Raintree County (1957)

In the heart of the mid-nineteenth-century Freehaven, Raintree County, Indiana, blossoms the life of John Wickliff Shawnessy (Montgomery Clift), a principled romantic and idealist. Fresh out of high school and top of his class, he dreams of a promising career as a writer and is captivated by the legend of the golden raintree, believed to be hidden somewhere in the county's swamp. This raintree, a symbol passed down from his father, is said to hold the answers to life's profound questions. In the midst of this, romance buds between John and his sweetheart, Nell Gaither (Eva Marie Saint), a native Raintree girl. Their love story seems destined, till the enchanting southern belle, Susanna Drake (Dame Elizabeth Taylor), enters the scene. Despite her temporary stay in Raintree County, a potent mutual attraction sparks between Susanna and John, leading to a whirlwind romance and a heartbroken Nell left in the wake. John, driven by passion and tricked by a false pregnancy, marries Susanna, pushing aside the love he shares with Nell. Even after the truth comes to light, he remains with Susanna out of love. As their relationship unfolds, the stark contrast between their life perspectives, mirroring the tension between the North and South, begins to strain their bond. This friction escalates with the onset of the American Civil War, reflecting their personal strife on a global scale. Susanna, hiding a treacherous secret about her family's past, spirals into madness. The mystery of her parents' and nanny's death in a house fire when she was a child only deepens her descent. When she flees to the South during the war, taking their son with her, John finds himself torn from his home, enlisting in the Northern Army as his sole means to pursue her. Thus, Raintree County presents a rich tapestry of love, deception, and the relentless quest for truth set against the backdrop of a nation at war.

Raintree County is a drama movie featuring Elizabeth Taylor.

Raintree County is currently streaming on DIRECTV.