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!

In SUSAN AND GOD, Joan Crawford stars as a wealthy socialite who returns from Europe with a newfound religious fervor. The role of evangelical matron, originally offered to Norma Shearer, was a departure from previous Crawford roles; she seized the moment to prove she could play more than the femme fatale. This adaptation of the Rachel Crothers play offers more developed characterizations than the original stage version, including Susan's bewildered husband (Fredric March) and an excellent Rita Quigley as their daughter, Charlotte. Besides affecting her family, Susan's conversion wreaks havoc in the social arena in which she attempts to impose her new faith. Although the philosophy she espouses is popular among high- society Europeans, Susan's evangelizing at home creates chaos and resentment with her friends, rendering her oblivious to brewing troubles within her family. The production is a beautifully handled, well-crafted film from the inimitable director of HOLIDAY and MY FAIR LADY.