Watch A Hatful of Rain

A Hatful of Rain is a 1957 film directed by Fred Zinnemann, that explores the impact of drug addiction on a working-class Italian-American family living in New York City. The film is based on a 1955 play of the same name by Michael V. Gazzo, who also wrote the screenplay. The movie stars Don Murray as Johnny Pope, a Korean War veteran who suffers from a heroin addiction. Johnny lives with his pregnant wife Celia (played by Eva Marie Saint) and his younger brother Polo (played by Anthony Franciosa) in a cramped apartment in a run-down neighborhood of the Bronx. Johnny works as a clerk in a shipping company, but his drug habit has made him unreliable and often unable to work.

The story begins when Johnny's father (played by Lloyd Nolan) comes to visit the family, hoping to convince Johnny to seek treatment for his addiction. However, the family is initially reluctant to acknowledge Johnny's problem, fearing the shame and stigma that it carries. Celia, who is unaware of her husband's addiction, is desperate for him to find a better job and become more responsible. Polo resents Johnny for being a burden on the family and for stealing his girlfriend, and he struggles with his own feelings of guilt and shame over his involvement in Johnny's addiction.

As the tension between the family members mounts, the truth about Johnny's addiction is ultimately revealed, and the family is forced to confront the reality of his illness. The film explores the complex dynamics of the family's relationships and the ways in which addiction affects not only the individual, but also the people around them. The characters struggle with feelings of guilt, betrayal, and helplessness, as they try to come to terms with Johnny's addiction and find a way to heal as a family.

The film is notable for its sensitive portrayal of drug addiction, which was still considered a taboo topic at the time of its release. The actors deliver powerful performances, portraying their characters with depth and nuance. Don Murray's portrayal of Johnny is particularly noteworthy, as he captures the character's desperation and vulnerability without resorting to melodrama or cliché. Eva Marie Saint is equally impressive as Celia, a woman torn between her love for her husband and her fear for their future. Anthony Franciosa delivers a nuanced performance as Polo, a complex character whose resentment towards Johnny masks his own insecurities and fears.

A Hatful of Rain was well received by critics and audiences alike, earning four Academy Award nominations, including Best Actor for Don Murray and Best Supporting Actor for Anthony Franciosa. The film is regarded as a classic of its genre, and its frank portrayal of addiction continues to resonate with contemporary audiences. Overall, A Hatful of Rain is a powerful and thought-provoking film that explores the experience of addiction and the impact it has on families and communities.

A Hatful of Rain is a 1957 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 48 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2.