Rachel And The Stranger - 1948
Cats: Set Your Recorders, Mitchum, Western|An underated western with subtle comic overtones and elements of suspense. This picture has a great script by Waldo Salt, One of the “Hollywood Ten”. David Harvey (William Holden) is a widower with a young son, Davey. They live on an isolated Ohio farm. He wants his son to be raised in the manner his wife would have wanted; with proper schooling, Bible study and proper manners. Rachel (Loretta Young), an indentured servant, is sold to David. David then marries her in order that little Davey would have a mother to properly raise him. David shows no outward affection towards Rachel since this is a marriage of convenience. This all changes when Jim, a friend of the family, Jim Fairways (Robert Mitchum) comes for a visit. During his stay, David sees that there is more to Rachel than just being a “bonds woman”, especially when Jim takes a liking to her. This awaken new feelings in David for Rachel. Mr. Holden’s affection for Rachel builds beautifully until he can barely contain himself. The moments were Mr. Mitchum and Ms Youing sing together are beautiful.
This picture was completed just as Robert Mitchum committed the career killing act of being caught smoking marijuana. Mr. Mitchum received many headlines and a 60 day sentence in the Minimum Security Facility in Malibu. RKO had invested money in the picture and was very concerned about losing their investment. The free publicity created by Mr. Mitchum’s arrest made this picture one of RKO’s biggest money makers for 1948. Bobby soxers (not the normal demographic for a western) had flocked to see this picture because of Mr. Mitchum’s new found status as a rebel. The incident also secured Mr. Mitchum’s position as a Hollywood “bad boy” and a star; the arrest had no impact on his career - it made him even more popular.
This is one of those Hollywood stories that has floated around for years. almost like an urban legend. 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.” He supposedly said “everything” anyway.
Thursday April 17th at 6:00AM on Turner Classic Movies
