Last Summer (1969 film)

Last Summer is a 1969 American coming-of-age drama film directed by Frank Perry and starring Barbara Hershey, Bruce Davison, Richard Thomas, and Cathy Burns. Based on the novel of the same name by Evan Hunter, the film explores themes of adolescent sexuality, peer pressure, and the loss of innocence during a summer vacation on Fire Island, New York.

The plot centers around Peter (Richard Thomas) and Dan (Bruce Davison), two teenage boys who spend their summer days swimming, sunbathing, and generally enjoying their freedom. They befriend Sandy (Barbara Hershey), a free-spirited girl their age, and the trio forms a close bond. Their idyllic summer is disrupted by the arrival of Rhoda (Cathy Burns), an insecure and overweight girl whom they initially mock. However, Sandy takes pity on Rhoda and encourages the boys to befriend her. As the summer progresses, the dynamics within the group shift, leading to complex emotional and sexual tensions. An act of cruelty, involving a seagull, precipitates a series of events that ultimately shatters their carefree existence and marks a painful transition into adulthood.

Last Summer is noted for its realistic portrayal of adolescent experiences and its exploration of sensitive themes. It received critical acclaim for its performances, particularly Hershey's and Davison's, and for its unflinching depiction of the darker aspects of teenage behavior. The film also generated controversy due to its explicit content, particularly a scene involving sexual assault. While considered a landmark film in the coming-of-age genre, it continues to be debated for its moral implications.