This is a remarkable film. Slow moving, it nevertheless gripped me, thanks to an intriguing premise, moody photography and sympathetic playing. The "if only" ending is surprising and satisfying; even now, 20 years after I first saw the film and with plenty of others to compare it with, I still think it's one of the most memorable film endings I've seen. Recommended.
20 Reviews
A touch of "The Wicker Man" in a haunting mystery
tomsview23 December 2013
"Summerfield" has an intriguing story with excellent actors, a great sense of place and loads of atmosphere.
From reading some of the reviews here, it is apparent that the film wasn't well received by the critics at the time. However, forty years later, it is removed from all the influences that may have coloured a critic's judgement.
The thing that surprised me was how fresh it seems - the remote setting gives it a timeless quality - it hasn't dated much beyond the makes of cars, a few 70's hairstyles and the absence of mobile phones and Xboxes. It also shows the maturity that Australian films had achieved after the more strident efforts of the 60's and early 70's.
Simon Robinson, played by Nick Tate - a Robert Redford lookalike especially when shirtless - arrives in the small seaside town of Bannings Beach as a replacement for a teacher who has mysteriously disappeared.
He senses that the townspeople are hiding something about the disappearance, and feels that many of them are wary of his presence. When Simon accidentally injures Sally Abbott, a pupil from his school played by Michelle Jarman, he becomes acquainted with her mother, Jenny Abbott and her uncle, David Abbott, who own a property on secluded Summerfield Island. Elizabeth Alexander, whose ethereal quality was just right for this movie, plays Jenny Abbott. John Waters as David Abbott, exudes an underlying sense of menace.
Simon continues to search for clues about his predecessor's disappearance while becoming more attracted to Jenny. Eventually, after a shock finale, he learns all the answers, but wishes he hadn't.
The early part of the movie reminded me a little of "The Wicker Man" - even the name Summerfield is reminiscent of Summerisle, the setting for that classic horror movie of 1973. Although the stories have different resolutions, and the similarities are no doubt coincidental, both films start with a stranger arriving in a remote location, a disappearance, and inhabitants who seem to share a secret. Even the sexual temptation by the hotel manager's wife in the case of "Summerfield" has similarities with the encounter with the landlord's daughter in "The Wicker Man".
But the similarities end there, "Summerfield" heads off to it's own surprising and tragic conclusion.
The movie benefits from Bruce Smeaton's score. He was a very experimental composer with an amazing range. An Aeolian harp, which works as an acoustic wind chime, and other stringed instruments including a bouzouki, all find a place in the score, which also features a lilting main theme.
This is a movie that has shed whatever baggage worried the critics all those years ago - it is simply a beautifully made film that holds your attention from start to finish.
From reading some of the reviews here, it is apparent that the film wasn't well received by the critics at the time. However, forty years later, it is removed from all the influences that may have coloured a critic's judgement.
The thing that surprised me was how fresh it seems - the remote setting gives it a timeless quality - it hasn't dated much beyond the makes of cars, a few 70's hairstyles and the absence of mobile phones and Xboxes. It also shows the maturity that Australian films had achieved after the more strident efforts of the 60's and early 70's.
Simon Robinson, played by Nick Tate - a Robert Redford lookalike especially when shirtless - arrives in the small seaside town of Bannings Beach as a replacement for a teacher who has mysteriously disappeared.
He senses that the townspeople are hiding something about the disappearance, and feels that many of them are wary of his presence. When Simon accidentally injures Sally Abbott, a pupil from his school played by Michelle Jarman, he becomes acquainted with her mother, Jenny Abbott and her uncle, David Abbott, who own a property on secluded Summerfield Island. Elizabeth Alexander, whose ethereal quality was just right for this movie, plays Jenny Abbott. John Waters as David Abbott, exudes an underlying sense of menace.
Simon continues to search for clues about his predecessor's disappearance while becoming more attracted to Jenny. Eventually, after a shock finale, he learns all the answers, but wishes he hadn't.
The early part of the movie reminded me a little of "The Wicker Man" - even the name Summerfield is reminiscent of Summerisle, the setting for that classic horror movie of 1973. Although the stories have different resolutions, and the similarities are no doubt coincidental, both films start with a stranger arriving in a remote location, a disappearance, and inhabitants who seem to share a secret. Even the sexual temptation by the hotel manager's wife in the case of "Summerfield" has similarities with the encounter with the landlord's daughter in "The Wicker Man".
But the similarities end there, "Summerfield" heads off to it's own surprising and tragic conclusion.
The movie benefits from Bruce Smeaton's score. He was a very experimental composer with an amazing range. An Aeolian harp, which works as an acoustic wind chime, and other stringed instruments including a bouzouki, all find a place in the score, which also features a lilting main theme.
This is a movie that has shed whatever baggage worried the critics all those years ago - it is simply a beautifully made film that holds your attention from start to finish.
