Susan And God

Wealthy, impulsive Susan Trexel undergoes a religious conversion, one undoubtedly destined to last as long as this season's hemline length. But in the meantime, Susan insists everyone around her -- including her neglected husband and child -- alter their lives (and loves) to conform to her latest whim. A sterling cast highlights this witty comedy-drama: Joan Crawford, Fredric March, Ruth Hussey, Nigel Bruce, John Carroll and a pre-stardom Rita Hayworth. For Crawford, Susan and God (headlined on Broadway by the formidable Gertrude Lawrence) was her chance to play a more nuanced part than her typical shopgirl-makes-good characters. As she famously declared to studio brass in her campaign to win the role of Susan, "I'd play Wally Beery's grandmother if it's a good part." It is!

• comedy
• drama