“A Summer Place” is a 1959 film about two couples whose lives intertwine on an idyllic island. The movie is driven by forbidden love, betrayal, and the tension between parents and children. The characters are all struggling to find their place in the sun, but ultimately discover that the path to happiness isn’t always straightforward. The film’s lush cinematography captures the beauty of the island and adds an air of romanticism to its themes of love and longing. It’s a classic summer romance that will leave you breathless.
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Review
Ahoy, fellow readers! Gather round and let me spin ye a yarn about an old movie called A Summer Place. If you’re a fan of the classic movies of yesteryear, then this movie is a true gem. It’s got everything – love, betrayal, drama and even some juicy gossip to keep you entertained from start to finish. So sit back, relax and let me tell you all about this fantastic film in my Mark Twain style.
The year was 1959, and the world was a very different place. It was a simpler time, where people spent their summers lounging by the beach or on the porch with some sweet tea in hand. And it’s in that idyllic setting that A Summer Place begins.
The movie tells the story of two families who reunite at their summer cottage on an island in Maine after several years of being apart. The characters are unique and diverse – from Bart Hunter (played by Richard Egan), who is returning to his family’s estate with his wife Sylvia (Dorothy McGuire) and teenage son Johnny (Troy Donahue), to Molly Jorgenson (Sandra Dee), the daughter of the cottage’s caretakers.
There’s plenty of drama from the get-go as we learn that Bart and Sylvia’s marriage is not as picture-perfect as it seems. Their housekeeper Mrs Metford (played by Beulah Bondi) wryly says “If they ain’t livin’ together like husband and wife, I can’t see how they can expect Johnny to be any different.” Something is brewing between these two… but we’ll get back to that later.
As the days go by, Johnny falls for Molly – despite her being perceived as below his station due to her social status. But hey – love knows no bounds! And so begins their forbidden romance.
But this isn’t just another story about young love – there’s plenty of adult drama too. Bart and Sylvia’s relationship becomes increasingly strained as their secrets start to unravel. We learn that Bart was a former lifeguard who saved Sylvia from drowning years earlier – and there’s an underlying tension between them which is never far from the surface.
But what turns this movie into a classic is the way the story handles issues of class and morality, particularly for young people. The film explores how society can limit young people in their choices for a partner and how it can lead to heartbreak and pain.
One memorable scene comes when Molly confesses her feelings to Johnny: “I feel like I’m looking through a window, watching all the swells have fun. And I ain’t got no right in their world.” This theme adds depth to the movie, which isn’t just about teenage romance but also about society’s expectations of the time.
The movie has its share of lighthearted moments too, particularly involving Mrs Jorgenson (played by Constance Ford), Molly’s mother who is always full of energy. She tries to convince her husband Ken (Arthur Kennedy), to take up painting while they’re on holiday at the cottage. “Ken Jorgenson, you’re going to be one damn fine painter,” she exclaims with enthusiasm.
But despite its many strengths, A Summer Place received mixed reviews upon its release. While some critics praised the acting and cinematography, others criticized it for being overly melodramatic and sensationalist.
However, this did not stop audiences from flocking to see it – it proved incredibly popular among young people at the time due to its theme of forbidden love and teenage angst. It was nominated for two Academy Awards – Best Actress in a Supporting Role (for Hope Lange) and Best Music Score (by Max Steiner).
As with most movies in that era, A Summer Place has become somewhat of a cult classic over time. It was even referenced in the famous musical Grease, where Sandy mocks Danny’s summer romance by saying “We’re not exactly a Summer Place, are we?”
In conclusion, A Summer Place may not have been met with universal acclaim upon its release – but it remains a fascinating movie that provides an interesting snapshot of the societal norms and values of the ’50s. It also features some great performances from its cast and has some truly memorable scenes.
As Mrs Metford tells us: “Nothin’ ever turns out the way you think it will.” And isn’t that what makes life and movies so captivating?
Technical Data
- Runtime : 130
- Release : 1959-11-18
- Genre : Drama, Romance
- Cast : Richard Egan as Ken Jorgenson, Dorothy McGuire as Sylvia Hunter, Sandra Dee as Molly Jorgenson, Arthur Kennedy as Bart Hunter, Troy Donahue as Johnny Hunter
- Crew : Max Steiner as Original Music Composer, Harry Stradling Sr. as Director of Photography, Howard Shoup as Costume Design, Delmer Daves as Director, Delmer Daves as Writer
- Popularity 7.842
- Budget : 0
- Revenue : 0
- Company : Warner Bros. Pictures
- Summary : A self-made businessman rekindles a romance with a former flame while their two teenage children begin a romance of their own with drastic consequences for both couples.
- Tagline : The Inn… The Guests… The Sensations…
