Customer Reviews

A Summer Story [VHS]

5 star:		(24)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

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!

I remember when I saw this movie in the theater for the first time in 1988. The other reviews are absolutely correct. The film is simply incredible in every way. The cast was superb! And like the other reviewer, I was totally blown away by Megan (Imogen Stubbs) and fell in love at first sight with her. (Funny how many women I have dated that sort of look like her now that I think about it) Anyway... this is a movie not to miss. With a moral point, deep rich history, and incredible capture of turn of the century society, it is a movie that will make you think and in some cases, even haunt your heart for decades later. (Like me) Here is the other side of the story about this movie: As good as it is, for some reason it was only in the movie theater for a very short period of time and then dissapeared for several years from existance. I never knew why. Then in the 1990's, it reappeared in VHS format. But now it is extremely difficult to find or even buy. I have no idea why the American public did not give this movie the recognition it deserves like they did in Europe or why it had such a brief life in the American theaters. But whether you're a "tough guy" like me or a sentimental soul, YOU WILL be brought to tears in this movie. It is THAT good. "Kleenex city" as one reviewer put it... I only hope that some day they will make this movie in DVD format.

I agree enthusiastically with all the reviews here. First of all, why it isn't on DVD is beyond me as well. This movie as a drama has it all! It moved me so much the first time I saw it that I went back to the theatre four times that week. When the soundtrack came out I bought it and would give that five stars as well. Why I think this tugs at the heart strings of all who see it is that it works on numerous emotional levels. It has: 1. A moving story, (adapted from John Galsworthy's story "The Apple Tree"); 2. Is gorgously filmed on location on the moors of southwest England; 3. Has a beautiful soundtrack by Georges Delerue that perfectly compliments the dramatic scenes as well as the landscape; 4. The acting is supurb with excellent performances by Imogen Stubbs (whose eyes will haunt you long after the movie), James Wilby and Susanna York. This movie will move you to tears and won't let your heart go. It still hasn't let mine go and it has been over fifteen years.

If you want to be reminded of how good and pure life can be, as well as how cruel and sad, then watch this movie. That's the best advice I can give anybody. And when you are done, and your eyes are dry, then for at least a moment, you can believe that life is more than possesions, more than money, more than everything around us. Such reminders are rare today indeed.

THIS MOVIE IS AMAZING AND I CANNOT BELIEVE IT ISN'T ON DVD. MY HUSBAND INTRODUCED ME TO IT AND I WAS SO TOUCHED NOT ONLY BY THE MOVIE BUT HIS REACTION TO IT. HE CRIED LIKE A BABY WHEN HE WATCHED IT WITH ME. I ASKED HIM HOW MANY TIMES HE HAD SEEN IT AND HE SAID AT LEAST 20 TIMES. FOR A MOVIE TO INVOKE THIS REACTION AFTER 20 TIMES TELLS YOU HOW AMAZING IT IS. WHEN YOU WATCH IT, WATCH IT WITH AN OPEN MIND AND TAKE YOURSELF TO THAT ERA OF TIME AND LET YOURSELF DELVE INTO THE EMOTIONS AND IF YOU HAVE ANY HEART YOU TO WILL BECOME INTERTWINED INTO THE MAGIC.

I rented this movie when I was in high school. After watching it, I racked up about $40 in late fees at the local video store because I pretended to lose it so I could keep it. I am glad I did because it's so hard to find now!!

I watched it regularly through college, and into my 20's. I even watched it with hubby, and he was smitten and heartbroken right along with me.

So who do we contact about getting this on DVD??

The first time I saw this movie was in 1989, and could not find a copy until very recently. This movie provides you an opportunity to experience joy, innnocence, beauty and heart wrenching loss all within a couple of hours.

I must agree with all the other reviews in terms of the movie's impact, and will add that this movie is very hard to locate, so if you have a chance, get it and you will not be disappointed. While it seems slow for a time, the final 15-20 minutes will leave your emotions in tatters...being one of the most effective movie endings I have ever seen. A must see.

I rented this film in 1990 and was overcome by the acting,
the story line, and the plot twists. As a lover of tear-jerkers,
I cried more than in most sad films.

Although the story line is so engrossing, I can't spoil the film for you. If you knew the twists towards the end, it would ruin the experience for you. The suspense is half the fun.

This film has excellent acting by both of the two leads. Imogen Stubbs plays an innocent farm girl who falls for an English gentleman one summer in the South of England.

Beyond that I can't tell you what happens. I was immediately captivated by Ms. Stubbs from the start of the film. She is
like that, if you're male.

It also teaches a lesson and is somewhat of a morality play. The story line entrances one as an Alfred Hitchcock suspense.
One cannot help but identify with the heroine, superbly acted by Ms. Stubbs. I was deeply moved with the love story, but the
most amazing thing is the ending, which will do more to shake one up than any Alfred Hitchcock.

I believe the story was taken from a story by Galworthy. Never has captivating innocence been so well portrayed by an actor or actress.

--Enjoy!