Summerfield (1977)

User Rating:

7.3/10   

Director:

Ken Hannam

Writer:

Cliff Green (written by)

Release Date:

30 September 1977 (Australia)

Genre:

Drama | Mystery

Tagline:

Nothing will prepare you for the end

Plot:

A teacher discovers one of his students has a rare blood disease, and is drawn into a mystery that culminates in a thrilling climax. |

Plot Keywords:

Small Community | Schoolteacher | Hanged Child | Fake Hanging | Disappearance

Cast

Nick Tate	...	Simon Robinson
John Waters	...	David Abbott
Elizabeth Alexander	...	Jenny Abbott
Michelle Jarman	...	Sally Abbott
Charles 'Bud' Tingwell	...	Dr. Miller
Geraldine Turner	...	Betty Tate
Max Cullen	...	Jim Tate
Barry Donnelly	...	Sergeant Potter
Sheila Florance	...	Miss Gleeson
Isobel Harley	...	Miss Tucker
Joy Westmore	...	Mrs. Shields
Adrian Wright	...	Peter Flynn
David Smeed	...	Mark
Max Fairchild	...	Joe Baxter

Runtime:

95 min

Country:

Australia

Language:

English

Color:

Color (Eastmancolor)

Sound Mix:

Mono

Certification:

Australia:M

Filming Locations:

Phillip Island, Victoria, Australia

Trivia:

The movie was racked with controversy after its release, with Director Ken Hannam condemning it to the media of the day. Producer Patricia Lovell has said of it; "It was one of those films that has caused me a lot of sleepless nights since" The lead actors have also spoken of their mixed feelings about the movie, interviews with them can be seen on the DVD. Nick Tate has said; "It's a film that, I think, was before its time in Australia" John Waters reckons; "Its one of the Australian films that really has stood the test of time" And Elizabeth Alexander has said; "I'm very sorry for everyone who was involved that it wasn't finally as great as we all hoped it would be. Because it certainly had the makings of that, the potential to be that and, of course, everyone wanted it to be that. But for me, it was just off the mark. I'm sorry to say that."

Quotes:

Jenny Abbott: When David and I were very young, we'd walk up here and sit and look out across the water. We used to argue if that land over there was England or America! Sometimes it was Africa or India but it was always the world, the world beyond our world - Summerfield.

Movie Connections:

Featured in Secrets of Summerfield: The Making of 'Summerfield' (2005) (V)

Why isn't this on DVD release yet?

Earlier comments already tell you what's so good about this film and have kindly not spoiled the plot so I'll simply add that I would love to see this classic film again.

This movie makes a refreshing change from modern formulaic trash (you know the ones I mean) so give it a go ~ I'm surprised by how watchable 70's movies are, it didn't seem so then but it was a brilliant decade for films.

Come on whoever-owns-the-film-rights, pull your finger out and give this fab movie the DVD release it deserves! NOW!

P.S, If you like this, try 'Bunny Lake is Missing' which is another quirky little gem...