Did anyone else see Summertime, 1955, on TCM the other night? Gosh, I can't stop thinking about it. I thought I had seen all the David Lean films out there, but somehow this little gem fell through the cracks. It's about a lonely American spinster, who learns to accept imperfect love from a married art dealer, while on holiday in Venice.
This is a smaller, slower film than Lean's epics, and not quite in the same league as Brief Encounter, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. The unique thing about this movie, is that it's filmed entirely on location in gorgeous 1950s Venice. The remastered Criterion Collection version is crisp, colorful and quite delicious. I'm not sure which was the most lip-smacking, the 39 year old Rossano Brazzi in a gray flannel suit or Venice. Hepburn is magnificent, at any age, and she certainly held her own, at 48, paired with the younger Brazzi.
I love the scene where Hepburn enter's Brazzi's shop and spots a wonderful vintage goblet in the window. It made me long to travel in time back to the Venice of the 50s and do some serious shopping. One interesting tidbit of trivia; there's a scene where Hepburn accidentally falls into the canal while taking a home movie of Brazzi's shop. As a result, she actually contracted an infection in her eyes that she battled the rest of her life.
Although this film is a predictable love story, it's not a sappy one. It's poignantly real and deals with the deep fear and emotion felt by Hepburn's character. The quintessential Lean photography is breathtaking. It made me want to pack my bags and head straight to Venice. In the meantime, I'm going to buy myself a DVD for my little manor library.
Love this movie. One of Lean's best :)
ReplyDeleteI have always thought that Hepburn was from the 'school of overacting' not quite chewing the scenery, but on her way (sorry...) but if DL is in it, may be I'll be able to overlook the female casting??? Thanks for the heads up. -J
ReplyDeleteNope, never seen this film. Thanks for the head's up. Lean's camera in Venice — what could be better?
ReplyDeleteI had forgotten this movie but when I saw the still of her in the doorway of that shop - I remember seeing it years ago. I don't remember where or exactly when, how funny. Want to revisit it now. Thanks for the reminder.
ReplyDeleteThis movie sounds wonderful, I loved "Brief Encounter" so I shall definitely be trying to get my hands on a copy of this. Thanks for sharing :)
ReplyDeleteI've never seen it but since I'll be in venice in 37 days (but who's counting?) I'll definitely get it.
ReplyDelete=)
Bambi, you've GOT to see this before you go!! (I'm totally jealous, by the way!!)
ReplyDeleteTotally agree with you about this lovely, rarely seen gem of a film.
ReplyDeleteMiss David Lean and his visual perfection....not too many have this gift these days....
Hugs,
♥ Robin ♥
Looks fabulous. Hope they air it again!
ReplyDeleteRossano Brazzi is truly appealing. I have seen this movie and enjoyed Miss Hepburn thoroughly. I didn't know about the eye infection. I always like interesting bits of information especially about great actors.
ReplyDeleteIt is one of my favourites Willow....xv
ReplyDeleteYum indeed! I haven't seen it but am very tempted.
ReplyDeleteCJ xx
David Lean and Truffault are my all time favourite directors. That canal was really dirty!
ReplyDeleteI haven't seen it!
ReplyDeleteA must for the netflix queue -
Jjj
Oh I have to stop this!....now at 78 movies in line at Netflix...and I have you to blame for at least half of them:) ...this sounds wonderful...love Venice and Hepburn so how can it go wrong?...and I never heard of it before either...
ReplyDeleteWhat a find. I haven't seen it wither and I thought I'd seen all the films pf that era!
ReplyDeleteI never saw Brazzi looking so good - I always thought he was a bit 'ham' in South Pacific. Perhaps I need to watch it again!
I remember seeing this many years ago. I'd love to see it again.
ReplyDeleteBrief Encounter is one of those films that I treasure. I have it on my HDD recorder and on DVD. It is just my cuppa tea - and the railway cafeteria scenes! Well, I have been in some of those in the distant past; I think this is one of the main reasons I love the film. Trevor Howard, however, was said to dislike it and didn't want to be remembered for it. He was such a super actor, especially in The Third Man. I read that he liked a drink, but so do millions of others. He married Helen Cherry in 1944 until his death in 1988. My type of actor!
Swoon-worthy pics, especially the last one.
ReplyDelete{swoon}
I really love this movie, too. I haven't seen it in a long time, but now want to. I love the scence on the piazza with all the pigeons. The surrounding columns and fountain are amazing. That scene is what made Venice my dream place to visit. Thanks for bringing back the beautiful images of this movie : )
ReplyDeleteOh I know, I know, I know! Love this film. Yum, is right.
ReplyDeleteCatherine
I used to dream about being able to enjoy lifestyles of the rich and famous and then life became more important than that so I just admire them their work. I really liked her in the Scottish movie, whose name I have since forgotten. I think that film depicted the times as they must have been. Maybe it was Gary Cooper in the film with her. Not sure. Too long ago.
