Petting

If you write screenplays, don't miss Catherine Burns's "speech" about her mother in Last Summer - a more powerful, evocative use of single-character dialogue in a film probably doesn't exist. While I enjoyed the rest of the film, it couldn't match this moment, and it's easy to see why CB was nominated for an Oscar.

You must see it uncut for the full effect. The conclusion at the beach is the whole point of the film, as Evan Hunter points out in his interview in "The Writer". I was agast the first time I saw it on commercial TV (late night).

This coming of age drama is about four friends living on an island who meet on the beach. As they discover sex and each other they are at times brave, kind and considerate. However at other times a darker side to their nature appears and they are cowardly, selfish and cruel. The characters' parents never appear in the movie and all verbal references to them are negative. We are left with the impression that these young adults are left to their own devices and they are growing up without morals. The film is shot in soft focus and the days are the perfect Summer idyll. The symbolism is a little unsubtle at times, but the performances are good. Catherine Burns received an oscar nomination.

Very intriguing late 60's film by Frank Perry with a great performance by Catherine Burns (nominated and SHOULD have won Supporting Actress). A young Barbara Hershey is attractive and full of verve. Bruce Davison is fine and Richard Thomas is sensitive and believable, but C. Burns as Rhoda is heartbreaking and wonderful. I don't know what happened to his young actress. She was also in RED SKY AT MORNING with Richard Thomas in '71.

An 8 out of 10. Best performance = Ms. Burns. A tale of youth that will stay with you. Nothing exploitive going on this film. Find it if you can. A beauty!

I caught this film late at night and stayed up until 4am watching it. It is a beautifully crafted story and intriguing to watch Barbara Hershey, Richard Thomas, and Bruce Davidson give such strong performances at the start of their careers. Catherine Burns, however, steals the film as Rhoda. Her performance is nothing short of screen perfection and should be required viewing for every actor. She gives a monologue about her mother's death that will leave you feeling as alone as she is.