Deep in the Belgian Congo in 1939, white missionary nurse Angie Dickinson--a virtuous woman who carries the Holy Bible like a shield--arrives in a small village just as the resident doctor dies of a heart attack. The natives believe this is the curse of their wrathful god who lives in the mountains, so it's up to Dickinson's Rachel Cade to teach them the word of Christ as well as earn their trust under her (limited) medical supervision. It would be easy for cynics to dismiss this adaptation of Charles Mercer's novel "Rachel Cade" as Hollywood hokum, but the conviction with which it is presented doesn't feel plastic. Dickinson's prayers for a new doctor are answered in the arrival of an RAF pilot (Roger Moore, with not one hair out of place); however, his attraction to her isn't romantic, rather lustful--desires which go against everything she stands for. The plot is soapy, certainly, and Peter Finch has the thankless role of an agnostic colonel who makes big entrances and exits yet seems pretty inefficient. The religious aspect is handled sensitively, while the "Sin" of the title refers to a personal shame which was a very real concern for single women in the early 1940s. Beautiful Warner Bros. production includes impressive J. Peverell Marley cinematography. **1/2 from ****
24 Reviews
Enjoyable as well colorful film about a dedicated religious nurse who attempts to cure troubled people in the Belgian Congo
ma-cortes29 April 2014
The melancholy tale from the Charles Mercer book dealing with a young missionary working as a nurse during WWII . In 1939, while the Nazi regime subjugates European Nations Rachel Cade (enticing Angie Dickinson) travels to the Belgian Congo , her assignment in the Congo is at a European hospital under the atheist eye of a Colonel but she no sooner arrives than Dr. Bikel, who runs the installation where she is to work, dies of heart failure . She is also soon aware that the hospital has been a misfire and has yet to treat an only patient . Slowly , Rachel Cade heals ills , helps injured villagers and preaches Gospel . There the local government Col. Henry (tough but tenderheart Peter Finch) falls hard while she resists his advances and a subsequent lover upsets his schemes . The sexually repressed and frigid Rachel however has fallen madly in love with Paul (sympathetic Roger Moore) , who is a surgeon shot down . When medical doctor Paul has a plane crash , he is meticulously healed by Rachel . Both of them gradually revealing their pasts each other , but earnest Rachel is influenced by her lover to leave the hospital to go America , then Rachel comes to question her vocation . But the Nazis rise to power and invade her homeland and Africa .
Director Gordon Douglas struck a correct balance of pace and sensitivity in the absorbing tale of a young Belgian girl who becomes a religious missionary and is sent to the Belgian Congo to work at a hospital . She is struggling to reconcile her free spirit and philanthropic wishes with the religious rigors . There Rachel questions her religious vocation and her moralizing comes back to haunt her when she learns after his departure that she is pregnant . Finely starred by a luminous Angie Dickinson who chalked up another hit in this long but always interesting flick based on Charles Mercer's novel , being rightly adapted by prestigious Edward Anhalt . This agreeable flick packs an exciting screenplay , intense drama , fine interpretations and intelligent filmmaking . Casting is frankly well . Good acting by Angie Dickinson as a beautiful missionary nurse who gains the trust of the local people , not only providing medical care but preaching the Bible ; Peter Finch as middle-aged local government official Colonel Henri Derode , he doesn't quite hit it off with Rachel at first but soon starts to develop deep affections for her ; and an attractive as well as likable Roger Moore as dashing Capt. Paul Winton , an American serving in the RAF . Furthermore , a nice support cast formed by notorious African-American secondaries such as Woody Strode as Muwango , Juano Hernandez as Kalanumu , Rafer Johnson as Kosongo , Scatman Crothers as Musinga and veteran Mary Wickes ,subsequently famous for her role in ¨Sister act¨ . This film follows the wake of the highly acclaimed ¨Nun's story¨ also starred by Peter Finch that consolidated a sub-genre about nuns or religious people in far countries , going on ¨Heaven knows , Mr Allison¨ with Robert Mitchum Deborah Kerr and ¨A Nun at the Crossroads¨ with Rosanna Schiaffino and John Richardson , among others .
Appropriate as well as sensitive musical score by the classic Max Steiner . Glamorous and evocative cinematography by J. Marley , though mostly filmed on studio . The motion picture well produced by Henry Blanke was professionally directed by Gordon Douglas. This is one of various and pleasant works , some major and minor successes of his long career as a filmmaker. He was a Hollywood veteran director, directing early movies (Little rascals, Spanky), expert on Western (Chuka, Rio Conchos, Yellowstone Kelly, Only the valiant), and usually worked for Frank Sinatra in various films (Lady in Cement, Tony Rome, The detective , Robin and the 7 Hoods) . Rating : 6 , acceptable and passable , though overlong . The film will appeal to Angie Dickinson and Roger Moore fans .
Director Gordon Douglas struck a correct balance of pace and sensitivity in the absorbing tale of a young Belgian girl who becomes a religious missionary and is sent to the Belgian Congo to work at a hospital . She is struggling to reconcile her free spirit and philanthropic wishes with the religious rigors . There Rachel questions her religious vocation and her moralizing comes back to haunt her when she learns after his departure that she is pregnant . Finely starred by a luminous Angie Dickinson who chalked up another hit in this long but always interesting flick based on Charles Mercer's novel , being rightly adapted by prestigious Edward Anhalt . This agreeable flick packs an exciting screenplay , intense drama , fine interpretations and intelligent filmmaking . Casting is frankly well . Good acting by Angie Dickinson as a beautiful missionary nurse who gains the trust of the local people , not only providing medical care but preaching the Bible ; Peter Finch as middle-aged local government official Colonel Henri Derode , he doesn't quite hit it off with Rachel at first but soon starts to develop deep affections for her ; and an attractive as well as likable Roger Moore as dashing Capt. Paul Winton , an American serving in the RAF . Furthermore , a nice support cast formed by notorious African-American secondaries such as Woody Strode as Muwango , Juano Hernandez as Kalanumu , Rafer Johnson as Kosongo , Scatman Crothers as Musinga and veteran Mary Wickes ,subsequently famous for her role in ¨Sister act¨ . This film follows the wake of the highly acclaimed ¨Nun's story¨ also starred by Peter Finch that consolidated a sub-genre about nuns or religious people in far countries , going on ¨Heaven knows , Mr Allison¨ with Robert Mitchum Deborah Kerr and ¨A Nun at the Crossroads¨ with Rosanna Schiaffino and John Richardson , among others .
