Summertime

Summertime

21/6/1955 1h 40m 6.8/10

Overview

Middle-aged Ohio secretary Jane Hudson has never found love and has nearly resigned herself to spending the rest of her life alone. But before she does, she uses her savings to finance a summer in romantic Venice, where she finally meets the man of her dreams, the elegant Renato Di Rossi.

Director

David Lean

Top Billed Cast

Darren McGavin

Darren McGavin

Eddie Yaeger

Jane Rose

Jane Rose

Edith McIlhenny

Rossano Brazzi

Rossano Brazzi

Renato de Rossi

Katharine Hepburn

Katharine Hepburn

Jane Hudson

Isa Miranda

Isa Miranda

Signora Fiorini

Mari Aldon

Mari Aldon

Phyl Yaeger

Reviews

CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

4/2/2023

7/10

This is a fine double header featuring an on form Katharine Hepburn and the charming and addictive Rossano Brazzi. The former is "Jane", a middle-aged American lady who is holidaying in Venice when she encounters the latter - "Renato" - a slightly roguish but intriguing antiques dealer who gradually sets his sights on her. "Jane" is a bit of the archetypal spinster. She has always lived her life alone and feels she has few skills to deal with the attentions of her new beau. That said, she is also appreciative that Venice, and all it's beauty, needs to be shared - and "Renato" might just be the man to help her evolve as a woman. Quickly, we learn, though, that "Renato" has quite a big secret that will undoubtedly affect their relationship! Hepburn is perfect for the role - she manages to demonstrate a curiosity and a willingness to develop as a person whilst also appearing vulnerable and almost as fragile as the Murano glass she frequently admires. Brazzi has the charm and sophistication ok, but he also has an humanity and charisma to him that makes this an easy to watch love story that is enjoyably devoid of sentiment, and that - though complicated - never comes across as manipulative or sleazy. Jack Hildyard and David Lean make great use of their stars and of their venue to create a stylish and classy feature that, coupled with an original and well complementing score from Alessandro Cicognini create a story that works really quite well. I'm not so sure the title helps it much, it's a little on the flat side, but the film is a stunning to watch outing for two people who just click from the start.

Similar Movies

After Everything

6.9

After Everything

2023

Zorba the Greek

7.5

Zorba the Greek

1964

Pad Na Jou Hart

6.4

Pad Na Jou Hart

2014

In the Heat of the Night

7.6

In the Heat of the Night

1967

Sore: Istri Dari Masa Depan

9.0

Sore: Istri Dari Masa Depan

2025

The Last Temptation of Christ

7.2

The Last Temptation of Christ

1988

If It's Tuesday, This Must Be Belgium

5.8

If It's Tuesday, This Must Be Belgium

1969

Rubia's Jungle

0.0

Rubia's Jungle

1970

Obsessive Love

5.8

Obsessive Love

1984

The Girl from the Song

6.0

The Girl from the Song

2017

Love Will Save Us

7.0

Love Will Save Us

2024

Shall We Kiss?

6.2

Shall We Kiss?

2007