Product Details

• Actors: James Wilby, Imogen Stubbs, Susannah York, Kenneth Colley, Jerome Flynn
• Directors: Piers Haggard
• Format: NTSC
• Rated: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
• Number of tapes: 1
• Studio: Anchor Bay
• VHS Release Date: July 25, 1990
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (24 customer reviews)
• ASIN: 6301432843
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #201,992 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

30 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Extremely Effective Movie, February 6, 2001

By 

J. Reynolds (Houston, TX United States) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: A Summer Story [VHS] (VHS Tape)

I was a young man by myself in the big city when this movie was released. One lonely Wednesday evening, I went to the multiplex to see the latest Chuck Norris flick. Something was wrong with the projector, and the film broke repeatedly. Finally, the theater manager entered and offered everyone a free ticket for any future showing -- and if you wanted to stay and watch any other movie presently playing there, just help yourself.

I looked down the hallway and saw a couple of Disney films and a cartoon, and something called A Summer Story. I'd never heard of it, but it was about to begin so I hurried inside, what the hey. The music was pretty, and the scenery too, and then the plot kicked into gear. Megan David appeared on the scene, and I was completely overwhelmed by her beauty, absolutely thunder-struck. Other reviewers have revealed plot details, so I will not -- but when the film's climax arrived, I started sobbing and blowing my nose and I just couldn't stop. It was pitiful, nothing like that had ever happened to me, and I would have been terribly embarrassed had everyone else in the theater not been doing exactly the same thing. I finally got a grip again, later, outside in the parking lot, after it was all over.

Years and years passed, and I acquired a wife and stepkids, a girl (11) and a boy (9). One night, I rented A Summer Story for them, and told them absolutely nothing about it. When the film's climax arrived, they all bawled their eyes out, just plain puddled up and squalled -- which is exactly what the director intended for audiences to do, we're talking Kleenex City. If judged upon the success of its intended purpose, A Summer Story is a remarkably effective piece of film-making.

You definitely need to see it once. Then, show it to a loved one, don't tell him/her what to expect, and sit back and enjoy.

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A word about VHS versions of A Summer Story, September 25, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Summer Story [VHS] (VHS Tape)

I echo everything everyone has said. A wonderful movie. Successful in all it aspired to: Story, Cinematography, Acting, Soundtrack, Direction, Editing all work sublimely. One of the 25 DVD's I would buy (but as of this writing not on DVD - or VHS anymore for that matter).

I wanted to mention my experience with 2 VHS versions of this movie. The first time I saw it, I rented it, and it made a huge impression. I always wanted to own a copy but could never find one. Then, years later, to my shock while browsing a mall video store there it was - for $9.99 no less! A miracle. Unfortunately, when I took it home and viewed it, it was an edited version that had parts cut out that were important to the film (not just the R-rated stuff). The tape was EP (low quality) as well. The film was much less effective, in fact I discarded the copy I hated seeing it altered so much!

Going from memory: the edited version I got was by ITC and had a closeup of Imogen Stubbs on the cover. The good version I remember renting had James Wilby and Imogen Stubbs on the cover embracing.

There may be more versions and variations then those 2. My suggestion (especially if you have to pay $$$) is to find a used rental copy release.

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A heart-warming tale that will stay with you forever...., March 10, 2003

By 

Marcy Gomez (Kansas City, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Summer Story [VHS] (VHS Tape)

I found this video on sale at my local video store several years ago and purchased it on a whim. I didn't know anything about it but was familiar enough with the stars Imogen Stubbs and James Wilby - being a huge fan of British dramas myself. All I can say is that this was one of the best impulsive purchases I have ever made, having found a gem of a movie that I absolutely love.

The movie starts out with a young barrister Mr. Ashton (James Wilby) and his best friend romping around the English countryside. Due to a leg injury, Ashton is forced to seek the help of nearby cottagers and they are taken in for a few days. The family is poor and very country-bumpkin-ish but pretty and innocent Megan David (Imogen Stubbs) catches the eye of Mr. Ashton and a flirtation of sorts takes place. Ashton decides to stay longer and he and Megan fall in love, much to the chagrin of Megan's aunt and her family. Mr. Ashton is then packed off but not until he promises to come back and take Megan with him.

What happens next is a chain of events that will leave you in wild anticipation over the fate of Mr. Ashton and Megan. While I will not reveal vital plot details, I have to say that - like the other reviewers - this film had a profound emotional impact on me and left me in tears. I cannot watch this film now without shedding a tear and I am so glad that I bought this film when I did so that I (and my family and friends) could watch it over and over again. This is one of those powerful films that show you what it is to love and lose, and shows the consequences of choices that one makes and how a person's choices affect the lives of others.

I highly recommend this film to everyone. It is one of those unforgettable films that will make a powerful emotional impact on anyone who sees it. A must see!