Appropriate as well as sensitive musical score by the classic Max Steiner . Glamorous and evocative cinematography by J. Marley , though mostly filmed on studio . The motion picture well produced by Henry Blanke was professionally directed by Gordon Douglas. This is one of various and pleasant works , some major and minor successes of his long career as a filmmaker. He was a Hollywood veteran director, directing early movies (Little rascals, Spanky), expert on Western (Chuka, Rio Conchos, Yellowstone Kelly, Only the valiant), and usually worked for Frank Sinatra in various films (Lady in Cement, Tony Rome, The detective , Robin and the 7 Hoods) . Rating : 6 , acceptable and passable , though overlong . The film will appeal to Angie Dickinson and Roger Moore fans .
Nurse Rachel Cade finds herself in a sticky wicket (no pun intended)
Ed-Shullivan14 July 2023
The film was not what I was expecting, especially with the likes of up and coming actors such as Angie Dickinson and Roger Moore starring in the film. The story takes place in the Belgian Congo where Nurse Rachel Cade who is young, beautiful and somewhat naive decides to set up shop with all the good intentions in the world to help the native people's with both their physical and spiritual needs. What the young Nurse Rachel lacks in the real world of hard knocks and love she makes up for with her perseverance and dedication to her nursing skills.
Of course the beautiful Nurse Rachel has not one but two men vying for her attention. As I explained earlier Rachel was somewhat naive and inexperienced with being in a serious relationship. But the Belgian Congo can be a lonely place for a beautiful women and all the preaching Rachel provides to the native people she finds herself in a compromising position and suddenly she needs to put her big girl pants on and make a few life changing decisions in a very short period of time.
I can't say I was overly impressed with Ms. Dickinson's "oh so very innocent soft sultry voice" but the native people love her for all she has contributed to their village. The middle of this picture runs rather slow and predictable, but if you choose to hang in there, the results and the ending are worth waiting for.
I give the film a decent 6 out of 10 IMDb rating.
Of course the beautiful Nurse Rachel has not one but two men vying for her attention. As I explained earlier Rachel was somewhat naive and inexperienced with being in a serious relationship. But the Belgian Congo can be a lonely place for a beautiful women and all the preaching Rachel provides to the native people she finds herself in a compromising position and suddenly she needs to put her big girl pants on and make a few life changing decisions in a very short period of time.
I can't say I was overly impressed with Ms. Dickinson's "oh so very innocent soft sultry voice" but the native people love her for all she has contributed to their village. The middle of this picture runs rather slow and predictable, but if you choose to hang in there, the results and the ending are worth waiting for.
I give the film a decent 6 out of 10 IMDb rating.
sins of r cade
mossgrymk1 August 2023
Definitely in line with IMDB majority opinion here in regarding this as a mostly bombastic (especially where religion is involved), dull film with occasional flashes of interest and a couple good performances, from Juano Hernandez and the always under rated Angie Dickinson in the title role. The main problem with it flows from the egregiously bad story decision by scenarist Edward Anhalt to soft peddle the most interesting conflict, namely that of Rachel versus the tribal hierarchy symbolized by Hernandez, and instead highlight the pale, bloodless love triangle between Dickinson, Peter Finch and truly one of the dullest British actors ever to trod the boards, Roger Moore. His romantic scenes with Dickinson act as built in bathroom and snack breaks. The ones between Finch and Dickinson are a little better because Finch is a ten times better thesp than Moore but, still, you weary of them and want more scenes like the African dance that arouses Finch's and Dickinson's carnal desire...and not just for each other. Yes, the scene is on the racist side with its not so subtle message that white passions can be unhealthily aroused by dark races, but it is also quite envelope pushing for 1961, a good seven or eight years before the code was sent a packing, and I'm sure got this movie at least semi banned or censored in the American South. Give it a C plus.
PS...Hard to say whose supposed accent was worse, Finch's Belgian or Moore's American.
PS...Hard to say whose supposed accent was worse, Finch's Belgian or Moore's American.
Lost In The Vines
sol-kay22 January 2007
Warning: Spoilers
**SPOILERS** A bit overdone jungle soap opera has pretty blond Kansas medical missionary Rachel Cade, Angie Dickerson, traveling to darkest Africa at the start of WWII to save the local natives from both disease and ignorance of the miracles of modern medicine. Getting a job in the Belgian Congo, by the local Belgain authorities running the country, to save both lives as well as souls Rachel has a stroke of good luck, if you can call it that. Her boss Doctor Bikel,Douglas Spencer, suddenly checks out with a fatal heart attack on Rachel's first day on the job making her the head modern medicine man, or woman, at the local tribal village.
Rachel doesn't get along too well with the head witch doctor Mumango, Woody Strode, and chief Kalanuma, Juano Hernandez, who feel that she's cutting in on their business in running the town and put a hex on Rachel to get her knocked off by their Mountain God. Ignoring the threats by both Mumango & Kalamuma Rachel despite her not being a doctor or having any experience in surgery saves a local youths life by single-handed operating on him and removing his about to explode appendix.
