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UnowPriceless hyped garbage

Curapedi I cannot think of one single thing that I would change about this film. The acting is incomparable, the directing deft, and the writing poignantly brilliant.

Verity Robins Great movie. Not sure what people expected but I found it highly entertaining.

jhkp There are certain TV Movies (almost always ABC Movies Of The Week)that people like me, who were young teens at the time, will always remember. This was one. I remember clearly that when a TV movie tackling some relevant issue would come out, we were advised by our teachers in Social Studies or English to watch the movie. Critics would review certain important TV films (like this one, and Helter Skelter) in advance - I think it about the only way teachers could be aware of the contents of a film before it aired. In those days, we were all more or less at the mercy of the networks (or locals) if we wanted to watch anything. I remember there were reel to reel video recorders at the school, and sometimes teachers would tape shows off TV. I think That Certain Summer was one. It's been so long since I saw this film that I can't remember anything except some of the actors (excellent) and the location.I do remember that the contents of the film did not seem especially shocking to me or anyone else I knew - child or adult - that saw the film. Everyone just agreed it was a fine film. I was about 13 at the time, by the way.The Movies Of The Week I most vividly remember are: In Search Of America; Mr. and Mrs. Bo Jo Jones; Maybe I'll Come Home In The Spring; Duel; Brian's Song; Letters From Three Lovers; Do Not Fold, Spindle, Or Mutilate; Say Goodbye, Maggie Cole; Isn't It Shocking?; Divorce His, Divorce Hers; A Great American Tragedy; and Longstreet. Some good, some not so good, so so bad they were good, etc.) I'm sure I saw a lot more than the ones I can remember.They were low budget, sometimes cheesy, sometimes stupid, but once in a while a great one was produced, and That Certain Summer was perhaps the most acclaimed of all.

RevJoseph This movie came out when I was 17 years old. I remember watching it and at the same time hoping that my parents weren't paying attention or they would have changed the channel. I remember one scene at the park on the band stand. I was struggling with my own sexuality and this movie gave me a peek at the idea that not every gay person was some Nelly queen. That a gay person could look like everyone else and be just like anyone in the world doing any kind of work. I spent years waiting for this movie to be re-released and I am still waiting. I'm 52 years old now when will ABC realize that they can step up to plate and show how progressive they were and can be again. I would like to share this movie with many of those who are in need of role models as shown in the movie. RE-RELEASE THE MOVIE!!! it was life changing for me and I would love to see it before I leave this world just once more. It was and is important.

climbingivy That Certain Summer is way ahead of it's time for the year 1972.I did not see the movie when it originally aired in 1972. I had not even heard of the movie until I received this movie on VHS tape from a collector.I watched it a couple of nights ago, and I was amazed at the subject matter for the year 1972.First off, the cast was excellent. Hal Holbrook, Hope Lange, Martin Sheen, and Scott Jacoby were just right for their roles.The scenery and setting of San Francisco added to the film's atmosphere.What I like best about the movie is the way that the story ended. The ending did not produce any certain answers for the family involved.The viewer can decide whether the family will make it through the heartache and hurt that all of them are experiencing.This movie was very well done,and is very tender and touching.I recommend this movie very much.I have this movie.

jimu63 "That Certain Summer" is one of the all-time great TV movies. Even though I haven't seen it in maybe 15 years, it is forever seared into my memory as few films I have seen before or since.***SPOILER ALERT***Hal Holbrook plays a divorcee with a young son and a male lover, played by Martin Sheen. Although they have been together for several years, his son has no idea of his homosexuality, because, let's face it, you just didn't acknowledge such things thirty years ago. When the son comes to visit, Sheen moves out to protect his beloved, even though he thinks the boy should be told. The visit goes well until the boy finds evidence of his father's secret life and Holbrook realizes it's time to come clean. The final scene between father and son is absolutely heartbreaking in the simplicity of its emotion and honesty. And the look of shame and disgust on the boy's face is absolutely shattering. As is true in the best movies, little is resolved by the end.Holbrook and Sheen are excellent as is to be expected, and Hope Lange lends credible support as the supportive ex-wife who married him because she thought she could "change" him. Her scene with Sheen is honest and perceptive. But the real find here is Scott Jacoby as the son. I believe he won an Emmy for this role, and if I'm right, it was well-deserved. Unfortunately, like many of his contemporary child actors, he followed this up with several terrific performances (my favorites--"Bad Ronald" and "The Little Girl Who Lives Down the Lane")before disappearing in the early eighties. Thank goodness today's Hollywood is more willing to let it's more talented child actors age gracefully into adulthood.Suffice it to say this is a perfect film and deserves to find a life on home video. And considering society's aversion to anything gay at the time, it was incredibly brave of everyone involved to participate. Watch for this one on the late show. ***** (out of *****)