ReplyDeleteWillow,
ReplyDeleteI saw it. Wasn't that a wonderful movie. AHH!!!Vience
and the wonderment of seeing it for the first time.
Brazzi is gorgeous.. I have seen it a few times. I don't mind seeing a good movie even if it's old, over the choice of the trash on TV today. I Want to go to the
Cinema, but it's all no mind movies. I am waiting for
Secretariat to come out.
Rossano Brazzi. Say it slooowly, perfecto :)
ReplyDeleteTomorrow night there is an art lecture on Venice, I shall think of you if I'm well enough to go... although I'd much rather be in Venice again..
I am sorry to hear of Hepburn's eye infection. We never really know the invisible troubles behind beautiful people, do we...
Philip, I am totally in LOVE with Trevor Howard. I own both Brief Encounter and The Third Man and he is marvelous in both!
ReplyDeleteOh my -- I love this movie - Kate's acting is superb and the timing between Brazzi is glorious to watch. Many scenes are memorable to me but the one I remember the most is the kiss under the bridge and the whispering like lovers do -- it was acting at the height of perfection never seen it duplicated by any actors since.
ReplyDeleteThanks for jogging my mind - will get a copy on DVD for the Technicolor is also wonderful to look at.
Joanny
Shaista, I do hope you feel well enough for the art lecture. Wish I could pop over and go with you!! x
ReplyDeleteA marvellous film maker and two fine actors; what more could we need? Must admit I'd never heard of this but will certainly try to find it.
ReplyDeleteYou have wonderful film tips! Yes, pack your bags and head to Venice some day. My wife and I were in Italy three months ago and loved the Tuscan countryside.
ReplyDeleteSounds wonderful Willow. Thanks for the great review. I'm going to add this to my ever-growing must-see movie list.
ReplyDeleteOne of my summer favorites. A wonderful "girls on holiday" film like "Three Coins in a Fountain." Dated, predictable, but FUN! Usually gets poor reviews when written by critics, but sometimes films really don't have to be much more than a good bowl of vanilla ice cream. There's something to be said for good vanilla.
ReplyDeleteYou had me at Hepburn. Will make sure to see this as soon as possible (probably the only way I'll ever see Venice). Thanks!
ReplyDeleteHepburn has never been one of my favorites, but the movie sounds delightful, and oh, who wouldn't want to visit Venice.
ReplyDeleteclassic!
ReplyDeletei have actually seen this one...great movie!
ReplyDeleteI love your movie tips! I will definitely check this one out...
ReplyDeleteIt is a classic, though I admit I'm not a huge KH fan...I agree about the overacting. Anyway, I overlooked that & finally saw it last summer on the big screen at AFI in DC-area...I've spent a fair amount of time in Venice & it's always great to see again. I hate the word 'spinster' though. Ugh.
ReplyDeleteI remember reading that Ms. Hepburn insisted on doing her own stunt into that (sadly) dirty water, against everyone's good advice. Obviously she paid for the authenticity. So typical of her to insist! She's a lady I admire.
ReplyDeleteOH Willow! I am SOOOOOO in the mood for a film like this...think I will pick it up for myself! A little self-indulgence!
ReplyDeletenever saw it....oh it does sounds like a gem! will have to keep an eye out for it.
ReplyDeleteI got to the bit where you speak about the goblet in the window, and I suddenly remembered that I'd seen the film. Wonderful.
ReplyDeleteI've never liked Hepburn's hair; something creepy about it.
Bisou, Cro.
Omigoodness, this is one of my favorite movies.
ReplyDeleteNot long ago one of our neighborhood theatres had a double bill of Summertime and Roman Holiday. It was wonderful...!
I haven't seen this movie either. Thanks for the recommendation. And Hepburn rules! No matter what she did, but she was always on top.
ReplyDeleteMany thanks for the fantastic review.
Greetings from London.
Yes, Willow, pack your bag,
ReplyDeleteI know I store which looks almost identical to the one in the picture: Happily married owner, but he is a friend and will invite you in for a glass of Spumante in his courtyard (where his wife is putting flowers all over his antique treasures for sale).
I have to get that movie!
Thank you for the tipp.
You must know "Bread and Tulips", I suppose.
Now that is one film that I really must try and see. Venice is perhaps my favourite city of all time and if you head there outside the normal tourist high season you can still catch the feel of it as it must have been back in the fifties.
ReplyDeleteObviously didn't see it on TCM, but know the film and as soon as the post started I thought of the scene in the shop and the Venetian glass. It is a magical afternoon movie, and as you say, Hepburn is wonderful in it.
ReplyDeleteVenice is one of my favorite cities in the world -- and Hepburn is one of my favorite actresses. Can't wait to get this one.
