The Gentle Rain (film)

The Gentle Rain is a 1966 American drama film directed by Burt Balaban and starring Christopher George, Lynda Day George, and Fay Spain. The film is based on the novel The Bamboo Dolls by John Ball.

The story centers around a troubled Korean War veteran, Alan Cousins (Christopher George), struggling to readjust to civilian life and haunted by his wartime experiences. He becomes entangled in a complex relationship with two women: a nightclub singer named Jenny (Lynda Day George) and a wealthy socialite, Betty (Fay Spain). The film explores themes of PTSD, guilt, and the search for redemption.

The narrative unfolds through flashbacks and present-day interactions, gradually revealing the traumatic events that shaped Alan's psychological state. The romantic relationships serve as a backdrop for Alan's internal conflict as he attempts to reconcile his past actions with his present desires. The film's title alludes to a sense of cleansing or emotional release that Alan seeks to find.