Flammender Sommer

I first saw this as the mini series in 1985; I have watched it three or four times since then, most recently tonight. It is not consistently the greatest TV movie ever made, but the combination of Judith Ivey, Jason Robards and Don Johnson is wonderful. Cybill Shepherd is somewhat wasted as Eula, and the part of Jody is a pretty difficult one, but William Russ is perfect as the weaselly son of a powerful father. I enjoy this more every time I watch it, the locations, the soundtrack, the love story between Noelle Varner (Ivey) and Ben Quick (Johnson) as two strong willed people, one running from his past, the other hoping for a future. It's definitely worth a look-or two or three.

I enjoyed this version as much as the 1958 version. I wish they would release the 1985 version on DVD. I though Don Johnson did a great job and I have always enjoyed Jason Robards acting. The realism of the film reminds me of the southern USA I grew up in. I remember the fears of farmers as related to barn burners and names associated with them. The director and cast did a wonderful job in my opinion with this version bringing out southern life as it really exists and family feuds. I could feel the hot, humid summer nights and almost smell the swamps and wetlands with their unique scent. Cybil Sheppard did a very nice job portraying a young southern woman questioning her marriage then realizing what she could lose.

I Like this version much more that movie 1958. All characters In this version (1985) are more realistic and less pompous. More humans. Example I really didnt like interpretation of Jody and Eula in 1958 -stupid and empty. In this version they are so perfect with their imperfection, complexity and deepness in characters. Love story between Ben and Noel is so down to ground, so believable. Both of strong willed people with different qualities and different flaws but matching perfectly. Like jigsaw. When I first time watched It came to me that Noel should be highly attractive but watching again, I saw director's vision with their story. Don and Judith did great job. Judith was perfect for this role. Love scene is amazing. One of kind. Chemistry is beautiful. Interpretation of Will Varner was outstanding and refreshing . Mr Orson Wells in 1958 was just plain copy of Big Daddy. LOVE this TV show. Crew was perfect.

Note: Do not watch short version bc story doesn't have any sense without that crucial hour. Find full version of 3 hrs and 10 minutes. Example on Dailymotion.

I had always claimed, that Don Johnson was not for me. He was not even a good actor. So I was persuaded to watch this film, and I was so facinated. I could not get it out of my head after I saw it. It was brilliant, and Don Johnson played really well. The story was also good. I even wrote to our local TV station, to get them to show it again, but in vain. Please let it come out on DVD so I can buy it.

I liked this version better than the movie version with Paul Newman, Joanne Woodward, Lee Remick, Anthony Franciosa and Orson Welles. Jason Robards version of Will Varner was more subtle than Welles in his facial expressions. Robards was the actor's actor. What a brilliant portrayal of Will Varner. Excellent performances from the leads, and I was particularly impressed by William Russ' portrayal of Jody Varner. Judith Ivey was excellent as the daughter of Will Varner that Ben Quick tries to seduce. Cybill Shepherd was very good as Eula, using her beauty and sexuality to entice every man she can. Ava Gardner had a small role. A beautiful older woman and paramour of Will Varner. Just looking at her you are reminded that not one actress in Hollywood back in Gardner's time could hold a candle to her beauty. Rent the 1951 version of Showboat if you want to drool over Ava Gardner. In the closing scene of that movie, when she brings her fingers to her lips to gently blow a kiss toward the Cotton Blossom, I tear up every time. Don Johnson made an excellent Ben Quick. His lean, toned body is shown off several times throughout the movie in various levels of undress. The scene where he and Noel finally do it is really hot. He met the challenge of this role. The young man who played Miss Minnie's helper was extremely talented. Kudos to all the supporting actors. If you haven't seen this, go do so right now.