Who'll Stop the Rain

The eponymous question of 1978's "Who'll Stop the Rain" is highlighted multiple times throughout the film with the diegetic music of a car radio, playing the Creedence Clearwater Revival song of the same name.

The song, which deals in lyrics surrounding facing one's own problems head-on and finding a way to fix them, feels appropriate in director Karel Reisz's adaptation of Robert Stone's novel, "Dog Soldiers." The first time we hear the song, we're driving with Ray Hicks (Nick Nolte) and Marge Converse (Tuesday Weld)-the former a merchant marine hired by a war correspondent (Michael Moriarty) to smuggle heroin into the States for sale, the latter the correspondent's wife, caught in the crossfire of an incessantly-escalating drug deal that slowly collapses into catastrophe.

As the song plays, we see Ray swig his beer and Marge take a pill. Will those stop the rain? The movie answers this question with a firmly negative stance, but these things do make a damn fine umbrella.

This post-Vietnam film carries many elements in its holster; a sharp commentary on soldiers' return from war and the growing heroin epidemic, often associated with PTSD and trauma; a darkly comedic, Coen Brothers-esque caper of drugs, money and multiple players; and a thoroughly engaging tale with well-rounded characters ambling about in a complicated, messy storyline. There are rare occasions where it fires blanks, often involving the growing relationship between Nick and Marge as they take to the road, but overall this is an overwhelmingly impressive gem that most people have never heard of, yet should certainly discover.

The bonus features include an isolated music track of the film's excellent score, a conversation with editor John Bloom and the original theatrical trailer. With a limited edition of 3,000 units, this is one to pick up for anyone looking to boost their collection and encounter a great film in the process.

"Who'll Stop the Rain"
Twilight Time Blu-ray
$29,95
https://www.twilighttimemovies.com/wholl-stop-the-rain-blu-ray/