Summer and Smoke
1961 · Movie · 118 min. · United States
In this adaptation of Tennessee Williams' novel, Alma Winemiller (Geraldine Page) is the fragile, lonely, and oversensitive daughter of a minister in a small Mississippi town shortly before the first World War. From childhood she has harbored an almost spiritual love for John Buchanan (Laurence Harvey), who, though a physician like his father, resents being forced to follow in his father's footsteps. But the unruly John prefers livelier company than the timid Alma; in particular, he is attracted by Rosa Zacharias (Rita Moreno), the tigerish daughter of the owner of Moon Lake Casino. One night, John becomes intrigued by Alma's shy, inhibited gropings toward love, and he takes her to the casino. When he tries to seduce her, the horrified girl hysterically denounces him and runs away. A short time later, the elder Dr. Buchanan is called out of town, and John uses the occasion to throw a wild party celebrating his betrothal to Rosa. Alma frantically telephones Dr. Buchanan, who quickly returns, quarrels with Zacharias, and is accidentally shot... 1962: 4 Nominations for the Academy Awards, including best actress (Geraldine Page).
Direction Peter Glenville
Cast Laurence Harvey · Geraldine Page · Rita Moreno · Una Merkel · John McIntire · Thomas Gomez · Pamela Tiffin · Malcolm Atterbury · Lee Patrick · Max Showalter · Earl Holliman
Soundtrack Elmer Bernstein
Screenplay James Poe · Meade Roberts · Tennessee Williams
Cinematography Charles Lang
Original title Summer and Smoke
6.4
239 votes (FilmAffinity)
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