Hermie, a 15-year-old boy on vacation in Nantucket during World War II, finds himself fascinated by Dorothy, a beautiful young woman whose husband is away fighting in the war. As Hermie attempts to impress Dorothy with his newfound maturity and charm, a complex and poignant relationship develops between them, marked by innocence, desire, and the harsh realities of wartime.

Summer of '42 was a commercial success and generally well-received by critics for its sensitive portrayal of adolescent awakening and its nostalgic evocation of a specific time and place. While some found its themes of burgeoning sexuality and wartime loneliness compelling, others critiqued its somewhat idealized or sentimental approach.

• Praised for its nostalgic atmosphere and tender exploration of adolescent infatuation.
• Appreciated for Gary Grimes's authentic performance as the impressionable protagonist.
• Some critics noted a potential for sentimentality in its depiction of a wartime romance.

Google audience: Audiences generally found the film to be a touching and nostalgic look at first love and the experiences of growing up during wartime, often highlighting its emotional resonance and period detail.

Nominated for 3 Academy Awards: Best Original Screenplay, Best Cinematography, and Best Original Dramatic Score.

The film's score, composed by Michel Legrand, won an Academy Award for Best Original Dramatic Score.