That Certain Summer
The first US teleplay to deal sympathetically with homosexuality. Divorced San Francisco contractor Doug Salter is looking forward to a summer visit from his fourteen-year-old son Nick, who lives in Los Angeles with his mother Janet. The boy does not know that his father is gay and committed to Gary McClain, his life partner of several years.
Insights
Plot Summary
This made-for-television movie explores the complexities of a divorce and its impact on a young boy, Doug. He grapples with his father's admission of being gay and his relationship with his father's male lover, Phil. The film delicately navigates themes of identity, acceptance, and the changing family structures of the early 1970s, all seen through Doug's evolving perspective.
Critical Reception
That Certain Summer was groundbreaking for its time, receiving widespread critical acclaim for its sensitive and honest portrayal of a same-sex relationship and its impact on a family. It was lauded for its mature handling of subject matter that was rarely addressed on television, and for its powerful performances.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its courage in tackling taboo subjects with grace and realism.
- Commended for strong performances, particularly from Hal Holbrook and Scott Jacoby.
- Recognized as a landmark television film for its empathetic and non-judgmental approach.
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Awards & Accolades
Won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Single Performance in a Drama or Comedy Series (Hal Holbrook) and was nominated for an Emmy for Outstanding Writing Achievement in Original Screenplay.
Fun Fact
When 'That Certain Summer' aired, it was one of the first mainstream television movies to directly address homosexuality and its impact on family dynamics, making it a significant cultural moment.
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