One summer, a young teen says goodbye to his mom in LA and travels to San Francisco for a vacation with his dad. What he doesn't know is that his dad is gay and living with another man.
When Nick (Scott Jacoby) arrives in San Francisco, his dad, Doug (Hal Holbrook) and his dad's partner, Gary (Martin Sheen) have agreed to split up temporarily. Gary is staying with in-laws, but still spends time with Doug, and Nick has questions about their relationship. Eventually, Nick discovers the truth, and his dad tries to explain things. Nick, feeling confused and upset, runs away. When he doesn't return, his mom, Janet (Hope Lange) comes up from LA.
Eventually, Nick does come back. But not before there are several memorable interactions between the three adult principals.
The entire film seems to work on the principle that less is more. Though covering a controversial subject at the time, the movie is far from sensationalistic. It's subtle, quiet, almost uneventful. Yet it packs an emotional punch, substituting taste and simplicity for melodrama.
The acting is very good, so is the writing and direction. The only flaw is in a speech Doug makes to Nick, which has some lines that were inserted at the request of the network, and which the authors strongly objected to. Doug is made to say that many people consider homosexuality a sickness, and that, given a choice, he probably wouldn't choose to be gay. Even in the context of the time, the lines don't ring true, coming from a man seemingly secure and happy in his lifestyle and sexuality.
This was a groundbreaking drama. Seen today, it's obviously of its time. I saw it when it was on TV for the first time. I was 14. It's hard to believe so much has changed. TV was mostly still G rated. In real life, sex was still a taboo subject in many ways, not always discussed openly or casually. It's hard to explain how, at the time, things that are easier to talk about today were embarrassing or extremely difficult to discuss or acknowledge. Just in general, people often kept their feelings to themselves. Kids and parents didn't interact in the same way they do now. Some of this is reflected in the film, but I'm not sure younger people watching it will completely understand the motivations of the characters.
At any rate, if you get a chance to see That Certain Summer, I think you'll find it intelligent and involving, and maybe moving.
When Nick (Scott Jacoby) arrives in San Francisco, his dad, Doug (Hal Holbrook) and his dad's partner, Gary (Martin Sheen) have agreed to split up temporarily. Gary is staying with in-laws, but still spends time with Doug, and Nick has questions about their relationship. Eventually, Nick discovers the truth, and his dad tries to explain things. Nick, feeling confused and upset, runs away. When he doesn't return, his mom, Janet (Hope Lange) comes up from LA.
Eventually, Nick does come back. But not before there are several memorable interactions between the three adult principals.
The entire film seems to work on the principle that less is more. Though covering a controversial subject at the time, the movie is far from sensationalistic. It's subtle, quiet, almost uneventful. Yet it packs an emotional punch, substituting taste and simplicity for melodrama.
The acting is very good, so is the writing and direction. The only flaw is in a speech Doug makes to Nick, which has some lines that were inserted at the request of the network, and which the authors strongly objected to. Doug is made to say that many people consider homosexuality a sickness, and that, given a choice, he probably wouldn't choose to be gay. Even in the context of the time, the lines don't ring true, coming from a man seemingly secure and happy in his lifestyle and sexuality.
This was a groundbreaking drama. Seen today, it's obviously of its time. I saw it when it was on TV for the first time. I was 14. It's hard to believe so much has changed. TV was mostly still G rated. In real life, sex was still a taboo subject in many ways, not always discussed openly or casually. It's hard to explain how, at the time, things that are easier to talk about today were embarrassing or extremely difficult to discuss or acknowledge. Just in general, people often kept their feelings to themselves. Kids and parents didn't interact in the same way they do now. Some of this is reflected in the film, but I'm not sure younger people watching it will completely understand the motivations of the characters.
At any rate, if you get a chance to see That Certain Summer, I think you'll find it intelligent and involving, and maybe moving.