The Rainmaker (1956 film)

The Rainmaker
Film poster
Directed byJoseph Anthony
Screenplay byN. Richard Nash
Based onThe Rainmaker
(1954 play)
by N. Richard Nash
Produced byHal B. Wallis
StarringBurt Lancaster
Katharine Hepburn
Wendell Corey
Lloyd Bridges
Earl Holliman
Cameron Prud'Homme
CinematographyCharles Lang
Edited byWarren Low
Music byAlex North
Production
company
Distributed byParamount Pictures
Release date
  • December 13, 1956 (1956-12-13)
Running time
121 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
Box office$2.1 million (US)

The Rainmaker is a 1956 American romantic Western film directed by Joseph Anthony, and adapted by N. Richard Nash from his 1954 play. It stars Burt Lancaster, Katharine Hepburn, Wendell Corey, Lloyd Bridges and Earl Holliman. The film tells the story of a middle-aged woman (Hepburn), suffering from unrequited love for the local town sheriff; however, she falls for a con man (Lancaster) who comes to town with the promise that he can make it rain. The play and film are inspired by the life of Charles Hatfield.

The film was released by Paramount Pictures on December 13, 1956, and was a critical success. Hepburn received Academy Award, BAFTA Award, and Golden Globe nominations for her performance, Alex North's score also received an Oscar nomination. Earl Holliman won a Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role.