Rain

When exploring Classic Movies, Lewis Milestone's Rain (1932) offers a potent dose of Pre-Code Hollywood drama. Starring a fiery Joan Crawford as the notorious Sadie Thompson and Walter Huston as the rigidly pious Reverend Alfred Davidson, this film remains a fascinating entry among Old Classic Movies. Based on a story by W. Somerset Maugham, the plot unfolds on the tropical island of Pago Pago, where a ship's passengers are quarantined due to a cholera scare. Amidst the incessant, oppressive rain, the brash prostitute Sadie clashes mightily with the self-righteous missionary Davidson, who becomes dangerously obsessed with saving her soul.

The tension between Sadie's defiant spirit and Davidson's zealous crusade creates an intense psychological battleground. The film delves into themes of religious hypocrisy, sexual repression, and the perceived nature of sin and redemption, all with a frankness typical of the era before the Hays Code fully took hold. Because of its age and copyright history, Rain is often listed among Royalty Free Movies, making it readily available for viewing. This accessibility places it firmly in the category of Free Old Movies that offer a powerful glimpse into early sound cinema and its willingness to tackle complex themes.

Joan Crawford delivers a memorable performance, embodying Sadie's vulnerability beneath her tough exterior. The film's atmosphere, thick with rain and moral conflict, is palpable. It showcases compelling characters rooted in early 20th-century literature; as the public domain continues to expand each year – with ongoing interest in milestones like the 2025 Public Domain Characters entering the free cultural sphere – it highlights the rich, often provocative, history accessible through such enduring works. For those seeking intense character studies and atmospheric dramas, Rain certainly qualifies as one of the Good Old Movies To Watch.