Becoming somewhat a miracle worker among the local natives Rachel's work at the makeshift hospital starts to become too much for her as she's overwhelmed with patients and their problems many non life threatening that just about leads her to have a nervous and physical breakdown. With everything going downhill for Rachel another miracle happens. This time it's a life saving gift from the sky when a plane crashes outside the village and the only survivor just happens to be the young handsome and debonair, and future both "The Saint" and British spy James Bond, Roger Moore playing Doctor Paul Wilton. Wilton who also happens to be an American who on top of all that a volunteer pilot with the RAF in the war against Hitler's Germany.
It doesn't take long for the God fearing and prudish Rachel to fall heads over heels in love with the handsome and dashing Doctor Paul. Being unable to restrain herself Rchel has a hot and heavy affair with Paul leading her to become pregnant with his child. Paul recovered from his leg injury is given orders from the RAF to leave the Congo and go fly combat missions against the Luftwaffe back in Europe and has no idea that he knocked up Rachel. It's non other then the Belgian Congo Belgain administrator Colonel Henry Derode, Peter Finch, who's secretly in love with Rachel who later informs Paul by telegram that Rachel had given birth to his and her child a boy that she aptly named Paul Jr.
Having been given a full medical discharge from the RAF for a broken leg, that he earlier got from crashing his plane, Paul shoots right down to the Congo to get Rachel and Paul Jr to come home with him back in Boston and start a new life as a happily married family man. Rachel doesn't want to give up her work with the local natives and at the same time feels humiliated by Paul for him wanting her to lie, to compound her sin of having an out of wedlock sexual affair with him, about young Paul Jr. Paul want Rachel to say that his Paul Jr's non-existent father and Rachel's married husband was killed in the war in order to make it look like the child wasn't illegitimate. This has Rachel turn down Pauland stay behind in the Congolese village with Paul Jr doing her good work in saving the local lives and souls of the local natives.
The big surprise in the movie for Rachel was that the man who loved her, for herself and not just her very good looks, and wanted Rachel to be his wife and marry her without fooling around was non other then the stuffed up somewhat introverted and keep a stiff upper lip Colonel Derode. Leaving a good and God-fearing man like the Colonel for a happy go lucky in and out of the sack and selfish playboy like Paul Wilton showed Rachel just how she messed up both herself and her son Paul Jr lives. She ended up giving into her carnal pleasures instead of her steadfast practicing the laws handed down by God's prophets, in both the New as well as Old Testament; that in the end is what turned out to be what the title of the movie meant in "The Sins of Rachel Cade".
Rachel doesn't get along too well with the head witch doctor Mumango, Woody Strode, and chief Kalanuma, Juano Hernandez, who feel that she's cutting in on their business in running the town and put a hex on Rachel to get her knocked off by their Mountain God. Ignoring the threats by both Mumango & Kalamuma Rachel despite her not being a doctor or having any experience in surgery saves a local youths life by single-handed operating on him and removing his about to explode appendix.
Becoming somewhat a miracle worker among the local natives Rachel's work at the makeshift hospital starts to become too much for her as she's overwhelmed with patients and their problems many non life threatening that just about leads her to have a nervous and physical breakdown. With everything going downhill for Rachel another miracle happens. This time it's a life saving gift from the sky when a plane crashes outside the village and the only survivor just happens to be the young handsome and debonair, and future both "The Saint" and British spy James Bond, Roger Moore playing Doctor Paul Wilton. Wilton who also happens to be an American who on top of all that a volunteer pilot with the RAF in the war against Hitler's Germany.
It doesn't take long for the God fearing and prudish Rachel to fall heads over heels in love with the handsome and dashing Doctor Paul. Being unable to restrain herself Rchel has a hot and heavy affair with Paul leading her to become pregnant with his child. Paul recovered from his leg injury is given orders from the RAF to leave the Congo and go fly combat missions against the Luftwaffe back in Europe and has no idea that he knocked up Rachel. It's non other then the Belgian Congo Belgain administrator Colonel Henry Derode, Peter Finch, who's secretly in love with Rachel who later informs Paul by telegram that Rachel had given birth to his and her child a boy that she aptly named Paul Jr.
Having been given a full medical discharge from the RAF for a broken leg, that he earlier got from crashing his plane, Paul shoots right down to the Congo to get Rachel and Paul Jr to come home with him back in Boston and start a new life as a happily married family man. Rachel doesn't want to give up her work with the local natives and at the same time feels humiliated by Paul for him wanting her to lie, to compound her sin of having an out of wedlock sexual affair with him, about young Paul Jr. Paul want Rachel to say that his Paul Jr's non-existent father and Rachel's married husband was killed in the war in order to make it look like the child wasn't illegitimate. This has Rachel turn down Pauland stay behind in the Congolese village with Paul Jr doing her good work in saving the local lives and souls of the local natives.
The big surprise in the movie for Rachel was that the man who loved her, for herself and not just her very good looks, and wanted Rachel to be his wife and marry her without fooling around was non other then the stuffed up somewhat introverted and keep a stiff upper lip Colonel Derode. Leaving a good and God-fearing man like the Colonel for a happy go lucky in and out of the sack and selfish playboy like Paul Wilton showed Rachel just how she messed up both herself and her son Paul Jr lives. She ended up giving into her carnal pleasures instead of her steadfast practicing the laws handed down by God's prophets, in both the New as well as Old Testament; that in the end is what turned out to be what the title of the movie meant in "The Sins of Rachel Cade".
Never really gets to you
martin_humble15 July 2002
The story itself is good, based on a novel, but this adaption for the screen does not cope in keeping the tense, the dramatics, the love that are ingredients in the story. "Sins of Rachel Cade" plays for two hours -but feels like an eternity. Overall the acting is good but something is missing and the movie ends up as a flat, little interesting and almost boring movie. This is a shame because the story itself is interesting and should have been handled better.
