Summer of '42

Synopsis

Summer of '42 is a poignant coming-of-age drama set during World War II. The story follows 15-year-old Hermie and his friends on a small island off the coast of Maine, who grapple with the complexities of love and loss. Hermie becomes infatuated with Dorothy, an older woman grieving the death of her husband in the war. The film beautifully captures the innocence and longing of youth amidst the backdrop of a tumultuous time in history. Through heartfelt moments and unforeseen events, Hermie learns valuable lessons about life, love, and the bittersweet nature of growing up.

Cast

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  Jennifer O'Neill

  Dorothy

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  Gary Grimes

  Hermie

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  Jerry Houser

  Oscy

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  Oliver Conant

  Benjie

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  Katherine Allentuck

  Aggie

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  Christopher Norris

  Miriam

Reviews

Summer of '42 has been regarded as a classic in American cinema, garnering praise for its emotional depth and authentic portrayal of youth. Rotten Tomatoes gave it a positive rating of 79%, with critics acclaiming the film for its nostalgic charm and timeless storytelling. IMDb users rated it 7.2/10, highlighting the performances of the cast and the film's ability to evoke strong emotions. Metacritic awarded it a score of 59/100, with critics commending the film's direction and cinematography. Overall, Summer of '42 has resonated with audiences for its sincerity and enduring themes of love and loss. Roger Ebert of the Chicago Sun-Times praised the film, stating, 'Summer of '42 captures the essence of adolescence with grace and poignancy.'