The film follows the struggles of Henry Thomas, a musician who is just released from prison for a fight he got into while drunk. He returns to his hometown in Texas to reunite with his wife, Georgette, and their young daughter, Margaret Rose. However, his efforts to rebuild his life are obstructed by his traumatic past that continues to haunt him.
Henry was raised by an abusive stepmother, played by Joanne Woodward, who constantly belittled him and his dreams of becoming a musician. Henry's father was a weak figure who couldn't protect him from his stepmother's cruelty. Henry's childhood trauma manifests in his addiction to alcohol, which he uses to escape his pain.
Despite his struggles, Henry is determined to make a new life for himself as a musician. He takes gigs at local bars and tries to write new songs for Georgette, who dreams of being a singer. However, his addiction threatens to destroy his relationship with Georgette and Margaret Rose.
The film's tension begins to build when Henry's stepmother shows up, demanding to see Margaret Rose, who she claims is her granddaughter. Henry refuses to allow the woman who made his life a living hell near his daughter, but his stepmother is relentless. She hires a lawyer, hoping to gain visitation rights to Margaret Rose.
As the legal battle ensues, Henry struggles to stay sober and keep his family together. The film's climactic scene takes place at a bar where Henry's band is playing, and his stepmother shows up, hoping to take Margaret Rose away. The tension reaches a breaking point, and Henry confronts his stepmother, unleashing years of pent-up anger and pain.
Baby the Rain Must Fall is a powerful and emotional drama that explores the complexities of family relationships and the lasting impact of childhood trauma. It features incredible performances from Steve McQueen, Lee Remick, and Joanne Woodward, and the haunting score by Elmer Bernstein underscores the film's themes of loss, forgiveness, and redemption.