Angie's bungle in the jungle
jjnxn-112 April 2014
Soapy jungle set melodrama with a bit of a social conscience. Angie, who looks great, gives a good performance in the lead matched by Peter Finch as a military man who yearns for her. Mary Wickes has a small part that perks up the film whenever she appears which isn't nearly enough. The weak link is Roger Moore as a boorish doctor who literally crashes onto the scene, he's handsome but doesn't make much of an impact. It's not really his fault his role is poorly conceived. There's nice production values as well.
The film has a few too many plot threads that it dangles, picks up and drops throughout the picture's running time but is best when it focuses on Rachel's crisis of faith and also her gradual evolution from naive missionary to leader of a small village of people.
Not a great film but earnestly played with an interesting back story and some tortured romance at its core.
The film has a few too many plot threads that it dangles, picks up and drops throughout the picture's running time but is best when it focuses on Rachel's crisis of faith and also her gradual evolution from naive missionary to leader of a small village of people.
Not a great film but earnestly played with an interesting back story and some tortured romance at its core.
what was Peter Finch thinking about
blanche-29 October 2011
I spent a good deal of "The Sins of Rachel Cade" confused, wondering whether or not I had already seen it. Or was I mixing it up with "The Nun's Story" - not hard to do, since Peter Finch, a brilliant, sexy actor apparently was cast in the same part over and over. It seems to me his role in this was similar to his role in "The Nun's Story." The story is similar to "The Nun's Story" and also to "Sister Kenny."
During World War II, Rachel Cade (Angie Dickinson), a beautiful young nurse, goes to the Congo to help in the hospital and to bring Christianity to the people. She meets two men, both of whom are interested in her - Colonel DeRode (Finch) and a downed airman who turns out to be a surgeon, Paul Wilton (Roger Moore). Cade suffers inner conflict as a result, and it changes her life.
I like Angie Dickinson in this - she gives a very simple performance, that of a dedicated spiritual woman with great inner strength, and one who really understands why the people of the Congo love her and respect her. But she's miscast. To put it bluntly, Dickinson is too hot a number for this role. If she were just beautiful in the Audrey Hepburn sense, she would be believable. But Angie's always been a sex bomb and how anyone thought she could work in darkest Africa and not spend 99% of her time fighting off men was crazy. Either someone a little older, like Jean Simmons, or with less sex appeal would have been more appropriate.
Peter Finch was very good, very appealing, but I just saw him do this role in "The Nun's Story." I'm still confused.
Two favorites of mine, Woody Strode and Juano Hernandez, are on hand as well and give excellent performances.
There are certainly interesting aspects to "The Sins of Rachel Cade," and it has some appeal, but in the end it leaves one feeling a little flat.
During World War II, Rachel Cade (Angie Dickinson), a beautiful young nurse, goes to the Congo to help in the hospital and to bring Christianity to the people. She meets two men, both of whom are interested in her - Colonel DeRode (Finch) and a downed airman who turns out to be a surgeon, Paul Wilton (Roger Moore). Cade suffers inner conflict as a result, and it changes her life.
I like Angie Dickinson in this - she gives a very simple performance, that of a dedicated spiritual woman with great inner strength, and one who really understands why the people of the Congo love her and respect her. But she's miscast. To put it bluntly, Dickinson is too hot a number for this role. If she were just beautiful in the Audrey Hepburn sense, she would be believable. But Angie's always been a sex bomb and how anyone thought she could work in darkest Africa and not spend 99% of her time fighting off men was crazy. Either someone a little older, like Jean Simmons, or with less sex appeal would have been more appropriate.
Peter Finch was very good, very appealing, but I just saw him do this role in "The Nun's Story." I'm still confused.
Two favorites of mine, Woody Strode and Juano Hernandez, are on hand as well and give excellent performances.
There are certainly interesting aspects to "The Sins of Rachel Cade," and it has some appeal, but in the end it leaves one feeling a little flat.
She's Gotta Have It
utgard1410 April 2014
Overlong, corny bit of business about a missionary nurse (Angie Dickinson) who travels to the Congo to provide medical care and spread the gospel. But hey a girl's got needs, right? Enter two men, played by Roger Moore and Peter Finch. In the case of one of those guys you can take "enter" very literally. Dickinson is beautiful and far too sexy for the part of a prim and proper woman with morals. She gives it her best, though, but that isn't saying much. She maintains the same facial expression throughout the movie. At the end of the day it's really just a soap opera. Too trashy to take seriously but not trashy enough to be fun.
Angie Done Wrong In The Belgian Congo
bkoganbing6 August 2010
Although The Sins Of Rachel Cade does present a realistic view of Africa which Hollywood was now doing after The African Queen and King Solomon's Mines the story never gets above the level of a Harlequin novel set in Africa. This story could have just as easily played out in the good old USA.
Which is where Angie Dickinson in the title role hails from, Kansas in fact, about as far from the Belgian Congo as you can get. She's been sent to aid Dr. Douglas Spencer who no sooner than when she arrives goes and dies on her. That leaves the inexperienced Angie to run the mission until God knows when.
District Commissioner Peter Finch tries to be of help, but he's in a tenuous position. It's never really brought out, but as his country has been overrun by the Nazis, his authority as a Belgian is severely limited. Belgium it is well known did not have a sterling record, in fact it had the worst colonial record of any European power. But Nazi racial doctrines did have a limited appeal to the natives there, so Finch is safe for the moment.
He's liking Angie, but when American doctor from Boston who is volunteering for the Royal Air Force played by Roger Moore drops from the skies, she's his. And her moral authority is put to the test when she has Moore's baby in violation of the beliefs she's been preaching to the natives.
The Sins Of Rachel Cade found a wealth of opportunity for prominent black actors like Woody Strode, Juano Hernandez, Errol John, and Rafer Johnson to play various tribal figures. Dickinson's interaction with them is far more interesting than the hackneyed romance she has.
I wish the film had been more about the politics and less about the romance in another girl done wrong film no matter how exotic the location.
