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"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

Elvira Backus' family goes to see lawyer Willie Croft (Scott Glenn) because the town's richest family claims her land. Elvira finds an unlikely ally in the dead patriarch's sister Hannah Loftin (Bette Davis) that is challenged by the Holt clan. As for Willie, the involvement in the case intensifies when he falls for Hannah's niece Whitsey (Jamie Lee Curtis).

It's one of those typical made for TV movies where there is an old woman that has problems in keeping her propriety safe from the bloodsucking families. Bette Davis was very good as usual, and Scott Glenn and Jamie Lee Curtis made a nice couple, and honestly I think that if there was more of the relationship the film would have been better. Still, as it is, it's good but nothing exceptional.

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."

Bette Davis, Jamie Lee Curtis, Scott Glenn and Beah Richards... put together guarantee's great viewing. It moves along at an interesting pace and features some great moments. Beautifully shot with gorgeous imagery, it does contain a few unanswered questions and a sort of rushed ending however, all in all, I loved this film and highly recommend it to anyone. A must see for Bette Davis fans. Miss Davis second role following her devastating stroke and double mastectomy, however she met the challenge with triumph and comes off with a brilliant characterization. She has her great moment in court and shows that she still was at the top of her profession right till the end. Give it a go !! You'll enjoy it.

This movie was filmed in and around Valdosta (Lowndes Co.) and Quitman (Brooks Co.), Georgia. The party scene inside the beautiful mansion was filmed at The Crescent in Valdosta, Georgia. The scenes of the houses at the lake were filmed at Ocean Pond and other lakes in southern Lowndes Co. The courthouse scenes (interior and exterior) were filmed at the Brooks County Courthouse. I am from Valdosta and this filming took place when I was in high school and this was a HUGE deal in Valdosta! Quite a few of the extras in the film are people I know! Bette Davis was VERY frail during the time they were shooting and, from what I heard, was an EXTREMELY crotchety and cranky old lady! All in all, it's a decent movie. The scenery is good but the acting leaves A LOT to be desired! The storyline leans HEAVILY toward "To Kill a Mockingbird", but it's entertaining. If I remember correctly, this was filmed for and by HBO.