Last Summer

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.

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).

To the poster who asked if her name change to Seagull had anything to do with the film, the answer is yes.

While filming one of the scenes with the bird, it was accidentally killed. She was so moved ( or guilt ridden) by it that she changed her name to Seagull to memorialize it. I read this in an biography of her years ago.

Seems vaguely stuntish, but it was the 60s, after all. One thing that always interested me was that her career stalled for years, and it wasn't until after she changed her name back to Hershy that she got more roles and respect. Kind of like Dionne Warwick/Warwicke.

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

Very intriguing late 60's film by Frank Perry with a great performance by Catherine Burns (nominated and SHOULD have won Supporting Actress). A young Barbara Hershey is attractive and full of verve. Bruce Davison is fine and Richard Thomas is sensitive and believable, but C. Burns as Rhoda is heartbreaking and wonderful. I don't know what happened to his young actress. She was also in RED SKY AT MORNING with Richard Thomas in '71.

An 8 out of 10. Best performance = Ms. Burns. A tale of youth that will stay with you. Nothing exploitive going on this film. Find it if you can. A beauty!