Which is where Angie Dickinson in the title role hails from, Kansas in fact, about as far from the Belgian Congo as you can get. She's been sent to aid Dr. Douglas Spencer who no sooner than when she arrives goes and dies on her. That leaves the inexperienced Angie to run the mission until God knows when.
District Commissioner Peter Finch tries to be of help, but he's in a tenuous position. It's never really brought out, but as his country has been overrun by the Nazis, his authority as a Belgian is severely limited. Belgium it is well known did not have a sterling record, in fact it had the worst colonial record of any European power. But Nazi racial doctrines did have a limited appeal to the natives there, so Finch is safe for the moment.
He's liking Angie, but when American doctor from Boston who is volunteering for the Royal Air Force played by Roger Moore drops from the skies, she's his. And her moral authority is put to the test when she has Moore's baby in violation of the beliefs she's been preaching to the natives.
The Sins Of Rachel Cade found a wealth of opportunity for prominent black actors like Woody Strode, Juano Hernandez, Errol John, and Rafer Johnson to play various tribal figures. Dickinson's interaction with them is far more interesting than the hackneyed romance she has.
I wish the film had been more about the politics and less about the romance in another girl done wrong film no matter how exotic the location.
Angie in Africa
wes-connors23 September 2015
In 1939, beautiful blonde missionary nurse Angie Dickinson (as Rachel Cade) arrives in the Belgian Congo to assist a doctor and convert the local natives to Christianity. Her breathtaking beauty attracts British-accented administrator Peter Finch (as Henry Derode), but Ms. Dickinson won't let the horse out of the barn. Later, when handsome American pilot Roger Moore (as Paul Wilton) drops in, they're off and running. This plot was very popular for actresses during the two decades before the time era depicted (here, 1939-1941). With her pink lipstick and tailored wardrobe, Dickinson is difficult to believe as a missionary nurse from 1939. However, she is beautiful and engaging. Her leading men do well with their roles. The best role, and most natural characterization, is realized by Errol John (as Kulu).
**** The Sins of Rachel Cade (1961-02-10) Gordon Douglas ~ Angie Dickinson, Roger Moore, Peter Finch, Errol John
**** The Sins of Rachel Cade (1961-02-10) Gordon Douglas ~ Angie Dickinson, Roger Moore, Peter Finch, Errol John
A good presentation of bridging a culture gap.
stheffner2 June 2005
The performances of the principles in this movie are really very good. The story is interesting and the presentation is balanced in regard to all of the characters. Both the native African and the missionary viewpoints are well presented and believable. The Head Witch Doctor, the chief of the tribe, and Rachel's chief assistant are both believable and representative of a different cultural viewpoint. The way in which she finally puts herself on the line to gain the trust of these people is compelling. Her guilt when she feels that she has failed to be true to her preaching and beliefs appears genuine. The difficult decisions she faces at the end seem to be realistic. All in all a very good movie.
THE SINS OF RACHEL CADE (Gordon Douglas, 1961) **1/2
Bunuel19767 March 2009
Tolerable romantic/exotic/religious melodrama from producer Henry Blanke, who had earlier been responsible for the more acclaimed THE NUN'S STORY and the more popular THE MIRACLE (both 1959). As a matter of fact, this basically extends the African scenes of the former's second half to take up its entire length but, at the same time, incorporating the emotional/vocational struggle inherent in the latter and, for good measure, the male stars of each (Peter Finch and Roger Moore respectively) were brought on board for this new venture as well! Anyway, the titular figure is played, quite convincingly, by Angie Dickinson; as for her co-stars, Finch is typically commanding but one has a hard time believing Moore as either a flyer (the setting the eve of WWII) or a doctor (and it is clear he did not take the part seriously himself)! The most prominent among the indigenous community are 'holy man' Juano Hernandez (who holds his own against Finch in the acting stakes) and 'medicine man' Woody Strode (whose contribution is, alas, rather limited). The narrative takes a thoroughly predictable but pleasing route with earnest (and luscious) Dickinson having as hard a time convincing agnostic Governor Finch of the true faith as the superstitious natives
but the 'miracle' finally occurs when she cures a local boy, whom Hernandez and Strode had already given up for dead because his father had dared defy the gods! Similarly, when Moore's dashing but uncommitted character turns up in the second half, conflict naturally arises between him and Finch over the heroine (since both have no qualms about showing their feelings to the missionary girl)! The denouement, then, is as unlikely (with spiritual grace taking the upper hand over basic human fulfillment) as it is melodramatic, but that's Hollywood for you. While unsurprisingly meandering somewhat over the course of its generous two-hour length, the film emerges a good-looking and mildly enjoyable effort very typical of the time also marked by a lush score courtesy of veteran Max Steiner (that is perhaps exceedingly reminiscent of his Oscar-winning theme from NOW, VOYAGER [1942]!). Incidentally, while the full title of this one smacks of exploitation which is barely present in the film proper, the print shown on TCM UK actually dropped the heroine's foibles and left us with just her name an alternate moniker under which, however, it seems never to have been shown until now!
A 1930's women's picture with updated 60's sensibilities, some pretty daring.
mark.waltz8 August 2023
Warning: Spoilers
This is probably the oldest film I've seen to deal with the issue of forced female circumcision, referred to here as mutilation but made clear through other details of what the conversation is referring to. It's the most dramatic role of Angie Dickinson's classic movie career, but she wasn't about to become another Audrey Hepburn/Liz Taylor/Joanne Woodward.
In the 1930's, this would have been a lot shorter and starred someone like Kay Francis or Ruth Chatterton, along with George Brent and Ian Hunter in the Peter Finch and Roger Moore roles. It's 1940 in the Belgian Congo, and missionary nurse Dickinson doesn't practice what she preaches, ending up pregnant after discussing a chaste existence with natives she meets but unable to resist Moore's charms.
