A Summer Place
A self-made businessman rekindles a romance with a former flame while their two teenage children begin a romance of their own with drastic consequences for both couples.
Critics Sentiment
Helen publicly reveals Ken and Sylvia's adultery to everyone
Justice of peace refuses to marry the underage teens
The film peaks with the explosive affair revelation at 60 minutes but then steadily declines through the forced pregnancy plot and elopement obstacles before recovering somewhat with the final resolution.
A Summer Place builds effectively to its climactic affair revelation at the midpoint, which reviewers consistently praised as the film's dramatic peak. However, the second half loses considerable steam as it shifts into more conventional soap opera territory with pregnancy drama and contrived obstacles. While the beautiful scenery, iconic Max Steiner score, and strong performances (particularly Constance Ford) earned praise throughout, most critics felt the film's melodramatic tendencies became more pronounced and less compelling as it progressed toward its ultimately satisfying but somewhat sappy conclusion.
Full cast
Showing 20 of 35
Richard Egan
Ken Jorgenson
Dorothy McGuire
Sylvia Hunter
Sandra Dee
Molly Jorgenson
Arthur Kennedy
Bart Hunter
Troy Donahue
Johnny Hunter
Beulah Bondi
Mrs. Emily Hamilton Hamble
Constance Ford
Helen Jorgenson
Jack Richardson
Claude Andrews
Martin Eric
Todd Harper, Handyman at Pine Island Inn
Eleanor Audley
Waiting Guest at Molly's College (uncredited)
Marshall Bradford
Dr. Matthias (uncredited)
Phil Chambers
Sheriff (uncredited)
Joe Connors
Driver (uncredited)
Peter Constanti
Captain of Yacht (uncredited)
Richard Deacon
Pawnbroker (uncredited)
Ann Doran
Mrs. Talbert (uncredited)
Gertrude Flynn
Helen's Mother (uncredited)
Bonnie Franklin
Girl in Dormitory (uncredited)
Everett Glass
Dean (uncredited)
Robert Griffin
Engelhardt (uncredited)
Crew
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