A hard Rain still has heaps to say

Hard rain falls

Rain (1932) is likely to remain as one of Hollywood's most underrated films though it could appeal to a modern audience with its dominant themes of the abuse of power by men over women, and the oppressive effects of religious intolerance. If enterprising film-festival directors defied historical convention and put Rain on noir bills, appreciative viewers might find it.

Look what Hollywood did to Big Shot

You’ve seen the movie. Now read the story on which it is based. Illustrations are from the movie

Big Shot

By Vicki Baum

BRANDT, THE SHARPSHOOTER, sat in his van, playing a game of checkers with himself. That was how he always spent the half-hour preceding his appearance. The game soothed him and steadied his hands. He raised his head irritably as the door was pulled open, and the stable smell and circus noises came surging in.

"What's wrong?" he asked, unfriendly.

"An accident," stammered the stable master. "They want you."

Brandt jumped up.

"Rodini—" the stable master said.

"A fall—?" asked Brandt.

"Broke his neck. Killed on the spot. Please come—"

"He drank too much," said Brandt.