He's a wounded military doctor brought in for treatment at the camp run by British colonel Peter Finch, and after being cured is sent back to active duty. Dickinson is of course ashamed of her situation and wants to resign, but Finch steps in to be noble, just as Hunter or Brent would have done with Francis or Chatterton 25 years before. Mary Wickes doesn't get a comical part here as the mission housekeeper, but she makes the most of a small part. Beautiful to look at, but terribly soapy, it's a lavish saga where preaching against sin turns the preacher into a sinner.
In the 1930's, this would have been a lot shorter and starred someone like Kay Francis or Ruth Chatterton, along with George Brent and Ian Hunter in the Peter Finch and Roger Moore roles. It's 1940 in the Belgian Congo, and missionary nurse Dickinson doesn't practice what she preaches, ending up pregnant after discussing a chaste existence with natives she meets but unable to resist Moore's charms.
He's a wounded military doctor brought in for treatment at the camp run by British colonel Peter Finch, and after being cured is sent back to active duty. Dickinson is of course ashamed of her situation and wants to resign, but Finch steps in to be noble, just as Hunter or Brent would have done with Francis or Chatterton 25 years before. Mary Wickes doesn't get a comical part here as the mission housekeeper, but she makes the most of a small part. Beautiful to look at, but terribly soapy, it's a lavish saga where preaching against sin turns the preacher into a sinner.
Madame Butterfly influence
dkritter-585-63359329 October 2011
Warning: Spoilers
Spoiler Alert! After the heroine is stuck an ocean away from a man she loved and thought loved her back -- and left her with a child and doesn't return -- and then, one fine day, he finally returns, I kept thinking that this movie (and book) was influenced by the opera Madame Butterfly, with the location moved from Japan to the Congo -- and Pinkerton the naval officer replaced by Paul the RAF pilot. I actually thought that Rachel Cade would give her son up to Paul so that he might grow up in the USA with all the advantages of the son of a doctor. But she didn't. She kept the boy. I guess melodrama is needed in opera, but that ending wouldn't play well with movie audiences. Pity. That said, a decent yarn and well photographed. Roger Moore looks lovely as does Angie. Woody S. is almost wasted. See "The Last Voyage" for how good he can be. And Rafer Johnson looks impressive, but does little and says even less.
painful stereotypes, preposterous story lines, still worth watching
jcravens4218 August 2016
Painfully dated, unrealistic story of a nun/nurse, Rachel Cade, who goes to the Belgian Congo to bring health care and Christian salvation to an African village. The African representations are stereotypical and, at times, painful, especially if you have ever been to sub-Sahara Africa. A preachy film with sexualized, seducing, tribal Africans and a righteous and sexually conflicted white savior nurse trying to bring the "true" religion to the primitives. The script is laughable at times, especially the assertions of how superior Christianity - specifically, Catholicism - is to the local beliefs. And the music is, at times, laugh out loud funny, unintentionally - like when Paul Wilton (Roger Moore) says, "I'm a doctor."
Other reviewers have called the character of Rachel Cade "frigid." That word actually doesn't fit at all. Poor Angie looks absolutely lovely on the camera as she sweats and even writhes at one point over the sexual desires her character is supposedly experiencing - but the preposterous situation make you want to laugh rather than feel sympathy.
Altogether, it actually makes the film worth watching, to see just how distorted Europeans (and USA movie audiences) have seen Africans. Another thing that makes the film worthwhile to watch is a young Scatman Crothers, and it's always great to see Woody Strode on the screen, even in a substandard film. And Roger Moore pulls off the American accent, through a less nasally voice would have been nice.
The movie is produced by Henry Blanke, also responsible for the far less offensive, less preachy, much more nuanced and realistic film, THE NUN'S STORY. Unlike that film, this seems mostly filmed on a soundstage.
Other reviewers have called the character of Rachel Cade "frigid." That word actually doesn't fit at all. Poor Angie looks absolutely lovely on the camera as she sweats and even writhes at one point over the sexual desires her character is supposedly experiencing - but the preposterous situation make you want to laugh rather than feel sympathy.
Altogether, it actually makes the film worth watching, to see just how distorted Europeans (and USA movie audiences) have seen Africans. Another thing that makes the film worthwhile to watch is a young Scatman Crothers, and it's always great to see Woody Strode on the screen, even in a substandard film. And Roger Moore pulls off the American accent, through a less nasally voice would have been nice.
The movie is produced by Henry Blanke, also responsible for the far less offensive, less preachy, much more nuanced and realistic film, THE NUN'S STORY. Unlike that film, this seems mostly filmed on a soundstage.
mix of old and progressive
SnoopyStyle20 July 2023
It's 1939 Belgian Congo. Newly arrived nurse Rachel Cade (Angie Dickinson) finds local mistrust. Dr. Bikel runs the failing clinic and is quickly dead. Rachel starts gaining their trust and preaching the bible. Colonel Henri Derode (Peter Finch) is the local administrator. Paul Wilton (Roger Moore), an American doctor with the RAF, becomes her patient.
The old fashion bible preaching is a little off-putting. Back in the day, it would play well as the savages get civilized. It's very old school and pulpy romanticism and colonial jungleism. This may be longest that I stared into Angie's brown eyes. Also it may be the earliest star role for Roger Moore that I've seen. He's not even trying to change his accent. In a modern viewing, it's a little clunky and dated. Then there is the central and title theme. I'm glad that they do call it out with Rachel's "sins" and this is more than a simple white savior film.
The old fashion bible preaching is a little off-putting. Back in the day, it would play well as the savages get civilized. It's very old school and pulpy romanticism and colonial jungleism. This may be longest that I stared into Angie's brown eyes. Also it may be the earliest star role for Roger Moore that I've seen. He's not even trying to change his accent. In a modern viewing, it's a little clunky and dated. Then there is the central and title theme. I'm glad that they do call it out with Rachel's "sins" and this is more than a simple white savior film.
