Rain, released in 1932, is a powerful drama featuring the talented Joan Crawford and the brilliant Walter Huston. A movie adaptation of W. Somerset Maugham’s short story and John Colton’s play, the film explores themes of morality, religion, and sexual politics set within the backdrop of a tropical paradise turned purgatory.

The film opens with a ship docked at the South Sea Island of Pago Pago as rain showers transform the landscape into an unrelenting waterlogged scape. A group of American travellers, whose journey to Apia faces delay due to a cholera quarantine, is marooned in this location. The larger-than-life, good-time girl Sadie Thompson, brought to life by Joan Crawford, is among the stranded bunch. With her saucy, flirtatious demeanour and bold personality, she instantly becomes the center of attention and an object of scandal in the conservative circle.

Taking every opportunity to scandalize her companions, Thompson’s headstrong behaviour doesn’t sit well with everyone, especially Rev. Alfred Davidson, played by the versatile Walter Huston. A reformist missionary, Davidson takes issue with Thompson's behaviour and takes it upon himself to save her soul. As the weather worsens and the rain continues to trap these characters together, the tensions rise to a fever pitch with Davidson's moralistic ideals clashing against Thompson's free spiritedness. The film is laden with underlying themes of degradation and redemption and provides a stark look at the battle between hedonism and puritanism.

Joan Crawford delivers a powerful performance, bouncing between the rollicking Sadie the island first meets and the woman who is later influenced by Davidson's staunch morals. Crawford embodies Thompson's spirit, bringing forth a range of emotions from vivacity to despair through her vibrant portrayal. This role was a stark departure from the sophisticated, urbane characters she was more commonly associated with during the height of her career.

Walter Huston also turns in an unforgettable performance as Rev. Alfred Davidson. His character is a man living on the knife's edge of his repressive beliefs and he does a commendable job breathing life into such a complex character. His performance showcases a range of emotions, from false modesty to moral outrage, ultimately revealing a deeply flawed character grappling with his own vices.

The supporting cast, although not the main focus, contributes significantly to the overall plot line. Beulah Bondi as Mrs. Davidson perfectly embodies the devout, rigidly moralistic wife, while Guy Kibbee provides a hint of comic relief as the affable and free-spirited trader, Joe Horn.

Directed by Lewis Milestone, the film is heavy with symbolism. The ceaseless rain that dominates the backdrop is used effectively not just as a natural phenomenon but as a metaphorical device. The striking black-and-white cinematography captures the relentless rain that mirrors the increasing tension amongst the characters. The director's use of the expressionistic setting amplifies the film's various thematic elements, ranging from morality and sexual politics to existential dread. He masterly navigates the nuances of the battle between carnality and spirituality, making the movie a memorable one.

Rain is a classic representation of early Hollywood’s venture into interpreting complex, literary works onto the big screen. The film pushes boundaries in its narrative, presenting a candid portrayal of its characters' internal dilemmas and resolutions, with a powerful commentary on morality and redemption. One of its most memorable elements is the electrifying performance of its leads, Joan Crawford and Walter Huston, who bring depth and dimension to their roles.

In conclusion, Rain, clocking just around 94 minutes, is both an entertainment spectacle and a thoughtful piece. Though in some aspects it may show its age, the dramatic tension created by the clash of ideals combined with impactful performances makes it a remarkable classic that still holds up on contemporary viewing. It is a true testament to the cinematic versatility of the Pre-Code era of Hollywood.