That Certain Summer

I saw this at the Museum of Radio and Television (don't think it's available on DVD). I had first seen it as what now called a "questioning" young man in 1972 (the son's character was 14, I was 13 at the time) and remembered it being very important to me as the first sensitive, non- judgmental portrayal of gay men on television. I particularly remembered the poise of a very young Martin Sheen. Viewing it again after 35 years it was almost as affecting, with wonderful acting by a very strong ensemble cast, with Hope Lange a stand-out as the mother/ex-wife. I enjoyed the early-70s touches (shag carpeting in the bathroom, 8-track cassettes) but realized that -- despite so many advances in gay rights over the years -- it could almost be re-made today and still make sense. Cross your fingers that this someday is available on DVD.

This movie came out when I was 17 years old. I remember watching it and at the same time hoping that my parents weren't paying attention or they would have changed the channel. I remember one scene at the park on the band stand. I was struggling with my own sexuality and this movie gave me a peek at the idea that not every gay person was some Nelly queen. That a gay person could look like everyone else and be just like anyone in the world doing any kind of work. I spent years waiting for this movie to be re-released and I am still waiting. I'm 52 years old now when will ABC realize that they can step up to plate and show how progressive they were and can be again. I would like to share this movie with many of those who are in need of role models as shown in the movie. RE-RELEASE THE MOVIE!!! it was life changing for me and I would love to see it before I leave this world just once more. It was and is important.

I don't know if I would still think this movie was worth 8 or not. I have tried to find it for years, to view it as an adult and see if I would like it as much! I can't imagine how it was stuck into anybodies lineup. The letters must have come pouring in from all the far right fundamentalists! It seemed to be a TV movie way ahead of the pack with it's sensitive angle, from son's perspective. Nobody was a bad guy. I was following Scott Jacoby's career at the time and thought he did a great job! While portraying homosexuals was a brave career move (back then) for both Hal and Martin, I thought Scott stole the show! I think this may have been the best thing he did as an actor.

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!

I am reminded of this serious 1972 TV movie as a result of the newly released film, Brokeback Mountain. I was only 18 at the time, but the Holbrook/Sheen/Lange movie stayed with me for all these years. I think I still have a crush on Martin Sheen in his turtleneck sweater. All three leads in the movie did an excellent job. The movie seemed so serious and rather dark at the time. I just wish we could have talked more about the subject matter back then. It was one of those TV movies that just "disappeared" from site or discussion group comments. (Thank goodness for VHS and DVDs!) I am not aware of any reruns of this movie...ever. I'm sure someone will use it in a documentary some day.