The Gentle Rain

Wealthy, spoiled Judy Reynolds leaves New York for Rio de Janeiro when the marriage arranged for her by her parents is annulled because of her apparent frigidity. In Rio she meets architect-turned-draftsman Bill Patterson, a mute who conceals his insecurity behind a mask of open rudeness, and they become lovers. Bill explains, by gestures and pantomime, that he was once involved in an automobile accident in which his fiancée died. There was a moment when he might have pulled her to safety, but he froze and could only scream as the car exploded; this was the last sound he was to utter. Judy urges Bill to consult a psychiatrist; but he is reluctant to take this step, and Judy eventually leaves him. Once alone, Bill desperately tries to use the telephone--perhaps to call a psychiatrist, perhaps to call Judy.