Summer of 42 – 1971
Director
Robert Mulligan

Writer
Herman Raucher

Cast
Jennifer O’Neill
Gary Grimes
Jerry Houser

Review by Wayne Malin

Charming, quiet little movie

It’s 1942 and a teenager (Gary Grimes) falls in love with a woman (Jennifer O’Neill) whose husband is off at war. That’s about all there is to it, but it beautifully captures the feeling of being a teenage boy and in love. Also captures the feeling of a small seaside summer community during the 1940s. Well-acted by Grimes but O’Neill is sort of a blank–she’s absolutely gorgeous, but not much of an actress.

Another plus is an absolutely great Oscar-winning score by Michel Legrand. It establishes the mood and tone of the film nicely.

No great shakes but a very pleasant, engrossing, quiet little film. A huge hit in its day. Originally R rated (for language) but it was lowered to a PG.

Whatever happened to Grimes?

For those who want a reminder of the music and film here’s a little video.