The
Rains Came
Picture: C+
Sound: C+ Extras: B- Film: B
Fox continues to shine with their Studio Classic releases
to DVD, the subject of this review is 1939’s The Rain Came, a relatively
unknown gem despite being an Oscar winner during it’s day. This is a successful novel adaptation about
an Indian Aristocrat (played by Tyrone Power) comes out of medical training in
America and then sets out to help the poor conditions of Ranchipur. However, before all that happens there are a
few holdups, namely that of a wealthy Lady Edwina and her lover/ex lover
Ransome. However, the biggest tragedy
is yet to set in, plague, flooding, and earthquakes.
Clarence Brown, who would be better known later for his
last few films, National Velvet and the original Angels in the Outfield, due to
their larger commercial and critical success, directs the film. Another similar version of this novel came
in 1955 entitled The Rains of Ranchipur, with stars Lana Turner and
Richard Burton. However, that film
proved less successful. Like many of
the Fox Classics being released to DVD, this edition features the film in a
relatively well-restored version.
The 1.33 X 1 full frame image looks fairly decent, despite
some problems throughout. Given the age
of the film, most of these are quite understandable. Those problems consist of framing issues, tears in the print,
softness, grain, sharpness, and a few distracting specks throughout. I am sure that the original camera negative
and other sources were badly damaged, which accounts for much of this and it
would be really expensive to repair a film this badly damaged, plus it wouldn’t
be that feasible considering this film is not that widely sought after. Although, this DVD, should be very sought
after for some. Sound is presented in
both stereo and mono, which purists will love.
I prefer the 2.0 Dolby Stereo track, but that’s just me.
Extras are relatively light in this case with the only
really terrific extra being the commentary by Anthony Slide and Robert Birchard. Also included are a still gallery and the
theatrical trailer. While this might
not be Fox’s biggest gun, there are still many reasons to want to see this
film, especially when Hollywood today is releasing such junk.
Unlike the clichéd disaster movies of today, The Rains
Came is a brilliant little drama that has matured with age and is a great
DVD to add to any collection, even with it’s minor drawbacks.
- Nate Goss
