Watch The Rainmakers

The Rainmakers is a classic comedy film released in 1935, directed by Fred Guiol and starring the popular comedy team of Bert Wheeler and Robert Woolsey, accompanied by Dorothy Lee. The movie is set in a small, drought-ridden town in the American West during the Great Depression. The residents have been suffering from a prolonged dry spell, and the crops are dying. In desperation, they turn to a pair of fast-talking con artists, Pitcher and Dill, who claim to be rainmakers and promise to bring rain to the parched land.

The movie opens with Pitcher and Dill, two struggling vaudeville performers, performing in a traveling show in a small town. They are down on their luck, and their act is failing to draw crowds. One day they hear news of a drought-stricken town in need of rainmakers, and they decide to take advantage of the situation. The two arrive in the town and start their con by using a special device that creates impressive sounds of thunder and lightning. The townsfolk are so desperate for rain that they are easily fooled by their trickery, and the two start charging high fees for their supposed acts of rainmaking.

Pitcher and Dill's rainmaking scheme soon draws the attention of the townspeople, including the farmer's daughter, Mary (played by Dorothy Lee). Mary works with her father, who has been hit hard by the drought, and is initially suspicious of the duo. But as she gets to know them better, she finds herself drawn to Pitcher's charms. Meanwhile, the town sheriff is also on their trail, suspecting them of fraud.

As Pitcher and Dill continue their con, they encounter a number of amusing and absurd situations. They are joined by a traveling salesman, J. Frothingham Waterbury (played by Edgar Kennedy), who also claims to be a rainmaker. The trio indulges in a hilarious rivalry, trying to outdo each other in their efforts to bring rain. They also have to deal with a corrupt local businessman who tries to exploit the drought for his own profit.

The Rainmakers is a delightful comedy filled with witty banter, physical gags, and slapstick humor. The chemistry between Wheeler and Woolsey is electric, and their effortless comic timing is a joy to watch. Dorothy Lee is also fantastic as the plucky heroine with a quick wit and a heart of gold. The movie is notable for its clever script, which manages to poke fun at the desperation of the townsfolk while showing sympathy for their plight.

The film's standout scene is a memorable musical number featuring Wheeler, Woolsey, and Lee. The trio perform a lively song and dance routine in the town square, in a bid to lift the spirits of the downtrodden locals. The scene is a showcase of the trio's talents, and the catchy tune and energetic choreography make it an instant classic.

In conclusion, The Rainmakers is a classic comedy that showcases the talents of its lead cast. It's a hilarious parody of the Great Depression era, and its wry social commentary makes it a timeless piece of cinema. The movie is a must-watch for fans of vintage comedy, and it's sure to leave you with a smile on your face.

The Rainmakers is a 1935 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 18 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.9.