“Still Safe At Home At the Movies…. Lazy, Hazy, Crazy Days of Summer” September 2020 Vol, I, No. 6 by Movie Expert Stephanie Mardesich
Still Safe At Home At the Movies…. Lazy, Hazy, Crazy Days of Summer September 2020
by Movie Expert Stephanie Mardesich
September and Labor Day suggest “end of summer” though we in southern California know that the season isn’t over, with many more days and weeks of intense heat waves. It was always dreaded returning to school in September, though lately it’s been in August for many students. With that in mind considering current closures of most campuses returning to the real classroom would be so welcome for the instruction, camaraderie, cultural/aesthetic aspects and sports activities.
In spite of home schooling and travel limitations get your passport ready! Fasten your seat belt for a ride on the “film freeway” and wing around the USA and the world as an armchair traveler. Let the summer linger on a bit more with some films that bring back memories or create new ones by taking a look at one or more titles here, beginning with the renowned surfing documentary The Endless Summer. Hang ten!
The Endless Summer (USA, Bruce Brown Films, 1965, 95 min., dir. Bruce Brown)
First film that came to mind when considering this month’s theme this famous documentary “introduced” the power and beauty of surfing to an entirely new audience beyond the sea. Prodigious director (and surfer) Brown follows two young surfers Michael Hynson and Robert August around the world on ultimate surfing adventure in search of the “perfect wave.” Hang ten!
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0060371/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1
In The Good Old Summertime (USA, MGM, 1949, 102 min., dir. Robert Z. Leonard)
Musical variation on Shop around the Corner (that was “re-made” again as You’ve Got Mail). Veronica Fisher (Judy Garland) and Andrew Delby Larkin (Van Johnson) are clashing colleagues who work in music store by day, and unbeknownst to them “budding sweethearts” by night vis a vis the U.S. Post. Amusing antics, amiable presence of C.Z. Sakall (Otto Oberkugen)and Spring Byington (Nellie Burke), and sober comedy of Buster Keaton (Hickey). add to the charming story. Another entertaining MGM musical directed by Leonard who was one of the studio’s most prolific and reliable.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0041507/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1
Summertime (USA, Lopert Films, 1955, 100 min., dir. David Lean)
American “spinster” Jane Hudson (Katharine Hepburn) secretary by trade, saved for ions for her Italian holiday. She travels to Venice and begins a new more bold epoch of her life when she meets Renato deRossi (Rossano Brazzi). Poignant story based on play “The Time Of The Cuckoo.” Script by Arthur Laurents was award worthy, though seems overlooked. Beautiful score by Alessandro Cicognini, film garnered Oscar® nods for “Best” Actress (Hepburn) and Director (Lean).
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0048673/?ref_=fn_al_tt_3
Suddenly Last Summer (USA, Columbia Pictures, 1959 , 114 min., dir. Joseph Mankiewicz)
Intensely emotional “Southern gothic” story by Tennessee Williams with script by Gore Vidal. Dowager Mrs. Venable (Katharine Hepburn), attempting to cover up scandalous story involving her (late) son Sebastian, attempts to have lobotomy performed on her niece Catherine Holly (Elizabeth Taylor). Consulting psychiatrist Dr. Cucrowicz (Montgomery Clift) resists her forceful intent instinctively knowing Catherine isn’t “crazy” defending her sanity and soul. Oscar® nods for “Best” actress for Hepburn and Taylor and “Art Direction” in b&w; and Golden Globe win for Taylor.
Caution: Disturbing and suggestive content.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0053318/?ref_=fn_al_tt_7
Come September (USA, 7 Pictures/Raoul Walsh Productions, 1961, 112 min., dir. Robert Mulligan)
Debonair Robert Talbot (Rock Hudson), successful American businessman, returns annually, every September, to his villa in Italy. The palatial home is “managed” by Maurice (Walter Slezak) who is loyal, yet a bit “shifty”, and unbeknownst to Mr. Talbot he’s turned the spacious home into a part time hotel when he arrives earlier than expected, discovers Maurice’s deception and none too pleased. Maurice has brought in a group of American ingénues including adorable Sandy Stevens (Sandra Dee). To complicate the situation further Talbot’s gorgeous Italian paramour Lisa (Gina Lollobrgrigida) is being “testy” and tired of the same routine, desiring more in their relationship, contemplating a proposal of marriage from another.
