Summertime Details

Originally released in the UK as Summer Madness, this was the movie that whetted director David Lean's appetite for location filming with international stars, paving the way for Bridge on the River Kwai, Lawrence of Arabia and Doctor Zhivago. It's a touching take on The Time of the Cuckoo, Arthur Laurent's play about a lonely spinster enjoying a summer fling in Venice. In a piece of unlikely casting, Katharine Hepburn plays the sheltered secretary — with Rossano Brazzi as the married object of her affection. Hepburn turns out to be an inspired choice, her reserve melting under the liberating effect of the city and the charming Brazzi — and it really is her taking that plunge into a canal! Venice looks fabulous, thanks to cameraman Jack Hildyard, and the result is perfect matinée fare.

Delightful, sympathetic travelogue with dramatic asides, great to look at and hinging on a single superb performance.