Les derniers beaux jours

After I read the review written by "moviola-8," I was immediately inspired to buy "As Summers Die" on eBay. I was hoping that this movie would show the brilliance that writer, Winston Groom, showed in "Forrest Gump," but I'm just not feeling it...not even close. This movie didn't make the same impression on me that it did on the other reviewers, and I was disappointed. The story meandered along and did not bring up any feelings in me. I didn't feel indignant, outraged or anything else. Nothing. Maybe something was lost in translation between the book and the screenplay (by a different writer). As long as we're talking about old movies that are hard to find, but worth the viewing, I'd like to find "The Traveling Executioner" starring Stacy Keach, but I don't think it exists on DVD or VHS. Now THAT is an original and very different story - as is "Forrest Gump."

"Lawyer Willie Croft (Scott Glenn) is indifferently letting his practice run itself when the town's richest family begins a determined effort to obtain the farm of an old black woman, Elvira Backus (Beau Richards). Elvira claims she was given her land by the dead family patriarch, Jonathan Holt, and finds an unlikely ally in Holt's aging sister Hannah (Bette Davis), whose mental competence is being challenged by the Holt clan. As for Willie, his growing involvement in the case intensifies when he begins to fall in love with Hannah's high-spirited niece (Jamie Lee Curtis)."

This "HBO Premiere" TV film is, like the VHS sleeve proclaims, "Wonderfully acted with intelligence and sensitivity." The setting is given as 1959 Georgia, while the VHS says Louisiana (a more story-centric locale, but you get the idea). Ms. Richards' portrayal, for which she won a "Cable Ace" award, is especially outstanding. And, Ms. Davis proves she is still a capable actress (still smoking and drinking), following an obviously debilitating stroke. The film suffers, though, from staid direction and a lugubrious pace. Just try to imagine watching it without Richards and Davis.

***** As Summers Die (5/17/86) Jean-Claude Tramont ~ Scott Glenn, Jamie Lee Curtis, Beah Richards, Bette Davis

This Is One Of The BEST & Earliest HBO Original Films! An excellent story carried off superbly by an excellent cast! The legendary Bette Davis SHINES in this classic tale of Greed & Skullduggery in the Deep South. Scott Glenn is wonderful in his role as the small town southern underdog attorney trying to save a black family from losing their home after oil has been discovered under the ground. Jamie Lee Curtis plays the Updated Southern Belle with a KICK. One of her first scenes where she arrives at the family mansion is INCREDIBLE! And Davis as the matronly matriarch of the rich Southern clan who KNOWS what is what is a sight to behold. What will Scott Glenn walk away with? The case or the girl? If you can track down this gem and find out for yourself you will NOT be disappointed!

The main reason I decided to watch "As Summers Die" is that I am nearly finished with my goal of seeing every Bette Davis movie...and after this film, I only have a few more to go.

"As Summers Die" was filmed following Ms. Davis' stroke....and it's pretty obvious when you see her facial paralysis and slightly slurred speech. However, the film role fit her condition and she was fine in this part.

The story is about a disagreement over land rights back in the south in the 1950s. A rich white family claims a parcel of land, though the family patriarch apparently gave it to his black lover and her family. Scott Glenn plays the attorney representing the black family, as the case eventually arrives in court.

This film isn't bad at all. But it also seems very muted and not nearly as exciting as I'd hoped. In other words, it's okay...nothing more. And, you'd think given the subject matter that there'd be more excitement in the story.

I saw this movie on TV years ago, and I've never stopped looking for it again. I'd love it if it was on DVD, so I could rent or buy it. I think Scott Glenn is one of the best actors, and one of the most underrated ones, that are in movies today. And Jamie Lee Curtis is always charming, cute, and does her usual great acting performance. I'm not a Bette Davis fan, so I don't care whether she was good or not in this movie. All the other members of the cast more than make up for my opinion of her. I was especially impressed with the concept of a white lawyer defending a black woman in a lawsuit. All the cast was excellent. I hope I get to see the movie again one of these days. I looked for it on Netflix, but unfortunately, they don't have a copy of it yet.