When Jodie Foster-admirers discuss her long career, this title usually gets left out. It's a simple, sentimental story of an ill young girl and the effects her strength and will has on the people around her. Richard Harris is a bit heavy as her father (and I could have done without his non-singing over the credits: "Deeer-draaah!"), but Foster makes the most of her scenes, particularly with William Windom as a doctor surprised by her maturity and Brad Savage as a local boy who's curious about sex (they hold hands and lie together on the beach in a stunningly delicate moment). Based on the flop Broadway play "Isle of Children", which starred a post-"Miracle Worker" Patty Duke, the movie gets a little hectic in its final stages as the filmmakers try to wrap up the story with a birthday party sequence I didn't much care for. Still worth-seeing for Foster, luminous at eleven years and holding this picture together. **1/2 from ****
11 Reviews
Engaging and poignant
matjpi27 February 2012
Warning: Spoilers
Jodie Foster (Diedre) solidly plants her feet in this role and has flashes of the brilliance that made her the darling she became. Philip's (Brad Savage) dialogue is at times unrealistically savvy or philosophical as he alternates between being 7 and 37 but he has some good comic lines and Savage performed creditably.
The relationship between Eugene (Harris) and Diedre is more poignant in what is, initially, left unsaid. When a child is dying words are cheap, better to make the most of the time left. Despite the sadness of the core theme, there are light moments and it serves the right message: death isn't the important thing, it's what we do before then.
Some gripes. For a singer/songwriter, Richard Harris sang the opening/closing theme sounding like a bag of irate cats being pushed through a revolving door, a tender piano instrumental would have served. The overpaid (Dr.) Hallet's callous offhandedness was flawed and grating. If he was using psychology it was from a Martian textbook. Sarah's implication that Diedre was paying for a godless household seemed trite, insensitive and out-of-character.
That aside, the film was better than expected. Jodie was more feminine in this role than she was in Freaky Friday or Candleshoe and it suited her. I was glad to catch this example of her on the cusp of greatness.
The relationship between Eugene (Harris) and Diedre is more poignant in what is, initially, left unsaid. When a child is dying words are cheap, better to make the most of the time left. Despite the sadness of the core theme, there are light moments and it serves the right message: death isn't the important thing, it's what we do before then.
Some gripes. For a singer/songwriter, Richard Harris sang the opening/closing theme sounding like a bag of irate cats being pushed through a revolving door, a tender piano instrumental would have served. The overpaid (Dr.) Hallet's callous offhandedness was flawed and grating. If he was using psychology it was from a Martian textbook. Sarah's implication that Diedre was paying for a godless household seemed trite, insensitive and out-of-character.
That aside, the film was better than expected. Jodie was more feminine in this role than she was in Freaky Friday or Candleshoe and it suited her. I was glad to catch this example of her on the cusp of greatness.
Great performances, but far too maudlin.
mark.waltz1 March 2022
Warning: Spoilers
The young actors in this little seen Canadian film, Jodie Foster and Brad Savage, are just as good as the adult actors, Richard Harris, Lois Nettleton, Geraldine Fitzgerald and William Windom, and certainly the two-time Academy award-winning Foster (nominated the first time that year for "Taxi Driver") shows her promise as a major star of tomorrow here. She plays a young girl on the verge of her 12th birthday dying of a heart condition, wanting to live her last days with Grace and dignity on the shores of Nova Scotia and finding an unlikely friendship with the nine-year next door neighbor, Savage. Harris and Nettleton are her concerned parents, having different ideas of the type of treatment their daughter should have, and they even have a live-in tutor for her, veteran actress Fitzgerald who is crotchety but loving. Ultimately it has to come down to Foster live in her last days the way she sees fit, and that's going to take a lot of soul-searching from her parents.
More like a TV movie than a theatrical one, this isn't exactly a feel-good movie but somehow the writing does make you care about the characters even in their most maudlin moments. Foster was very busy as a teen actress, having at least three theatrical films this year. She'll be the reason why most people tune in to this, but veteran actor Harris and the beloved Nettleton get a ton of sympathy as well. Windom is the latest in a long line of doctors which Harris does not approve of. The Canadian lake scenery is beautiful, and Foster's determination to find dignity in dying is remarkably brave. The film's themes of accepting death may not be an uplifting one, but it's as memorable as recent successful TV movies of the time, most notably "Eric" and 'Sunshine". She's not going to be any girl In a plastic bubble. There's also a religious spin thanks to Fitzgerald's character, at conflict with the family's practice of faith. Maybe not the most uplifting film, but certainly worth it to see the young Foster in perhaps her most rare film.
More like a TV movie than a theatrical one, this isn't exactly a feel-good movie but somehow the writing does make you care about the characters even in their most maudlin moments. Foster was very busy as a teen actress, having at least three theatrical films this year. She'll be the reason why most people tune in to this, but veteran actor Harris and the beloved Nettleton get a ton of sympathy as well. Windom is the latest in a long line of doctors which Harris does not approve of. The Canadian lake scenery is beautiful, and Foster's determination to find dignity in dying is remarkably brave. The film's themes of accepting death may not be an uplifting one, but it's as memorable as recent successful TV movies of the time, most notably "Eric" and 'Sunshine". She's not going to be any girl In a plastic bubble. There's also a religious spin thanks to Fitzgerald's character, at conflict with the family's practice of faith. Maybe not the most uplifting film, but certainly worth it to see the young Foster in perhaps her most rare film.
