The Rainmaker [Blu-ray]

Director: Joseph Anthony Joseph Anthony

Overview

In this film, Burt Lancaster stars as a confidence artist who works the drought-ridden Southwest, promising to bring rain for a flat fee of a hundred bucks. During his latest campaign, Lancaster takes up residence in the home of farmer Cameron Prud'homme and his three offspring.

Product Details

Release Date:	10/25/2022
UPC:	0738329260729
Original Release:	1956
Rating:	NR
Source:	Kl Studio Classics
Language:	English
Time:	2:01:00
Sales rank:	35,625

Cast & Crew

Performance Credits

Burt Lancaster	Bill Starbuck/Bill Smith/Bill Harley/Tornado Johnson
Katharine Hepburn	Lizzie Curry
Wendell Corey	Deputy Sheriff J.S. File/Three Point Texas
Lloyd Bridges	Noah Curry
Earl Holliman	Jim Curry
Cameron Prud'Homme	H.C. Curry
Wallace Ford	Sheriff Thomas
Yvonne Lime	Snookie
Dottie Bee Baker	Belinda
Dan White	Deputy
James F. Stone	Townsman
Tony Merrill	Townsman
Joe Brown	Townsman,Townsman
Kenneth Becker	Phil Mackey,Phil Mackey
Michael Bachus	Sheriff
Stan Jones	Townsman
John Benson	Townsman
Alex North	Composer

Technical Credits

N. Richard Nash

Joseph Anthony	Director
John P. Fulton	Special Effects
Hal B. Wallis	Producer
N. Richard Nash	Screenwriter

Editorial Reviews

The most popular of playwright N. Richard Nash's explorations of reality vs. illusion, The Rainmaker comes to the screen with much of its power diluted. This is not due to any serious flaws in the production, but rather to the fact that Nash's highly romantic, intentionally artificial story and style plays much more naturally on-stage. Placed on film, the language seems a little stilted, the plot a little schematic; in addition, some modern viewers may not be totally comfortable with the implication that Lizzie needs a man to in some way spur her on to fulfilling her potential and completing her life. Despite its flaws, the screenplay does offer its stars two meaty roles with the appropriate "big" moments that they get to play all out, and Burt Lancaster and Katharine Hepburn do not disappoint. She may be too old for the part, but most viewers will overlook this to appreciate her sensitive but powerful portrayal and her willingness to take Lizzie past mere vulnerability so that she borders on the pitiful before pulling back in a kind of unacknowledged shame. Lancaster puts his impressive physical presence to good use here, creating a Starbuck that really does seem a force of nature. Most importantly, there's a wonderful chemistry between the two; despite the manipulative nature of the material, it's hard not to get swept up in the romantic climax. The Rainmaker may miss out on being great drama, but as a showcase for its performers, it's hard to beat.