Rain (1932)

RAIN is a 1932 pre-code film directed by Lewis Milestone, produced by United Artists, and based on the story by Somerset Maugham.

The film commences with American soldiers singing as they march through rain-drenched shores in the South Seas, making their way into the general store of an expatriate who is married to a native woman. It just so happens that a ship bound for Samoa has become stranded on this island, and a few of the passengers are temporarily lodging at Joe Horn's general store. The narrative then unfolds with the arrival of Sadie Thompson (portrayed by Joan Crawford), a bold and vivacious woman seeking a fresh start with a soldier she affectionately refers to as Handsome. Tensions rise when she clashes with Reverend Alfred Davidson (played by Walter Huston), a stringent missionary who deems Sadie's behavior as morally reprehensible. Despite his outward disapproval, there's an underlying sense of personal interest in his demeanor towards her. As Davidson attempts to reform her, Sadie vehemently resists, leading to a climactic confrontation where the reverend exploits Sadie's past to exert control over her. The supporting characters are also quite convincing in their roles: Matt Moore as Doctor McPhail, William Gargan as Handsome, Guy Kibbee as Joe Horn, and Beulah Bondi as Mrs. Davidson, who hover in the background not as wallflowers but as integral characters in the story, arguing, agreeing, opposing, and at the same time watching out for Sadie.

The film delves into the conflict between societal norms championed by Reverend Davidson and individual desires epitomized by Sadie Thompson. Davidson perceives himself as a moral arbiter imposing strict Christian principles on the island's inhabitants, including Sadie, who staunchly opposes his ideologies. This dichotomy illustrates the struggle between conformity and personal autonomy. It's disconcerting to witness religious imposition in contemporary settings, but now in different forms such as political agendas and radical ideologies.

However, Reverend Davidson's façade of righteousness conceals his internal struggles and hidden desires, particularly his infatuation with Sadie. Despite his outward piety, his actions betray a conflict between his preached morality and personal inclinations, raising doubts about the sincerity of his beliefs.

Furthermore, the film addresses themes of repression and sexuality, with Sadie unabashedly embracing her sexuality in defiance of societal norms. Her refusal to conform challenges Davidson's hypocritical moral stance and reflects society's historical tendency to shame women for asserting their autonomy.

Regarding the ambiguous conclusion, the audience is left speculating about Davidson's fate post-Sadie's departure. Whether she retaliates against him for the attempted rape or employs cunning to outmaneuver him, Sadie's actions underscore her courage in the face of adversity. The scene where Sadie recites the Lord's Prayer alongside Davidson, although with a foreboding undertone, adds to the suspense and mystery surrounding that particular scene. Sadie's enormous eyes reveal something sinister a few seconds before she joins in the prayer.

The film's black-and-white cinematography is striking, with the camera's movements heightening the atmospheric tension complemented by the evocative sounds of native drums. "Rain" courageously tackles taboo subjects such as prostitution, religion, and sexuality, predating Hollywood's mainstream acceptance of such themes. Its bold approach to moral ambiguity, coupled with stellar performances and an engrossing narrative, cements its significance in cinematic history. Upon viewing the entire movie, I must say that I was witnessing a masterpiece that is no longer being produced today. Indeed Lewis Milestone was a gifted director with a visionary approach.

In conclusion, "Rain" remains a seminal work in film history, lauded for its compelling performances, captivating storyline, and audacious exploration of moral complexities. Its existence before the era of Hollywood censorship highlights the artistic excellence of people who worked hard in producing artworks such as this one, underscoring the importance of preserving such cinematic treasures.