An excellent movie on the strength of the human heart
shrinkv3 June 2000
All of the acting is as good as it gets. Jodie Foster as the main character gives a flawless performance, in this extremely well written story about the life of a precocious child that is dying. Director Don Taylor, creates a visually beautiful, yet simple canvas on which the actors ply their craft. This is a movie with much raw emotion, but as light as is possible on the cliche tear jerker stuff. It offers a range of emotions and insights into the human condition. Makes you proud to be human, even with all of our flaws. Don't miss it, but be prepared to be emotionally wrung out.
Great Movie
douglaswlsh22 September 2005
I seen this movie when it first came out in 1976. This is my all time favorite Jodie Foster movie. I think this is one of Jodie's best as a child actress. Not that she didn't do a great job in her other roles; but for whatever reason, this movie has been my favorite. Dealing with the reality of death and dying, which most children around this age(between 7 & 13)it's a big fear factor. And for the family(mother and father, siblings)dealing with with the emotional stress of losing a love one, at such a young age. Has to be the most heart breaking experience. I love the drama of this movie. How it deals with reality. It's a great movie. Richard Haris does a great job portraying the father. It helped me deal with the reality of death and dying.
Echoes of a Summer
yesiam_best12 August 2005
Since it's been a long time since I saw the movie, and since I have searched for several years for it I would have to give it a 10. Since I have remembered only how it made me feel; what a wonderful, warm sense I got at that young age that has lasted, to make me want to; no, really, crave to see this movie again. I couldn't remember the actors. All I could remember was the little girl was dying and the love between her and her father was so beautiful and there was a sand castle. Tonight I decided that I had to find the movie and I did a search and remembered the name Richard. I found it. And my goodness, Richard Harris and Jodie Foster - two of my very, very favorite actors and what a wonderful job they did. I could see them. I don't know why I couldn't recognize them. I would recommend this movie to everyone. I will be getting it (finally) and won't let it out of my sight. Enjoy!
The Reason I started watching Jodi Foster's movies!
stacyd-5490021 March 2015
I saw this movie when it came out. Being just a few years younger than the character (and the actual actress) I was very taken by how well Ms. Foster played this part. From then on I wanted to see all of her movies though I had to wait until I was older to see some of them because they were not age appropriate for me at the time. Ms. Foster is a wonderful actress and this movie is a must see! The story line is very well written. The setting is beautiful and the acting puts the viewer right there with the characters. I would recommend that anyone who enjoys movies about real life situations see this movie. It's a must see for all Jodi Foster fans!
Beautiful but incredibly sad film
SusieSalmonLikeTheFish15 September 2014
Warning: Spoilers
A little girl (age 11), suffers from heart trouble that her parents know could end her life. Heading towards the beautiful province of Nova Scotia for her final days, they try to make the last of her life as enjoyable as possible.
Not only was the Nova Scotian scenery beautiful, the story itself was too; it's incredibly tragic and melancholy but shows how you can make the most out of things at even the most horrible of times.
Jodie Foster acted in one of my favorite films that year, The Little Girl Who Lives Down the Lane (also filmed in Canada but on the horror side rather than drama), and she was just as good in this role, playing Deirdre, as she was playing the murderess Rynn Jacobs. Even similar movies like Never Let Me Go(2010) and Paperhouse (1988) are lacking something compared to this one. With its great acting, memorable soundtrack, beautiful scenery and original plot, Echoes of a Summer is one movie that really stands out.
Not only was the Nova Scotian scenery beautiful, the story itself was too; it's incredibly tragic and melancholy but shows how you can make the most out of things at even the most horrible of times.
Jodie Foster acted in one of my favorite films that year, The Little Girl Who Lives Down the Lane (also filmed in Canada but on the horror side rather than drama), and she was just as good in this role, playing Deirdre, as she was playing the murderess Rynn Jacobs. Even similar movies like Never Let Me Go(2010) and Paperhouse (1988) are lacking something compared to this one. With its great acting, memorable soundtrack, beautiful scenery and original plot, Echoes of a Summer is one movie that really stands out.
In essence a movie of a loving dad and his dying daughter
richardjetters14 August 2009
I have never seen this before until today. The acting was tremendous...I don't know if it is because I have a daughter the same age as Jodi Foster's character or because I am so emotional about my child's future.....but this was a great reminder of how to live life to the fullest and to really treasure every moment you have with your kids...no matter how good or how bad.
My daughter was born with health issues and thank God that things worked out for the best. She had an injury at 5 that almost caused her to be paralyzed. I guess I was in a sad state when I saw this but it is truly a good movie. A dad that would do anything to make his girl happy. That dad is me and I love my daughter more than anything.
My daughter was born with health issues and thank God that things worked out for the best. She had an injury at 5 that almost caused her to be paralyzed. I guess I was in a sad state when I saw this but it is truly a good movie. A dad that would do anything to make his girl happy. That dad is me and I love my daughter more than anything.
