The Rains Came

Set in the exotic milieu of Ranipore, India, just prior to the cataclysmic events of World War II, The Rains Came focuses on the love affair that develops between an expatriate English noblewoman, Lady Edwina Esketh (played by Myrna Loy) and a sophisticated local surgeon, Dr. Major Rama Safti (portrayed by Tyrone Power). Director Clarence Brown crafts an elegant narrative that combines romance, drama, and rhapsodical settings.

The movie begins when Lady Esketh arrives in the colonial outpost. Disenchanted with her loveless marriage to the much older Lord Esketh (Nigel Bruce), she sees Ranipore as a playground to indulge in her rambunctious behavior and indulges in various frivolous escapades. She's an emblem of decadence and superficiality, accustomed to flirting and manipulating her way through life, yet all these character traits are met with an unexpected opposite in the form of the noble Dr. Safti.

Dr. Rama Safti, a man of knowledge and dedicated doctor devoted to helping diseased and impoverished locals in the area shows a stark contrast to the world from which Lady Esketh comes from. His rigorous work at his hospital to combat a local outbreak of cholera and the stark poverty surrounding him exposes Lady Esketh to realities she had previously been oblivious to. Tyrone Power's portrayal of Safti creates an enlightened, compassionate character, who leaves a profound impact not only on Lady Esketh but also on the audience.

Edwina, a woman who has neither known poverty nor been in close proximity with the sufferings of other fellow human beings, undergoes a transformation after meeting Safti. His world of compassion, resilience and duty is alien to her yet it forces her to confront her own hollow existence. Myrna Loy’s performance depicting this transformation has been greatly applauded, from her portrayal of a narcissist socialite to someone who attempts to rise above herself is indeed a treat to watch.

The tandem storyline follows Tom Ransome (George Brent), an idle British aristocrat, initially enamoured by Edwina, he later develops affection for her earnest companion, Fern Simon (Brenda Joyce). Each relationship evolves and is tested, mirroring the struggles of love, morality and identity in the face of societal expectations and impending doom.

But the movie isn’t just about love and transformation. The climax of the film is when Ranipore suffers a massive flood, followed by an epidemic, compelling all residents to work together for survival. These mounting tragedies force both the socialite and the surgeon to reassess their priorities and past behaviors, with calamity awakening a sense of humanity within them. This section empowers the film's title and ends up eliciting appointment, thrill and suspense.

The film’s aesthetics are a product of its time with period set designs, costumes and a rich soundtrack immersing us in the atmospheric vibrancy of India. Depictions of the Indian landscape, its people, and their customs bring life to an exotic setting, providing a rich backdrop to the story. It should be taken into consideration, that while the movie illustrates colonial India, the portrayal of Indian characters and their cultures aren’t immune to the stereotypes available in Hollywood at the time.

The Rains Came beautifully weaves a myriad of themes into its storytelling: love, class distinction, redemption, the contrast of East and West, and the clash of cultures. The epic disaster sequence of the monsoon flood is a spectacle unto itself and was even awarded the first ever Special Effects Oscar. Clarence Brown's directorial finesse, along with the fine performances by Myrna Loy, Tyrone Power, and George Brent, make The Rains Came a classic Hollywood film, treading the line between melodrama, romance and spectacle.

In essence, The Rains Came is a tale of personal transformation set against the backdrop of a decaying colonial India on the brink of a disaster. It successfully juxtaposes the superficiality of aristocratic life against the gruel realities of the underprivileged, bringing characters closer to their humanity amidst the catastrophic rains and its ensuing chaos. The film captivates the audience with its compelling narrative, outstanding performances, and an unforgettable climax, making it a classic worth watching.