MovieChat Forums > The Rains Came (1939) Discussion > The Rains Came - Superb Film!

The Rains Came - Superb Film!


Movie girl: I re-watched this wonderful film again last night. I had seen it on
TV growing up in the 60's and always felt it was intriguing and with a great cast.

In the last year or so I came to fully appreciate the romance of Lady Esketh and
Major Safti. I feel that Myrna Loy and Tyrone Power were superb in their roles.

Early in the film when the major introduces Edwina to a lovely Indian song, they
both become enamored of each other. Though the words are not said at the time,
one could feel the emotion spring to life in the heart of both.

This poignant and haunting love story has other interesting sub-plots, but the romance of the major actor and actress are a key element to me.

Maria Ouspenskaya, (superbly unique in every film), is wonderful as the regal Maharani. George Brent is an appealing "rake" who drinks too much, and lovely Brenda Joyce as the young girl with the crush on him.

Certainly other characters are appealing; Mary Nash a dedicated nurse who fears the Major will be tempted to shirk his duty to India because of his recent involvement with Lady Esketh. HE and the Marahani (who shares his concern) are not aware that he is not swayed by her charms; outwardly, the Major carries on holding a secret torch for her.

THe story of the socialite who redeemed herself to win his love is poignant and
appealing.

The musical score and special effects are notable as well.
the face of disaster

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I agree with everything you wrote. Also, the special effects were really good for 1939. I was surprised when I read that anything beat GWTW, but this one beat it in the category of special fx. It deserved it over GWTW. Excellent movie!

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Movie girl: Thanks! My mom loved the film and we would always watch it when I was a kid in the 60's. IT wasn't until about ten or eleven years ago that it really hit me about the beautiful romance between Lady Esketh and Rama. THere is a lovely scene toward the beginning of the film where he (played by the wonderful Tyrone Power) translates a haunting love song for Lady Esketh. Both of their faces seem kindled with love. Myrna Loy also did a fantastic performance here.

Yes, GWTW is great and has wonderful camera work too, but nothing I have ever seen has such marvelous special effects. The Rains Came is in my top 10 favorite films - right near the top!

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Cool!

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A very captivating, and unknown film.

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