Summer and Smoke

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Summer and Smoke

1961

1h 58m

Drama

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3 Reviews

55%

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250+ Ratings

Uptight single woman Alma Winemiller (Geraldine Page) carries a torch for the boy next door, who has grown up into dashing doctor John Buchanan Jr. (Laurence Harvey). An unabashed hedonist, John falls for the sensual Rosa Zacharias (Rita Moreno) and enjoys carefree nights out on the town, an approach to life that starkly contrasts with Alma's reserved manner. While Alma attempts to come out of her shell, John also reconsiders his impulsive ways, leading to the possibility of romance.

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Clyde Gilmour

Maclean's Magazine

The English director Peter Glenville and the American actress Geraldine Page ought to make more movies together instead of concentrating on the stage.

Oct 29, 2019

Full Review

Dwight MacDonald

Esquire Magazine

Even Geraldine Page can't do more than caricature a part that is already caricature. Laurence Harvey is possibly slightly more inadequate than usual.

Jul 31, 2019

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Emanuel Levy

EmanuelLevy.Com

This screen version of Tennessee Williams's noted play is poorly directed (it' still theater), but it's well acted by Geraldine Page

Rated: B-

Jun 5, 2011

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steve d

The acting is strong but the adaptation is not.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

03/30/23

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Audience Member

Rates as high as 3 stars simply because its Williams brilliant writing, for Page’s performance, and a great music score. Otherwise its another stagey, mediocre attempt to film Williams. The only really successful film versions of his plays have been Streetcar Named Desire and Rose Tattoo. Rita Moreno does her usual variation on Anita from West Side Story, and as it was also in ‘61, helped with her Oscar win.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

06/23/19

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Audience Member

Like so many of the works of Williams, it deals with tension, with repression, with awakening, and, ultimately, with disintegration. If it weren't for Page's luminous performance, there would not be much to recommend the movie.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

01/25/23

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Audience Member

another sanitized version of a Tennessee William's play.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

01/21/23

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Audience Member

Most Williams conversions to the screen have been fabulous but this one is a let down. There are elements to the directing I think that don't allow for the story to flow as effectively as it could.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

02/07/23

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Audience Member

Depending upon your point of view, this overwrought adaptation is so bad it is good. Or, you might think it just bad. However, I do not think anyone can find flaw with Geraldine Page's performance which remains pitch-perfect and real even when the dialog seems to be demanding she eat the scenery. Sadly, the other actors do not fare as well. I found the entire film entertaining from beginning to end.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

01/29/23

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Peter Glenville

Director

Geraldine Page

Alma Winemiller

Laurence Harvey

John Buchanan, Jr.

Rita Moreno

Rosa Zacharias

Una Merkel

Mrs. Winemiller

John McIntire

Dr. Buchanan

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Synopsis

Uptight single woman Alma Winemiller (Geraldine Page) carries a torch for the boy next door, who has grown up into dashing doctor John Buchanan Jr. (Laurence Harvey). An unabashed hedonist, John falls for the sensual Rosa Zacharias (Rita Moreno) and enjoys carefree nights out on the town, an approach to life that starkly contrasts with Alma's reserved manner. While Alma attempts to come out of her shell, John also reconsiders his impulsive ways, leading to the possibility of romance.

Director: Peter Glenville
Producer: Hal B. Wallis
Screenwriter: James Poe, Meade Roberts, Tennessee Williams
Distributor: Paramount Pictures
Production Co: Hal Wallis Productions
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Nov 16, 1961, Original
Release Date (Streaming): May 1, 2012
Runtime: 1h 58m
Sound Mix: Mono

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