This film is surprisingly subversive in its treatment of Christianity, which is shown to be uptight and hypocritical, ultimately serving as a holier-than-thou pretext for predatory behavior. The title's paganism comes off as relatively superior.
The boldness of this aspect of the film reminds me of Van Dyke's White Shadows in the South Seas, which depicts Western imperialism in harsh terms.
In this respect (along with the exotic locations), THE PAGAN reminded me of SADIE THOMPSON starring Gloria Swanson (remade in 1932 and 1953), which gives a harsher treatment of this same theme.
The story centers around a prostitute (Sadie) and a holy man who tries to sleep with Sadie under the pretext of Christian reform.
It is also interesting to note that the prostitutes in both pictures are ‘the good guys’. THE PAGAN and SADIE THOMPSON are both superb films.
I agree -- it's very much like Sadie Thompson in that respect.
It's interesting in general that with films of the 20s and 30s, the treatment of class and religion is often bolder than it would be in movies of subsequent decades.
It's interesting in general that with films of the 20s and 30s, the treatment of class and religion is often bolder than it would be in movies of subsequent decades.