Rain (1932)
“Sin and salvation, drowning in the rain.”
Streamed free from the Internet Archive · no signup, no cost — this film is in the public domain.
Synopsis
A landmark of pre-Code Hollywood, Rain strands its passengers in a remote South Seas village where reformer Reverend Davidson sets out to redeem the brazen Sadie Thompson. Joan Crawford, loaned by MGM to United Artists, shed her glamour-girl image for the role. Director Lewis Milestone keeps the camera restless throughout the humid, claustrophobic ordeal.
Cast
About the Director
Lewis Milestone — Lewis Milestone, fresh off All Quiet on the Western Front, fought the stage-bound origins with kinetic tracking shots and oppressive atmosphere. He shot portions on Santa Catalina Island to lend the picture a genuine tropical swelter.
Why It’s Free: The Public-Domain Story
Rain entered the US public domain in 1960 when the copyright claimants failed to file a renewal registration in the 28th year, as required under the 1909 Copyright Act. Non-renewal was common among United Artists releases of the era; the underlying Maugham story and Colton play are separate works.
Behind the Scenes
Based on W. Somerset Maugham's 1921 story "Miss Thompson" and the hit 1922 Broadway play, Rain was a notably faithful, uncompromising adaptation compared to Gloria Swanson's softened 1928 silent version. It was a critical and commercial disappointment on release.
Did You Know?
- Joan Crawford later called Rain her worst film, a verdict history has largely reversed.
- The role of Sadie Thompson was a star vehicle for Gloria Swanson in 1928 and Rita Hayworth in 1953.
- Walter Huston brought stage gravitas to the fanatical missionary.
Reception & Legacy
Reviews and box office were poor in 1932, with audiences put off by the unglamorous Crawford and the frank theme of religious hypocrisy. Modern critics have substantially rehabilitated the film, praising Crawford's daring performance and Milestone's direction.
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