Dog Days of Summer (2007)

A mysterious drifter lures two boys into uncovering the secrets of a sleepy southern town.

Director:

Mark Freiburger

Writers:

Travis Beacham (screenplay), Mark Freiburger (story),

Stars:

Will Patton, Devon Gearhart, Colin Ford

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Will Patton	...	Eli Cottonmouth
Devon Gearhart	...	Phillip Walden
Colin Ford	...	Jackson Patch
Richard Herd	...	Frank Cooper
Gregory Alan Williams	...	Sheriff Lem Baker
Colin Key	...	Phil Walden / Narrator / B-Movie Director
Wayne Crawford	...	Quincy Patch
R. Keith Harris	...	Pastor Salem / Marty
Jessica Webb	...	Camille Ross
Paul Silver	...	Brock Walden
Mark Joy	...	Chuck Walden
Megan Blake	...	May Walden
Richard Fullerton	...	The General
Patricia Herd	...	Marilyn Rockwell
Joe Inscoe	...	Doc Rockwell

Storyline

As Phil Walden wanders the streets of his deserted hometown, the memories of a fateful childhood summer return. The summer he grew up. The summer that turned this once idyllic paradise upside down. The summer the stranger came to town. This stranger doesn't beg for change, peddle ointments or speak soothe, Eli Cottonmouth builds models - enchanting models, and this sleepy southern town will be the perfect subject. His charm bewitches the townsfolk. His intentions concern the town fathers. And his secrecy captivates two curious boys. As Eli works to re-create the true essence of the community, the boys act as his eyes and ears. Armed with his ancient camera, they snap vignettes of small town life. But, shot-by-shot, Eli changes the way they look at the town. Childish wonderment turns to despair as the boys' eyes open to the true nature of the world around them. That understanding, and Eli's hidden purpose, threaten the existence of the entire town.

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Plot Keywords:

small town | husband wife relationship | coming of age | church | tragedy | 

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Genres:

Drama

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Details

Official Sites:

Official site

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

September 2007 (USA)

Also Known As:

El verano de dog

Filming Locations:

Edenton, North Carolina, USA

Box Office

Opening Weekend:

$2,973 (USA) (18 April 2008)

Gross:

$5,383 (USA) (25 April 2008)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Dog Days Entertainment, Dog Days Film LLC, Highway 9 Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

88 min

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Cast of the black and white "Two-Legged Alligator Man" B-movie scene (14:17 to 14:53) are listed in the ending credits, including Hot Blonde Number (aka Linda), the director, the cameraman, and Marty (the two-legged alligator man). Colin Key (Phillip as an adult) does double duty as the director while R. Keith Harris (Pastor Salem) does double duty as Marty.

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Goofs

The running shoes out of place on the hardwood floor that Jackson's dad calls him out on (11:15 to 11:30) were not the black and white ones Jackson was wearing when he came home (09:36).

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Connections

Version of The Dog Days of Summer (2004)

User Reviews

An inspiring first film.

I felt this film was very special, as I am an aspiring kid out of college and going on to do film/video production at university, it was a great inspiration to me, and definitely an encouragement during my gap year to work hard at my own ideas. Mark has everything that makes a good director, Determination, a good cinematic eye, and kindness. Which i think clearly shows through each scene during the film. It had a warm, yet sinister atmosphere. With a very down-to-earth approach, therefore holding the brutal truth for some characters. He matched the soundtrack well with the scenes (especially the opening scene), which I picked up on a lot as I am looking to first go into music video production. Overall, I think mark and his crew made a first film to be very proud of, and I can sympathise with how much effort and patience it must have taken to get the film to where it is today. I can't wait to see what else Mr. Freiburger has up his sleeve!