Watch Soldier in the Rain

Soldier in the Rain is a 1963 drama film that stars Steve McQueen, Jackie Gleason, and Tuesday Weld. Directed by Ralph Nelson, it tells the story of an unlikely friendship between two army men and the woman who comes between them. The film takes place in the military base of Fort Bragg during the early 1960s. Sergeant Eustis Clay (McQueen) is a dedicated and efficient soldier who takes great pride in his work. He is also somewhat of a loner, having few friends and no attachments outside of the army. One day, he meets Sergeant Master Sergeant Maxwell Slaughter (Gleason), a jolly and affable man who is well-liked by his peers. Despite their initial differences, the two soldiers strike up an unlikely friendship, forged through their shared experiences in the army.

The film's plot takes a dramatic turn when both soldiers set their sights on a young woman named Bobby Jo Pepperdine (Weld). While Clay is immediately smitten with her, Slaughter sees her as an opportunity to make some extra money, by loaning her money to help her pay for a singing career. As Bobby Jo becomes a regular presence on the base, tensions between the two men begin to rise.

As the story unfolds, Soldier in the Rain explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and the struggles of life in the military. The film features standout performances from all three of its leads, with McQueen embodying Clay's stoic masculinity and Gleason bringing his unique blend of humor and pathos to Slaughter's character. Weld is also excellent as Bobby Jo, capturing both her naivete and her determination to succeed.

One of the film's standout scenes takes place during a training exercise, in which soldiers are required to climb up a rope and traverse a bridge. While Clay easily navigates the course, Slaughter struggles, much to the amusement of the other soldiers. However, Clay refuses to let Slaughter give up, pushing him to keep going until he succeeds. This scene is a testament to the bond that has formed between the two men, and serves as a poignant moment of camaraderie in an otherwise tense film.

Another memorable aspect of Soldier in the Rain is its soundtrack, which features a number of original songs performed by Weld herself. These musical sequences add an additional layer of emotion to the film, and help to underscore Bobby Jo's ambition and drive to succeed.

Overall, Soldier in the Rain is an engaging drama that showcases some of the finest performances of its lead actors' careers. While it may be a little slow-paced for some modern viewers, it is a film that rewards patient viewers with a rich and rewarding story of friendship and sacrifice.