The Rainmaker (1956)

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. ~ Craig Butler, All Movie Guide