Soldier in the Rain is an odd film. It is a buddy-comedy sprinkled with dramatic and romantic elements but that isn’t the odd part. What’s peculiar is the unlikely pairing of Jackie Gleason (The Honeymooners) and Steve McQueen (The Great Escape). These two actors can’t be any more different and their chemistry in this film from 1963 can’t be any more lacking. They both try to click with one another but sadly, they fall pretty short.
Gleason plays the role of MSgt. Maxwell Slaughter, an intelligent career-military man who dabbles in sarcasm. He has a friend in the service, Sgt. Eustis Clay a younger and more ambitious man played by a very goofy McQueen. Together, these two soldiers hatch the occasional idea or scheme in attempts to get rich quick. Through a series of failed schemes which start to irritate Maxwell, Eustis decides to make things right by setting up his friend with an attractive girl named Bobbi Jo played by the alluring Tuesday Weld.
At first, Maxwell and Bobbi Jo seem to be complete opposites and bump heads with one another but eventually the two hit it off and realize opposites really do attract. Maxwell and Eustis then enjoy the good life as they double-date with their special ladies.
There isn’t much of a point to Soldier in the Rain. It is an unnecessary film that does a rather poor job of balancing comedy, drama and romance. The script is subpar, the acting is disappointing and towards the end, there is an overlong and out-of-place fight sequence. Fans of either Jackie Gleason or Steve McQueen may want to skip this one because both actors have fared much better in other productions.
DVD Bonus Features
Like many of the other films released under the Warner Archival Collection banner, there are no bonus features for Soldier in the Rain.
Soldier in the Rain is a made-to-order DVD from the online WB Shop.
"Soldier in the Rain" is on sale May 5, 2009 and is not rated. Comedy, Drama, Romantic-Comedy. Directed by Ralph Nelson. Written by Blake Edwards, Maurice Richlin, William Goldman. Starring Jackie Gleason, Steve Mcqueen, Tom Poston, Tony Bill, Tuesday Weld.