Horrible, had me laughing at all the wrong places
marzolian8 August 2010
Somewhere in the novel, I'll assume that there was a story with a heart. Portions of it are can be sensed here, but just barely.
A theme I found intriguing was the conflict between western civilization represented by Rachel Cade. She represents western ideals such as equal rights for women and the advancement of science and medicine. However, the "civilized" nations are involved in a horrible war, and she becomes involved in a moral conflict of her own.
Many of the actors played dignified and serious characters. Angie Dickinson was enjoyable to watch. But that's it, as far as things about this movie that I found watchable.
For example: every other character had an accent that wandered all over the map. Other than Dicksonson and Peter Finch, everybody else's was ridiculous, including Roger Moore as a doctor from "Bahston". As a result I could not take most scenes seriously.
A theme I found intriguing was the conflict between western civilization represented by Rachel Cade. She represents western ideals such as equal rights for women and the advancement of science and medicine. However, the "civilized" nations are involved in a horrible war, and she becomes involved in a moral conflict of her own.
Many of the actors played dignified and serious characters. Angie Dickinson was enjoyable to watch. But that's it, as far as things about this movie that I found watchable.
For example: every other character had an accent that wandered all over the map. Other than Dicksonson and Peter Finch, everybody else's was ridiculous, including Roger Moore as a doctor from "Bahston". As a result I could not take most scenes seriously.
Some of it's theme is reminiscent to The African Queen
jordondave-2808521 April 2023
(1961) The Sins OF Rachel Cade
DRAMA
Based on a novel written by Charles Mercer, starring Angie Dickenson as Rachel Cade who's just arrived to one of the most poorest villages in South Africa called Dibela. Because it takes place in the early 1940's which was the start of WWII, she is then introduced to Colonel Henry Derode (Peter Finch) who's job is bring law and order amongst the area. Her main objective is the same duties of a missionary, in which she's also there to preach her Christian beliefs and at the same time heal people. Roger Moore of the "James Bond" fame and for starring in "The Saint" television show also stars as the doctor who by chance crash landed near the area and has broken his leg. Some of the things I liked about his movie is the fact that it weighs some of the pros and cons about introducing a new religion into an impoverished area where they believe in spiritual medicine and chance. We get to see how their culture of healing people is different from American practiced medicine. What I didn't like about this film so much is the conflicting love triangle between Roger Moore Angie Dickenson and Peter Finch.
Based on a novel written by Charles Mercer, starring Angie Dickenson as Rachel Cade who's just arrived to one of the most poorest villages in South Africa called Dibela. Because it takes place in the early 1940's which was the start of WWII, she is then introduced to Colonel Henry Derode (Peter Finch) who's job is bring law and order amongst the area. Her main objective is the same duties of a missionary, in which she's also there to preach her Christian beliefs and at the same time heal people. Roger Moore of the "James Bond" fame and for starring in "The Saint" television show also stars as the doctor who by chance crash landed near the area and has broken his leg. Some of the things I liked about his movie is the fact that it weighs some of the pros and cons about introducing a new religion into an impoverished area where they believe in spiritual medicine and chance. We get to see how their culture of healing people is different from American practiced medicine. What I didn't like about this film so much is the conflicting love triangle between Roger Moore Angie Dickenson and Peter Finch.
Nurse Rachel goes to the Congo
ksf-210 April 2014
"Sins" starts a tad slow, but gets better as it goes along. It has all the elements of the usual exotic, African adventure film. Nurse Rachel Cade (Angie Dickinson) is off on her mission in the Belgian Congo (probably the back lot of Warner Brothers), and the very day she arrives, her strength and independence are tested, as she will be over and over again. Dickinson will go on to be Police Woman ten years later; she won two golden globes, and was nominated for emmies several times. Nurse Rachel DOES have an ally, Colonel Derode, who seems to be the colonial district governor (Peter Finch, who will win an Oscar for "Network"). They butt heads with the village chief over the issue of religion, and while several of the natives seem to accept Rachel's god, or to at least discuss the issue, most of the village follows the orders of the village shaman. Deus ex machina, in pops Roger Moore as Paul Wilton, another doctor, who had been shot down over the village. Moore will play "The Saint" the year after this film, and of course, will be playing James Bond, in another ten years or so. There's the love triangle setup, if there wasn't enough drama. Dickinson's make-up, hair, and clothing are flawless throughout, even when she cries. It's not surprising that they both notice her deep, dark eyes. Some heavy topics discussed in here... surgical mutilation of women, circumcision, religious differences. Pretty major stuff for 1961. We get readings from the bible here and there, but the real issues are following your beliefs, faith, and handling adversity. Mary Wickes is the Colonel's housekeeper; she has a minor role here, with a couple lines and a more serious demeanor than we have seen in her other roles.
Directed by Gordon Douglas, who started out as an actor, then directed a long, prolific list of films. Original novel by Charles Mercer; didn't find much on him... there IS a helpful obituary in the archives of the nytimes.com; it lists several of his other novels.
Directed by Gordon Douglas, who started out as an actor, then directed a long, prolific list of films. Original novel by Charles Mercer; didn't find much on him... there IS a helpful obituary in the archives of the nytimes.com; it lists several of his other novels.
Fascinating drama
darynkentd14 April 2014
This film is beautifully done and exquisite to watch from the beginning of the credits to the final shot. The performances are consistently extremely fine. Angie Dickenson, Peter Finch and Roger Moore head the cast, but each of the supporting characters are also perfectly cast and compelling. The exotic nature of the small village in the Belgian Congo with its primitive leaders and the varying stories of the appealing villagers present a perfect complement to the fundamental story. The basic plot consists of an interesting dilemma for the heroine whose profoundly held religious values contradict human beings' nature. She must deal with that conflict and resolve it in a plot that never loses its power.