When a group of American fellows led by Tony (Bobby Darin, winner Golden Globe for “most promising male newcomer”) on summer tour meet the gals romance is in the air, with witty and droll situations. Joel Grey (Beagle) in one of his first big screen roles went on to Cabaret fame and Oscar® for Best Supporting Actor. Delightfully entertaining, I've "loved" this movie since a girl seeing it at the local drive in, though it’s not a “kid’s film”.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0054759/?ref_=fn_al_tt_2
Mr. Hobbs Takes A Vacation (1USA, 116 min,1962,dir. Henry Koster)
Stalwart banker Roger Hobbs (James Stewart) had visions of a pleasant, if not romantic, vacation with his wife Peggy (Maureen O’Hara) that turns out to be family affair with arrival of married children joining the Central California coastal scene at a dilapidated home loaned by a friend. Teenage siblings daughter Katy (Lauri Peters) distraught over everything and developing bug crush Joe Carmody (teen idol Fabian), her brother Danny (Michael Burns) typically clash in this endearing family film with much to laugh about amidst sentimental moments. Stewart garnered Golden Globe for best actor in comedy-musical; and WGA “Best Written American Comedy” award for esteemed screenwriter Nunnally Johnson (look up "Hollywood Ten").
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0056255/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1
Last Summer (USA, Alsid Productions & Francis Productions, 1969, 94 min., R, dir. Frank Perry)
Cautionary note: Disturbing storyline and emotionally violent, however the film had a popular appeal and "break out" role for Barbara Hershey (Sandy) one of three teenagers including Richard Thomas (Peter) and Bruce Davison (Dan) during summer vacation on Fire Island who add a newcomer Rhoda (Catherine Burns) to their clique. A distressing and intense scenario ensues. Burns garnered Academy Award® nod for Best Supporting Actress. Adapted from Evan Hunter novel by Perry’s wife screenwriter Eleanor Perry.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0064573/?ref_=fn_al_tt_2.
Summer of '42 (USA, Warner Bros., 1972, 104 min., PG, dir. Robert Mulligan)
"Coming of age" story with Jennifer O'Neill as Dorothy a your WW II bride, awaiting the worst news about her soldier husband deployed to Europe, who befriends local teenager Hermie (Gary Grimes) who develops a big “crush” on the kind and beautiful young woman, actually not much older than he is. The memorable theme music by Michel Legrand garnered OscarÒ for Best Score. O’Neill “every man's dream girl” and she was never better or more beautiful than in this truly moving picture. Joel Grey (Beagle) in one of his first big screen roles went on to Cabaret fame and Oscar for Best Supporting actor.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0067803/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1
Summer Rental (USA, Paramount Pictures, 1985, 87 min., dir. Carl Reiner)
John Candy (Jack Chester), at comedic best, stressed at work as air traffic controller, and wife Sandy (Karen Austin) take family for relaxing summer beach get away when everything becomes convoluted from their arrival at wrong address, to competitive sailing experience tacking against snobbish Sully (Richard Crenna) that “bonds” father and children with help of crusty Scuffy (Rip Torn). Many laugh out loud moments with underlying sentiment that add to the human interest.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0090098/
Summer (Le Rayon Vert) (France (sub-titles), 1986, 99 min., R1 1986, 109 min., R, dir. Eric Rohmer)
This brooding and romantic in French post “new wave” scenario of disappointment, ennui and finally some hope for protagonist Delphine (Marie Riviere). After a traveling companion bows out Delphine attempts to resurrect her summer holiday embarking from Paris, to Cherbourg, and the Alps. Chill a bottle of rose wine, prepare the cheese board and charcuterie, add a bagette, and bon voyage!
Note: Rohmer is considered one of France’s leading auteur directors (Claire’s Knee among other titles), depicting more abstract than traditional themes, film received high praise when it debuted at Venice Film Festival.
Stephanie Mardesich, a native of San Pedro from a family who arrived in the harbor area over 100 years ago. An alumna of U.S.C. School of Cinematic Arts; founder-director of the LA Harbor International Film Festival; credited journalist and public relations consultant, she launched "Cinema Stephanie" film critique blogette in 2017. More recently, she created "Eclectic Culture" lifestyle stories and reviews blog. She is also co-producer with Jack Baric (S.P. native and R.P.V. resident) of the oral history project Stories of Los Angeles Harbor Area: For Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow (SOLAHA) - Volume II debuted in March 2020.
For more see:
(to look up films) www.imdb.com
www.laharborfilmfest.com( Cinema Stephanie blogette)
www.storieslaharborarea.com (histories/stories)