For his directorial debut, Paul Newman chose a starring vehicle for his wife Joanne Woodward. Based on A Jest of God by Margaret Laurence, Rachel, Rachel centers on small town school teacher Rachel Cameron (Woodward), who is thirty-five, unmarried and dissatisfied. Rachel lives with her perpetually sick mother (Kate Harrington) above a funeral parlor. Her late father (Donald Moffat) had been an undertaker. Rachel knows she wants more out of life but little idea how to get it. Her mother treats Rachel like a child, bossing her around like a child. Work offers little relief. Her principal whom she refers to as ‘The Groper’ is a constant source of tension. Rachel’s friend and fellow teacher Calla Mackie (Estelle Parsons) champions her desire to have a social life, encouraging her to attend a revival meeting that ends in embarrassment.

Desperate for change, Rachel dreams about sex with strangers and disturbing thoughts conjured up by childhood events. Change comes in the form of Nick Kazlik a childhood friend, who offers the chance at a steamy affair. He makes it clear that marriage isn’t in the cards. Rachel jumps at the opportunity. A few cursory dates lead to sex. While the affair is pleasant, Rachel has no illusions about a long-term relationship. Nonetheless, for the first time Rachel is genuinely happy. Free from her sense of alienation, Rachel can make decisions for herself and stick to it.

Stewart Stern’s (Rebel Without a Cause) effectively captures Rachel’s feelings of loneliness and alienation. Paul Newman’s camera choices are excellent. He drops us into the narrative with several dream sequences and invading closeups during the revival sequences. Through that, we understand her moments of frailty and extreme emotion. While Rachel’s relationship with Nick has a few pitiful moments, the ending is both unexpected and satisfying.

A standout performance from Joanne Woodward, she won both the Golden Globe and the New York Film Critics Circle Best Actress award. Paul Newman won the same two awards for direction. Surprisingly, Woodward received an Oscar nomination for her performance, but Paul Newman was snubbed in the Best Director category. While Nick Kazlik lacks much of a backstory, James Olson plays up his worldliness and is a surprisingly effective hunk. Estelle Parsons earned an Oscar nomination for her resigned but happy portrayal of Calla Mackie (just a year after taking home the prize for her work in Bonnie and Clyde). A supporting actress in television and film for many years, Kate Harrington’s nightmarish mother is a real star turn. Shown in dream sequences, Donald Moffat’s portrayal of Rachel’s father is curious and slightly troubling. The always good Geraldine Fitzgerald (Arthur) turns up as the reverend at the revival. Renowned stage director Frank Corsaro makes a rare acting appearance as the town undertaker who allows Rachel and her mother to live above the funeral parlor. Also look for a brief appearance by Terry Kiser (Weekend at Bernie’s) as a preacher who speaks in tongues.

Delivered in the theatrical aspect ratio of 1.85:1, Warner Archive has delivered another solid 1080p transfer. Despite its age, the image is pristine with no specks or scratches in evidence. Newman uses some soft shots on occasion for effect, but the image itself is sharp throughout. Colors are bright and pleasing. Black levels are accurate in evening scenes. Viewers should be very pleased with the viewing experience.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono sound mix is typical for its era. While there’s nothing remarkable about the mix, it handles the dialogue heavy material very well. Vocals are clean and clear throughout, while environmental sounds are appropriate. James Moross’ background score is pleasing.

English SDH subtitles are included.

The following extra features are available:

  • A Jest of God (HD, 2:16) A promotional trailer (sans audio), with a behind-the-scenes look at the film.
  • Theatrical Trailer (HD, 2:53)