A Storm in Summer

A wonderful TV movie about the friendship between an elderly Jewish man and a young African-American boy, set during the Vietnam war. Peter Ustinov and the child actor give excellent performances in an emotionally powerful story by Rod "Twilight Zone" Serling. Haven't seen the remake with Peter Falk in the Ustinov role, but I sure wish the original was available to buy or rent -- I'd love to see this movie again.

With the movie, itself, winning the Emmy for that year and Ustinov winning Best Actor (Emmy)...despite whatever Serling's reservations might have been...this movie (of all the Hallmark Hall of Fame movies of the time) deserves to be available AT LEAST as an iTunes download. I enjoyed this movie so much back when it was first released that I actually recorded the soundtrack (only) on a reel to reel audio machine when it was repeated (a few months later)(recording long lost). Personally, I think Ustinov did an amazing job of characterizing a New York Jewish man. I guess it is a rather Tevye-like performance, so it was timely as Fiddler on the Roof was very popular at the time. But the theme is right out of the civil-rights era and is memorable on every level.

"A Storm in Summer" is one of those viewing experiences that leaves an imprint on one's heart and soul. Peter Ustinov did a masterful job, as did the young actor who played Herman Washington. Fabulous performances all around, bringing to life a memorable story.

Watching this movie 35 years ago had a profound effect on me personally. I became more "heart softened" and attuned to reaching out beyond myself, considering the "life stories" of those around me, more sensitive to the heartbreak that individual stories may hold beyond the facade of surface behavior.

The story was wonderfully produced and acted, based on a very moving and memorable story -- of hearts hardening and softening. I hope Hallmark makes it available in the 21st Century. Well worth the watch!

I share the sentiment of Ted, who wrote: "I sure wish the original was available to buy or rent -- I'd love to see this movie again." Any possibility of it being made available, friends at Hallmark?