‘Raining Stones’

Ken Loach, the most influential of living British directors, has a taste for humanity and a gift for involvement. Like all his films, this 1993 production has a passionate and sympathetic view of Britain’s underclass. The film focuses on Bob Williams (Bruce Jones, pictured) and his wife, Anne (Julie Brown), who are on the dole. Goodhearted but not lucky, Bob is struck by an unexpected misfortune just as his daughter Coleen (Gemma Phoenix) is about to celebrate her first communion. Though not religious, it is a matter of pride to Bob that Coleen look perfect on ‘the most important day of her life. Both playful and sad, ‘Raining Stones’ never forgets the pained reality that underlies the humor (Cinemax Wednesday at 8 p.m.).