Simple but powerful
judithchartrand25 February 2013
I love this movie because it contains the strength of purity and goodness, but showing the frailty of human weakness. This is by far Angie Dickinson's best performance. I feel this role suits her better than the sexy roles she later played.
As a former nurse, I almost envied her situation. However, I would have fallen in love with Henri Derode, and not the Lustful Dr Wilton.
I loved Rachel Cade's bravery, standing strong in her beliefs, although her sin eventually weakened her devotion, temporarily. She accomplished so much with the people of Dibela, way beyond what she expected, and some of the them developed an even stronger faith than Rachel herself.
I was delighted at the end, that Rachel decided to stay in Dibela instead of going to Boston with the Lustful Dr Wilton. It would have been great if it had ended with Rachel marrying Henri Derode.
As a former nurse, I almost envied her situation. However, I would have fallen in love with Henri Derode, and not the Lustful Dr Wilton.
I loved Rachel Cade's bravery, standing strong in her beliefs, although her sin eventually weakened her devotion, temporarily. She accomplished so much with the people of Dibela, way beyond what she expected, and some of the them developed an even stronger faith than Rachel herself.
I was delighted at the end, that Rachel decided to stay in Dibela instead of going to Boston with the Lustful Dr Wilton. It would have been great if it had ended with Rachel marrying Henri Derode.
You have to follow it all the way to the end
herbstray13 September 2015
I was reluctant to stay with the movie as heavy politics reared its ugly head about two-thirds the way in. However, the story it is an extremely well-played illustration of a common problem among those in their late teens, and twenties. The main character has a set of beliefs and values and teaches others what she believes, and asks others to believe the way that she does, but her belief and value system has not been crushed by the realities of life. In the movie, her whole belief system is challenged, and she is ultimately forced to choose between compromising her values or standing for what she believes in. I really loved the ending, it was truly beautiful.
Excellent rather tough script, just ignore some Hollywood fake scenery
HEFILM7 January 2024
Warning: Spoilers
Anhalt's excellent script deals with issues that censors would have forbidden that help keep the film "modern" in a good way. It also deals with faith but not without questioning what that is. The story even goes into briefly the still heinous practice of removing parts of the female genitals in tribal africa in efforts to make the women not enjoy sex but want to be good mothers instead. This element, especially coming from a major studio film in the early 1960's I'd of thought would be the first thing taken out of the story. This is one of several such frank and still contemporary issues in the screenplay and film.
Now, yes, most of the film takes place in a sort of Gilliban's Island "jungle" meaning interior "fake" outdoor African sets, but you soon get over this and ignore it as the acting and the characters are vividly done.
The focus of the story is on Rachel Cade, and her sins which aren't exactly what you'd expect either. Director Gordon Douglas keeps it all moving along well and visually the movie from time to time uses extreme close ups on her reactions something that is done only for her character, none of the others. The cast is largely black and though Woody Strode's character sort of vanishes, several of the other supporting "native" parts are well written and performed and a real part of the story, not just primitives being saved by the white man, or woman in this case. The "natives" actually save Rachel in a way.
There is an excellent scene between Finches character and a local religious figure where they smoke and quietly agree that they can be friends privately though they must be enemies publically.
Now, yes, the story is just as much a romance than it is about faith or culture clashes. This romance is between a nobel woman and two men, one the young hot doctor, the other the older bitter military figure. But what's wrong with that? Nothing if it works and fits into balances the rest of the story.
Max Steiner's score is also a major asset, obviously a story he cared much about, a few music cues are melodramatic, but many very effective and unexpected sounding, coming from him in the later part of his career.
Angie Dickinson does really well as the center of the film, Finch is also very good, Moore does a decent American accent though it may stiffen his performance a bit, still he's well cast. Cade is really the central character in ways that are in the mold of the great, by then fading, major female stars of Holllywood in years before this, like Hepburn, Davis, Stanwick, Crawford--all of whom were by this point to young to play this type of role. Dickinson would often in her pre police woman films be a supporting or decorative character, not so here.
It's kind of odd actually that the film hasn't been remade, not that it needs to be, but it would serve modern actresses well.
Now, yes, most of the film takes place in a sort of Gilliban's Island "jungle" meaning interior "fake" outdoor African sets, but you soon get over this and ignore it as the acting and the characters are vividly done.
The focus of the story is on Rachel Cade, and her sins which aren't exactly what you'd expect either. Director Gordon Douglas keeps it all moving along well and visually the movie from time to time uses extreme close ups on her reactions something that is done only for her character, none of the others. The cast is largely black and though Woody Strode's character sort of vanishes, several of the other supporting "native" parts are well written and performed and a real part of the story, not just primitives being saved by the white man, or woman in this case. The "natives" actually save Rachel in a way.
There is an excellent scene between Finches character and a local religious figure where they smoke and quietly agree that they can be friends privately though they must be enemies publically.
Now, yes, the story is just as much a romance than it is about faith or culture clashes. This romance is between a nobel woman and two men, one the young hot doctor, the other the older bitter military figure. But what's wrong with that? Nothing if it works and fits into balances the rest of the story.
Max Steiner's score is also a major asset, obviously a story he cared much about, a few music cues are melodramatic, but many very effective and unexpected sounding, coming from him in the later part of his career.
Angie Dickinson does really well as the center of the film, Finch is also very good, Moore does a decent American accent though it may stiffen his performance a bit, still he's well cast. Cade is really the central character in ways that are in the mold of the great, by then fading, major female stars of Holllywood in years before this, like Hepburn, Davis, Stanwick, Crawford--all of whom were by this point to young to play this type of role. Dickinson would often in her pre police woman films be a supporting or decorative character, not so here.
It's kind of odd actually that the film hasn't been remade, not that it needs to be, but it would serve modern actresses well.
See also
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