Watch Rain - 1932

Rain is a 1932 drama film directed by Lewis Milestone and starring Joan Crawford, Walter Huston, and William Gargan. The film is based on a short story by W. Somerset Maugham that deals with themes of morality, sin, and redemption. The story is set in Pago Pago, an island in the South Pacific, and follows the arrival of a group of people at a hotel run by a missionary couple. Among them is Sadie Thompson (Joan Crawford), a woman with a past who is seeking refuge on the island. Also on the island is Alfred Davidson (Walter Huston), a moralistic and judgmental missionary who takes it upon himself to reform Sadie and save her soul.

The film opens with a shot of a steamship entering the harbor of Pago Pago. The passengers disembark and proceed to the hotel, where they are met by the Reverend and Mrs. Davidson (Beulah Bondi). Among the passengers is Sadie Thompson, a former prostitute who is looking to start a new life on the island. Sadie's presence is immediately noticed by Davidson, who takes it upon himself to confront her about her past and convince her to repent.

Davidson's moral crusade against Sadie becomes the film's central conflict. He sees Sadie as a sinner who needs to be saved, while Sadie sees Davidson as a judgmental hypocrite who is unable to understand the complexities of her life. The tension between the two eventually comes to a head, leading to a series of events that test the characters' beliefs, morals, and relationships.

The film is notable for its exploration of themes that were considered taboo at the time, such as prostitution, sexual desire, and homosexuality. The character of Sadie, in particular, is a complex representation of femininity and sexuality. Crawford's performance is intense and nuanced, conveying both Sadie's vulnerability and her resilience in the face of oppression.

Huston's portrayal of Davidson is equally impressive. He brings a sense of gravitas and moral authority to the character, while also imbuing him with a sense of self-righteousness and narrow-mindedness. The conflict between Sadie and Davidson is a powerful reflection of the clash between tradition and modernity that was taking place in American society at the time.

The film's setting is also worth mentioning. The lush landscapes and exotic locations of Pago Pago provide a captivating backdrop for the story. The contrast between the island's natural beauty and the harsh realities of life is a powerful thematic device that adds depth to the film's exploration of morality and redemption.

Overall, Rain is a powerful and thought-provoking film that deserves to be recognized as a classic of early Hollywood cinema. Its bold exploration of taboo themes and its stellar performances by Crawford and Huston make it an essential watch for anyone interested in the history of cinema.