The Rainmaker (1956)

Great classic movie

A great classic movie from the 1950s, this Lancaster and Hepburn film is bound to have you glued to your seat. The sexual tension between Hepburn and Lancaster is remarkable and the all male environment that Hepburn lives in only adds to this. Couple this with Lancaster's sleazy take on being a "rainmaker" and you've got the makings of a great book, play, movie, and musical. Rain-make your way into this great film. June 26, 2008

The Rainmaker

I have always loved this movie and finally I can own it and watch it whenever I want. The CD I received is great. July 27, 2007

Late 50s, yes. A bit hokey, yes. Enjoyable? YES!

The story is now a bit stale, but this film is more than the sum of its parts.
The exterior sets are transparently artificial, and Ms Hepburn played another variation on her patented spinster role (see also The African Queen, The Corn is Green, Rooster Cogburn, Summertime, etc). Her acting range is better exhibited in "The Lion in Winter" or "Bringing Up Baby." Burt Lancaster also played his charlatan/con man role on other occasions (see Elmer Gantry.)

The writing (adapted by the author from his play) was excellent; contrived in plot yes (and remarkably similar to "The Music Man" in story), but surprisingly moving, intelligent and even free-thinking for its time--here's a father who encourages his daughter to become a "fallen woman". The original play "The Rainmaker" was adapted into the lovely musical "110 in the Shade" which is currently (June 2007) being revived on Broadway with the fabulous Audra McDonald. The film has comedy of a sort, personal drama, and a scene with Ms Hepburn's Lizzie in which she predicts her old-maid future that brought tears to my eyes. THAT's where her acting shines through. The ending has an unconventional twist.

Unfortunately there are no special features on this DVD; I would love to know what the actors thought of this film. July 1, 2007

"Water! I recommend it"

Bill Starbuck (Burt Lancaster) is a charlatan selling multi-flavored hopes of fulfilled dreams. Take your pick: early-warning tornado devices or cumulous nimbus over drought stricken cattle. It requires more than animated gestures and wild stories to satisfy the matrimonial desires of aging Lizzie Curry (Katherine Hepburn). Their paths cross in the Southwest as THE RAINMAKER promises thunder to the Curry family of hopefuls and hopeless.

At 49 - just six years older than Lancaster, Hepburn appears old enough to be mother to her theatrical siblings - a mistaken assumption expressed by daffy brother Jim (Earl Holliman) when he remarks how wonderful it would be for her to conceive a child so he could have a little brother. Nevertheless, the vigorous passion of this Old Maid desiring change without changing well compliments the undesputed Star - buck. From the moment he enters a scene, Lancaster steals the show with prolific lines of what Hepburn shamelessly labels "bunk."

The smile that overcomes me when the film begins is frequently interrupted by tears of joy and thunderous outbursts of laughter. I love it when a DVD investment pays off this well. Put your faith in THE RAINMAKER.

Movie quote: "Rain is rain, brother. It comes from the sky. It's a wetness known as water - 'aqua pura.' Mammals drink it. Fish swim in it. Little boys wade in it. And the birds flap their wings and sing like sunrise. Water! I recommend it." February 2, 2007

Introducing Elvis Presley as Jim Currie

This movie would have been a better start for Elvis than Love Me Tender. Elvis did a screen test playing a couple of scenes from The Rainmaker and even said in an interview that The Rainmaker would be his movie debut. A journalist who attended the screen test was very impressed with Elvis' acting, but alas... As for the actors who did play in the movie, they are all great. Lancaster's and Hepburne's acting is at times more suitable for a theatrical stage, but then the setting of the movie, especially the interior of the house does have that atmosphere. An unforgettable movie! January 31, 2007

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