Dated and clunky to the point of appearing twee, this early directorial effort from Ida Lupino nonetheless remains a vital piece in the jigsaw of cinematic history. Outrage is a daring and gallant attempt to tackle delicate and largely taboo subject matter in a sensitive and sympathetic manner.
In the aftermath of her ordeal, Mala Powers finds herself patronized by some and ostracized by others. In a male dominated society, despite being the innocent victim, her reputation is tarnished and there is a pervading suspicion that she is considered at least partially guilty by association.
Mentally and emotionally scarred, she takes flight. Soon encountering a Christian pastor (Tod Andrews), a man on a mission to reclaim the flotsam and jetsam of society. He takes her under his wing, offering friendship and support.
The film is historically significant for the censorship of the time, which prevented the use of the word rape. The attack on Powers is referred to as a criminal assault.
Outrage can be viewed as Lupino's starter kit. Three years later she directed 'The Bigamist', a far more polished and accomplished work, which addressed an equally thorny subject in a balanced and empathetic manner. Indeed, she was on a hot streak during this period, taking credit for 'The Hitch-hiker,' a gripping noir and directing some parts of the peerless 'On Dangerous Ground'.
Andrews' future was rather less illustrious. In 1957 he appeared in the inept, low budget horror flick 'From Hell it Came,' prompting critic Ed Naha to write 'and to Hell it can go!'Nuff said.
In the aftermath of her ordeal, Mala Powers finds herself patronized by some and ostracized by others. In a male dominated society, despite being the innocent victim, her reputation is tarnished and there is a pervading suspicion that she is considered at least partially guilty by association.
Mentally and emotionally scarred, she takes flight. Soon encountering a Christian pastor (Tod Andrews), a man on a mission to reclaim the flotsam and jetsam of society. He takes her under his wing, offering friendship and support.
The film is historically significant for the censorship of the time, which prevented the use of the word rape. The attack on Powers is referred to as a criminal assault.
Outrage can be viewed as Lupino's starter kit. Three years later she directed 'The Bigamist', a far more polished and accomplished work, which addressed an equally thorny subject in a balanced and empathetic manner. Indeed, she was on a hot streak during this period, taking credit for 'The Hitch-hiker,' a gripping noir and directing some parts of the peerless 'On Dangerous Ground'.
Andrews' future was rather less illustrious. In 1957 he appeared in the inept, low budget horror flick 'From Hell it Came,' prompting critic Ed Naha to write 'and to Hell it can go!'Nuff said.