ReplyDeleteHepburn's white gloves bring back great memories of the days of pillbox hats and little white gloves. What an elegant movie. The scenes of Venice--wow! It is a bit more romantic than The Italian Job. I treasure my souvenirs from Murano glass factory. It's a beautiful city in spite of the realities.
ReplyDeleteNo I've Not Seen This One.Sounds Good.Must Be Worth A Watch For Venice Alone.
ReplyDeleteMerisi, yes! Bread and Tulips is wonderful. I've only seen it once and that was years ago. I must add it to my queue. The shop you know sounds just like heaven. Okay, I'm packing.
ReplyDeleteTony, you're so right. Even if you don't like the actors, it's worth it just for Venice.
Wonders if the movie borrows and reference to "Death In Venice" by Thomas Mann. Phaedrus still haunts me. Trepidatious to take flight, no "fear of flying" for Ms Hepburn. Wonders what precipitated her change in moral compass; the Brazzi! Yes, I remember this film from years ago, the red venetian glass (how passionate). No doubt there was a 50's moral at the end of the story. This love affair only being a temporal thing as undoubtly Venice can only bring you so close to heaven. Was there any really fine music playing in the background. I am also reminded of "Room With A View" a magnificent film.
ReplyDeleteVenice is on my list of 'things to do before I die'. It has always conjured up a place of romance and beauty for me. I will seek this film out. Thanks for the heads up!
ReplyDeleteWillow I have to see this now. Love Hepburn and she was not over acting. She is true to her time period.
ReplyDeleteShe is Demi Moore's age in this film and I cannot help but think that Hepburn looked more beautiful at that age.
The last two times in Venicia we stopped in at this shop- still looks the same- still an antique shop of curiousities and the cannal where she fell- euwww- waters are unbelievably nasty- put a hard boiled egg , some rotten chicken and brocholi under your nose next time you watch this and you might get more of the true ambiance..
ReplyDeleteYoli, I must agree with you on Hepburn being true to her time period. I recently saw her in "Lion in Winter" and she gave a stellar performance.
ReplyDeleteI missed this one! Katherine Hepburn is always great, but I must say the Venice location gives it an extra something. I just read that it was actually Lean's favourite film he directed - guess it's a must-see!
ReplyDeleteI have never seen the film, but will be looking for it--thanks for sharing. What is it about Italy that is so perfect? I cannot articulate it, but my heart surely knows it :)
ReplyDeleteTotally! The scenery is so breathtaking that we kept saying, "We've been there!"
ReplyDeleteVenice in 2000 is just the same as it was in 1955! Italy lives all its history at once.
when you mentioned the goblet I wondered if I'd seen this. Will put on my Netflix list anyway.
ReplyDelete"Italy lives all its history at once." I love that, Rosaria!!
ReplyDeleteI don't think David Lean made a movie I didn't like. One of my favorites and not a well known film any longer is "Ryan's Daughter". My husband and I saw it together as teenagers and fell madly in lust, I mean, love. It's a beautiful film but never receives any play on television.
ReplyDeleteYes dear Willow, Venice calling is an irresistible force which cannot be denied.
ReplyDeleteMillie ^_^
Thanks for the recommendation. I put in in my Netflix queue!
ReplyDeleteMy husband and I watched this film a few months ago--we started it by accident, then couldn't stop watching. It is an odd little film, but the colors and scenes of Venice are truly incredible.
ReplyDeleteThis is an excellent film, one I really enjoyed. Think I may have to revisit it soon.
ReplyDeleteAnd I didn't know that about the infection she battled. A friend of mine actually swallowed water that was full of bacteria and was sick for months on end battling and eventually winning the fight. Scary stuff.
i've always adored this film.
ReplyDeleteone of my favorite scenes:
while they dance,
hepburn places her hand on brazzi's neck,
like the italian women around her.
another favorite scene:
the red glass goblet.
the provincial american tourist pulls it out,
presenting it in close up for the audience.
such a brilliant red.
Every American woman's dream: to be swept off her feet by some hunky Italian. I'll take my hunky Mexican, gracias.
ReplyDeleteClementina
"A Little Cup of Mexican Hot Chocolate"
www.tazadechocolate.blogspot.com
My mother and I used to watch this when I was growing up--I'd forgotten about it. When I saw her sitting there with her white wine, it all came back: her vulnerability and shyness were so painfully awkward! I really felt for her.
ReplyDeleteI too have the dilemma of deciding which is more beautiful ... Venice or Brazzi. This is one of my Top 10 favorite movies and I've watched it dozens of times. I'd always longed to find a guide to the locations used by David Lean in Venice and have discovered this wonderful website complete with a map. I pray I will travel there someday and retrace Kate's footsteps.
ReplyDeletehttp://aloverofvenice.com/summertime/Summertime.htm