Summer of the Monkeys (film)

Summer of the Monkeys is a 1998 family adventure film based on the novel of the same name by Wilson Rawls. It tells the story of Jay Berry Lee, a young boy living with his family on a farm in Oklahoma in the early 1900s. Jay Berry dreams of owning a horse and a dog.

His life changes when a circus train derails nearby, releasing a troop of monkeys into the surrounding countryside. Jay Berry's grandfather offers him a deal: if Jay Berry can capture all of the monkeys, he can keep the money from selling them back to the circus.

The film follows Jay Berry's attempts to catch the monkeys, which prove to be a difficult and often humorous task. Along the way, he learns about responsibility, the value of family, and the importance of compassion. The story also includes themes of faith and healing, particularly regarding Jay Berry's twin sister, Daisy, who has a physical disability. The film culminates in a difficult decision for Jay Berry, forcing him to choose between his desires and the well-being of his family.