El verano pasado

If you write screenplays, don't miss Catherine Burns's "speech" about her mother in Last Summer - a more powerful, evocative use of single-character dialogue in a film probably doesn't exist. While I enjoyed the rest of the film, it couldn't match this moment, and it's easy to see why CB was nominated for an Oscar.

It's almost surreal. I think this film can be viewed on a few levels.

If you are looking for a profound coming of age film ..this is not it. There is however a provocative image here and if you adjust your vision you might just possibly see...yourself..at an age of no regrets and all intoxications.

The " three " set up the world for themselves and no one else can be allowed in to spoil It That is until Catherine Burns comes along and throws a wrench in their postulates on life..

There is a scene where the "three" are running along the beach...look closely now ..closer ..did you find someone you know well or someone you used to know.

Provocative and wonderful and melancholy all at the same time.

CP

I had the pleasure (if not outright fun), together with several of my friends at Fire Island Ferries, of participating in the production of this film. It was a fairly compelling and accurate portrayal of the late-60's counter-culture. Fire Island was certainly THE place to be during those summers.

Post-production, we were given the opportunity to preview it at a local theater. It quickly received an "X" rating due the explicit "rape scene" which was abridged to earn the "R" it carried when released. I wonder what circulation it got before the editing and re-rating. Are there any copies of the original ?

I caught this film late at night and stayed up until 4am watching it. It is a beautifully crafted story and intriguing to watch Barbara Hershey, Richard Thomas, and Bruce Davidson give such strong performances at the start of their careers. Catherine Burns, however, steals the film as Rhoda. Her performance is nothing short of screen perfection and should be required viewing for every actor. She gives a monologue about her mother's death that will leave you feeling as alone as she is.

You must see it uncut for the full effect. The conclusion at the beach is the whole point of the film, as Evan Hunter points out in his interview in "The Writer". I was agast the first time I saw it on commercial TV (late night).