That Certain Summer (1972)

Best movie of this year hands down!

Simply Perfect

Good concept, poorly executed.

There is, somehow, an interesting story here, as well as some good acting. There are also some good scenes

There are certain TV Movies (almost always ABC Movies Of The Week)that people like me, who were young teens at the time, will always remember. This was one. I remember clearly that when a TV movie tackling some relevant issue would come out, we were advised by our teachers in Social Studies or English to watch the movie. Critics would review certain important TV films (like this one, and Helter Skelter) in advance - I think it about the only way teachers could be aware of the contents of a film before it aired. In those days, we were all more or less at the mercy of the networks (or locals) if we wanted to watch anything. I remember there were reel to reel video recorders at the school, and sometimes teachers would tape shows off TV. I think That Certain Summer was one. It's been so long since I saw this film that I can't remember anything except some of the actors (excellent) and the location.I do remember that the contents of the film did not seem especially shocking to me or anyone else I knew - child or adult - that saw the film. Everyone just agreed it was a fine film. I was about 13 at the time, by the way.The Movies Of The Week I most vividly remember are: In Search Of America; Mr. and Mrs. Bo Jo Jones; Maybe I'll Come Home In The Spring; Duel; Brian's Song; Letters From Three Lovers; Do Not Fold, Spindle, Or Mutilate; Say Goodbye, Maggie Cole; Isn't It Shocking?; Divorce His, Divorce Hers; A Great American Tragedy; and Longstreet. Some good, some not so good, so so bad they were good, etc.) I'm sure I saw a lot more than the ones I can remember.They were low budget, sometimes cheesy, sometimes stupid, but once in a while a great one was produced, and That Certain Summer was perhaps the most acclaimed of all.

Well-made TV-movie, largely acknowledged as the first made-for-television film to tackle the subject of homosexuality, has divorced San Francisco contractor Hal Holbrook looking forward to a visit from his fourteen-year-old son who lives out in Los Angeles with his mother; things are shaky when the kid meets his dad's new male friend, and once he figures out that Pop enjoys this male companion more so than eligible women, he runs away in anger and confusion. Levinson/Link production won raves upon its first network showing, and indeed it is smart, focused, and without stereotypes. Still, when the kid runs away (for a large section of the film), precious time on the clock is wasted as the adults search for him and worry. The film isn't melodramatic, thankfully; it's brave, it has a thoughtful, melancholy undermining, and the gay theme is served well (only some of the dialogue dates it). But more courageous the whole thing might have been with more hearty talk and less shame and tears.

That Certain Summer is way ahead of it's time for the year 1972.I did not see the movie when it originally aired in 1972. I had not even heard of the movie until I received this movie on VHS tape from a collector.I watched it a couple of nights ago, and I was amazed at the subject matter for the year 1972.First off, the cast was excellent. Hal Holbrook, Hope Lange, Martin Sheen, and Scott Jacoby were just right for their roles.The scenery and setting of San Francisco added to the film's atmosphere.What I like best about the movie is the way that the story ended. The ending did not produce any certain answers for the family involved.The viewer can decide whether the family will make it through the heartache and hurt that all of them are experiencing.This movie was very well done,and is very tender and touching.I recommend this movie very much.I have this movie.

That Certain Summer must have been ground breaking for a 1972 audience. Today I saw the film for the first time, and am duly impressed. Too bad it's not available for sale on DVD, or video. Well done stories about homosexuality are difficult to find. This one is well worth seeing! As That Certain Summer was done before the intrusion of AIDS, the film can only focus on homosexuality itself, not on the complexities of gay people reacting to crisis. Fortunately LOGO is showing That Certain Summer, and other similarly good films. That Certain Summer is comparable to the qualities found in Long Time Companion, and As Is. I recommend it!