This is an unpretentious 'little' film that succeeds in charming even a latter-day audience though back in the late forties it was probably very much in the mainstream. In probably nineteenth century rural Ohio William Holden is neglecting his farm and young son in favor of grieving for his late wife, recently (presumably) deceased as the film opens, victim of an unspecified ailment. Travelling 'hunter'cum-trapper, Robert Mitchum, a long-time friend of the family and one-time rival of Holden for the hand of the dead woman, makes a regular visit to the farm, learns the situation and advises Holden to do something about both the domestic chores and a maternal presence for his son. Holden addresses this problem by riding into the nearby town and 'buying' a 'bond' woman, Loretta Young, to handle both tasks. Back at the farm he treats her as little better than a skivvy, allowing his son to do the same. He appears to have little interest in sleeping with her and is, at best, awkwardly civil. The scene is now set for Mitchum to make a return visit but this time as hunter-trapper-catalyst; his treating of Young with both respect and as a desirable woman, triggers Holden's latent jealousy and paves the way for a happy 'bonding' with the bond woman. All three leads perform well and the result is a true, feel-good movie.
Review of Rachel and the Stranger
