THE RAINS CAME (1939)

I imagine that this film along the earlier IN OLD CHICAGO (reviewed 7/11/03) and SAN FRANCISCO were among the earliest examples of the disaster film genre. At the genre's peak in the 70's (and in the occasional example made since then), the disaster was pretty much the be-all and end-all of the movie, but back then it was a catalyst for further plot and character development. In the beginning of these films, we get to know the characters and their situations; a large-scale disaster hits and the narrative grinds to a halt so we can see what the special effects department has come up with; in the aftermath, we see how the characters prove their mettle, how they change (or fail to), and who must sacrifice himself or herself for the greater good (or to achieve personal redemption). In the province of Ranchipur in India, British sexpot Myrna Loy, bored witless by her stodgy old Lord of a husband (Nigel Bruce), meets up with an ex-lover (George Brent), but soon falls for his friend, Indian doctor Tyrone Power, a selfless and well-respected man in the community. Brent is busy fending off frisky young Brenda Joyce, as well as trying to make sure that Power doesn't get in over his head with Loy. Torrential rains, an earthquake, a broken dam, and rampaging malaria make life miserable for all and force the characters to make decisions that will affect their futures. It's a fairly predictable turn when Loy's character makes the biggest sacrifice and winds up like Bette Davis did in the previous year's JEZEBEL. Power, under dusky makeup, looks splendid and acts quite well, as do all the leads, even the sometimes leaden Brent. The large and wonderful supporting cast includes Henry Travers and Jane Darwell as missionaries, H.B. Warner as a Maharajah, Joseph Schildkraut, Laura Hope Crews, Mary Nash, and in a small but memorable role (as all of hers were) Maria Ouspenskaya as the Maharani who is particularly concerned that Power will be tempted away from the village by Loy. Though the sets and effects look fairly stagy today, they are still effective, especially the flooded streets of the town. Someday I'll see the 50's remake (RAINS OF RANCHIPUR) but I doubt it will measure up this original. [FMC]