Summertree

Even though its plot was basically an anti-war movie, it gives good argument on both sides. Summertree shows that the Vietnam War was also a battle between generations; Michael Douglas as the misdirected young man and Jack Warden the "give em hell" dad. Douglas plays a college student who keeps the draft board off his back until he mistakenly decides to change majors, suddenly he's drafted and faced with a difficult choice with very few options.

Luckily my parents had a VCR during the late 70's and Summertree just happened to be playing late one night. My mother was a huge Michael Douglas fan so she recorded anything he starred in and thanks to her I was able to see this gifted talent as it blossomed into super stardom. Although that old tape is still in good condition I'd love to own this great movie on DVD.

I have nothing good to say about this movie. The story's been done numerous time: a young man who can't make up his mind what he wants to do with himself tries to become a draft dodger.

But it's worse than that. None of the characters are likable. Michael Douglas as the son is in serious need of growing up. Jack Warden as his father is an Archie Bunker type (fitting, considering that Rob "Meathead" Reiner has a small role).

Brenda Vaccaro's character is redundant to the plot, adding little to the story. Even so, she's far from admirable as she's not completely honest with the son.

I found the movie boring and pretentious and I wasn't entirely surprised at how it ended.

Avoid this one like the plague.

The only reason this Movie was even made was because Kirk Douglas bought the movie rights so his Son Michael would have a job. I tried , as a Vietnam Combat war veteran, to watch this movie with an open mind. It's so hard picture Michael Douglas as a draft dodger. Come on, his Dad had to much money for this kid to be drafted. It's a bad movie and very hard ti through the entire film.

I don't know whether I came to the right column. It was about 30 years ago when I watched this movie. I was a teenager. English was my second language and I had to work hard on learning. I almost forgot what the movie was talking about but purely I remembered Douglas' performance and the atmosphere took me into another place where I remembered for 30 years. Thanks to God we have internet communications nowadays, at least I have an avenue to trace the movie I would like to see a few more times. Please let me know as how I can attain the chance to see it again. I miss the young Michael, too!

Regina Orwin

A great, thought-provoking movie. Of particular note is the performance of William "Bill" Smith, who played the Draft Lawyer!