Very, Very Bad
drednm31 May 2018
Take Richard Harris' off-key singing over the opening credits as a warning: This is a bad film.
Based on the flop Broadway play "Isle of Children" (11 performances in 1962) this maudlin story about a dying kid approaching her 12th birthday is nothing but talk and more talk set along the Nova Scotia coast.
Jodie Foster plays little Deirdre as a pint-sized Camille with occasional coughs and sputters and chest clutching. She's dying from a bad heart. Daddy (Richard Harris) is her best friend and has apparently packed up the family to a coastal village in Nova Scotia (this is a Canadian film production) to give Deirdre one last wonderful summer. She's a little princess and he's built a miniature castle for her on a stairway landing by the sea.
Mommy (Lois Nettleton) seems to spend her time chasing doctors and wringing her hands over Deirdre's fate. She and daddy fight constantly about what to do. Of course there is nothing they can do. There's also a stern tutor (Geraldine Fitzgerald) who makes Deirdre memorize historical knowledge (why?) and blathers about Jesus. The family is not religious.
There's also a neighbor, a 9-year old (Brad Savage) who is Deirdre's best friend. He seems to serve as a sounding board for the family and asks questions only an adult would ask. Then there's a brief appearance by William Windom as a non-nonsense doctor who tells the parents for the hundredth time the kid is doomed.
The ending, where the parents put on a play with a herd of overdressed children from the village in the audience, is intolerably bad yet seems to serve as a "happy ending" for all involved. I suppose it's supposed to be a bit of whimsy, but it falls flat even though the children watch this nonsense in rapt attention.
Main problems are that sturdy little Jodie Foster is the wrong choice for playing Deirdre. You never believe for a minute that she is sickly. Harris mugs his way through his role (he also produced the film) with a wandering accent. Nettleton, Fitzgerald, and Windom all have one-dimensional roles. Savage is ok but his role as written, sounds like he's 19 rather than 9.
Also incredibly bad is the music track that churns on in the background using strains from WEST SIDE STORY's "Maria" and the theme from GONE WITH THE WIND patched into it's Muzak score.
Little Deirdre's (last) birthday wish is to be old. The audience must have been wishing for this film to be OVER.
Based on the flop Broadway play "Isle of Children" (11 performances in 1962) this maudlin story about a dying kid approaching her 12th birthday is nothing but talk and more talk set along the Nova Scotia coast.
Jodie Foster plays little Deirdre as a pint-sized Camille with occasional coughs and sputters and chest clutching. She's dying from a bad heart. Daddy (Richard Harris) is her best friend and has apparently packed up the family to a coastal village in Nova Scotia (this is a Canadian film production) to give Deirdre one last wonderful summer. She's a little princess and he's built a miniature castle for her on a stairway landing by the sea.
Mommy (Lois Nettleton) seems to spend her time chasing doctors and wringing her hands over Deirdre's fate. She and daddy fight constantly about what to do. Of course there is nothing they can do. There's also a stern tutor (Geraldine Fitzgerald) who makes Deirdre memorize historical knowledge (why?) and blathers about Jesus. The family is not religious.
There's also a neighbor, a 9-year old (Brad Savage) who is Deirdre's best friend. He seems to serve as a sounding board for the family and asks questions only an adult would ask. Then there's a brief appearance by William Windom as a non-nonsense doctor who tells the parents for the hundredth time the kid is doomed.
The ending, where the parents put on a play with a herd of overdressed children from the village in the audience, is intolerably bad yet seems to serve as a "happy ending" for all involved. I suppose it's supposed to be a bit of whimsy, but it falls flat even though the children watch this nonsense in rapt attention.
Main problems are that sturdy little Jodie Foster is the wrong choice for playing Deirdre. You never believe for a minute that she is sickly. Harris mugs his way through his role (he also produced the film) with a wandering accent. Nettleton, Fitzgerald, and Windom all have one-dimensional roles. Savage is ok but his role as written, sounds like he's 19 rather than 9.
Also incredibly bad is the music track that churns on in the background using strains from WEST SIDE STORY's "Maria" and the theme from GONE WITH THE WIND patched into it's Muzak score.
Little Deirdre's (last) birthday wish is to be old. The audience must have been wishing for this film to be OVER.
but why the low ranking? it is an excellent movie...
salva_tee5 November 2006
i was very disappointed of the votes for this movie...why the low ranking? because is a classical? it is a very, very good movie, it is an excellent one, i might say. it has beautiful, brilliant lines...the kid (the sick girl in the movie) is simply genius... just watch the movie, i can't describe it's beauty, words simply are not enough. Yes is a typical one, it makes you cry, is sensible, it has a classical drama...but who are we to judge this in 1976?? i know that many hide behind the concept of strength, behind laughter, behind violence, behind...philosophy. is true, in 2006 homo sapient is dead...mow lives homo videns (sartori). Today, we are very visual, we communicate very often through visual arts, in media, in advertising, in entertainment, in everything...we meed special effects? too bad. this movie is too simple for us? think again...i just love it.
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