A Summer to Remember

A Summer to Remember is a 1985 American drama film directed by Robert Michael Lewis and starring the illustrious James Farentino, Academy Award winner Louise Fletcher, and Tess Harper, renowned for her Academy Award-nominated performance in Tender Mercies. The theme of this touching film is centered around the trials and tribulations faced by a family grappling with a complex medical predicament, highlighting issues of love, strength, hope, and shared humanity.

The plot unfolds through the story of a renowned surgeon, Dr. Jake Houseman, portrayed by veteran actor James Farentino. Houseman is a man at the zenith of his career, with the respect of his colleagues, a thriving practice and a pristine reputation. However, his seemingly ideal professional life comes to a sudden halt when he is confronted with a personal crisis – the unexpected illness of his son. The masterful performance of Farentino firmly anchors the narrative, bringing to life a character struggling not just with his child's critical illness, but also with the dramatic shift from doctor to the patient’s father helpless in the face of his own child’s suffering.

In taking this journey, Dr. Houseman is supported by his wife, Lorrie, portrayed by the versatile Tess Harper. Lorrie offers a balanced counterpoint to the doctor's more analytical approach. She exhibits strength and fortitude, exhibiting an emotional intensity and maternal instinct that compels her to fight fiercely for her child’s wellbeing against all odds.

Compellingly portrayed by Louise Fletcher, of One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest fame, Dr. Dolly McKeever is an eminent psychologist who is no stranger to the communality of human suffering. Dr. McKeever, with her profound insight and empathetic approach, provides the emotional and psychological support the family desperately needs in traversing this strenuous journey.

The story showcases the battleground of a hospital environment where victories are celebrated, losses are mourned, and life hangs in the precarious balance, witnessed by those who work tirelessly to save and improve lives. The narrative establishes a stark contrast between the sterile, unfeeling corridors of the hospital and the warmth of familial love and hope that persists between Jake, Lorrie, and their ill son.

Technically, the film makes use of remarkably authentic hospital scenarios, with Medical jargon and procedures deftly handled by the actors, contributing to a gripping realism that keeps viewers engaged throughout. The film is also characterized by solid direction, exceptional acting performances, and an emotionally engaging script that intricately explores the struggles of a family caught in a sad and challenging situation.

A Summer to Remember is not simply a mirror to a medical drama, but a deep exploration of the human spirit. It portrays the vulnerability of a family standing on the edge, their determination to confront adversity, and the power of love and hope that endears them to one another during the worst of times.

The film is a testament to the gritty reality of a crisis that tests the resilience of love and commitment, resulting in a narrative that is intense, thought-provoking, and ultimately deeply moving. Through nuanced performances, the actors shed light on the everyday heroics and internal battles of people grappling with illness, transforming the tale into a poignant saga of emotional turmoil, love, and courage.

Above all, A Summer to Remember drives home the fact that life, with its unpredictability, is not only about personal success but more importantly about the never-ending struggle to forge and strengthen human connections, even under the harshest circumstances.

Watching this movie will take you on a roller coaster ride of emotions, as you share the hope, despair, joy, and sorrow of characters you will come to care for deeply. All in all, A Summer to Remember is a worthwhile watch that will leave you with a greater sense of empathy and a profound appreciation for the strength of the human spirit.