Eugene, Oregon, USA

Company:

RKO Radio Pictures

Trivia:

Loretta Young was famous for placing a "swear jar" on the sets of all of her films, charging anyone in the cast or crew who used foul language 25 cents for doing so, then giving the funds to one of her favorite charities. While making this film with her, Robert Mitchum reputedly held his tongue about his pious co-star until shooting was completed. As he exited the set on the final day of production, Mitchum smiled, dropped a $20 bill into the jar, and said, "This should just about cover everything I've been wanting to say to Loretta."

Movie Connections:

Featured in 100 Years of the Hollywood Western (1994) (TV)

Fun Little Western!

"Rachel and the Stranger" has been one of my favorite "little" films over the years. I only say little because my mother and I are the only two fans of it that I actually know of, but I'm sure there are hundreds of fans out there who love "Rachel and the Stranger" as much as we do. TCM runs it two or three times a year and I try not to miss it. I guess it was a big hit in its time even though it's not as well known today, but my advice is to watch it if you ever get the chance. At about 90 minutes it doesn't wear out its welcome and seems to be over as fast as it began. And with three great stars like Loretta Young (WOW!), William Holden and Robert Mitchum, you really can't go wrong. All three are perfect in their roles. The film is a traditional Western in many ways, but what I like most about it is the humor that's woven in throughout. One sequence even develops into slapstick, but it works. Overall, a really wonderful and enjoyable movie. This is the kind of film that you just end up counting among your favorites even though it's likely that no one you know has ever seen it. And it's the kind of film that you want everyone to see so you can strike up a conversation about how much you love it! Watch it and enjoy!