Finally out on DVD with some great extras.
akcowell15 August 2005
I saw this film while on holiday in England nearly 25 years ago and it has haunted me ever since. Trouble is, I was never able to recall the title until a recent conversation with a friend who had the same experience with this film at about the same time, but long before we knew each other.
My main point is to report that this film has stood the test of time and was just as good this time around even though I knew the ending. It may well be true that Australia wasn't ready for a film such as this - how some critics described it as boring completely escapes me! The DVD contains some excellent interviews with those involved in the film and helps to explain the apparent lack of box office success.
This is quintessential Australian cinema which must not be missed!
My main point is to report that this film has stood the test of time and was just as good this time around even though I knew the ending. It may well be true that Australia wasn't ready for a film such as this - how some critics described it as boring completely escapes me! The DVD contains some excellent interviews with those involved in the film and helps to explain the apparent lack of box office success.
This is quintessential Australian cinema which must not be missed!
Frustrating
LewisJForce18 November 2008
'Summerfield' is 3/4 a great little movie... well, 5/8. But all the good work is somewhat negated by the payoff.
As my fellow reviewers have noted, the technical qualities are excellent: evocative cinematography, haunting score and sound design, sensitive direction. All of the performances are good but I particularly liked John Waters as the brooding brother and Geraldine Turner as the rubenesquely sexy landlady. The townsfolk have those wonderfully earthy, naturally idiosyncratic faces that seventies Australian cinema is full of.
The problem lies with the script. After a great build-up where clues are laid with nuance and subtlety, the revelation about the Abbott's relationship is lacking in the necessary emotional force. And the final scene just doesn't work for me. I was left puzzled and irritated.
On second thought, maybe its partly the script and partly the execution of the final moments. Maybe it worked better on paper than director Ken Hannam captued it on screen. I dunno. At any rate I was disappointed.
See the film if you can. There's an awful lot of good stuff happening before the climax. In fact, it's because the build-up is so good that the finale comes off as such a let-down.
As my fellow reviewers have noted, the technical qualities are excellent: evocative cinematography, haunting score and sound design, sensitive direction. All of the performances are good but I particularly liked John Waters as the brooding brother and Geraldine Turner as the rubenesquely sexy landlady. The townsfolk have those wonderfully earthy, naturally idiosyncratic faces that seventies Australian cinema is full of.
The problem lies with the script. After a great build-up where clues are laid with nuance and subtlety, the revelation about the Abbott's relationship is lacking in the necessary emotional force. And the final scene just doesn't work for me. I was left puzzled and irritated.
On second thought, maybe its partly the script and partly the execution of the final moments. Maybe it worked better on paper than director Ken Hannam captued it on screen. I dunno. At any rate I was disappointed.
See the film if you can. There's an awful lot of good stuff happening before the climax. In fact, it's because the build-up is so good that the finale comes off as such a let-down.
Odd story oddly executed
jldowsing24 August 2023
In some ways Summerfield reminds me of another Australian film of the era, Next of Kin, in that it meanders along without much apparent purpose, yet gives just enough away to hold the viewer.'s gaze.
Essentially, a curious teacher replaces his predecessor that's mysteriously disappeared in a remote South Australian town by the coast. Locals are tight lipped (bar the buxom married landlady where he's staying) about the family living on the lighthouse island of Summerfield. All is not what it seems.
The acting, script, accents and production carbon date the film, and there's strange choices - by character and direction - in many scenes. The guts of it all finally comes together quickly in the traumatic final act, which doesn't make a lot of sense on deeper reflection.
Mind you, I watched this on YouTube where an important scene was missing and a couple other scenes were duplicated on a loop early in the piece.
If you're a connoisseur of Australian cinema give it a play, but you may do better to follow the sign on the gates to the island that say Keep Out.
Essentially, a curious teacher replaces his predecessor that's mysteriously disappeared in a remote South Australian town by the coast. Locals are tight lipped (bar the buxom married landlady where he's staying) about the family living on the lighthouse island of Summerfield. All is not what it seems.
The acting, script, accents and production carbon date the film, and there's strange choices - by character and direction - in many scenes. The guts of it all finally comes together quickly in the traumatic final act, which doesn't make a lot of sense on deeper reflection.
Mind you, I watched this on YouTube where an important scene was missing and a couple other scenes were duplicated on a loop early in the piece.
If you're a connoisseur of Australian cinema give it a play, but you may do better to follow the sign on the gates to the island that say Keep Out.
I want to praise Summerfield and argue with the detractor
nicktate23 January 2017
Let me start by saying I am in the film, so maybe that disqualifies me from having an opinion, but I have read many good reviews over the years and truth to say they get better as time goes by. Perhaps it was before it's time? The fact that Pat Lovell went public about her rift with Ken Hannam and withdrew it from the AFI awards competition, put a real dampener on its opening. However 5 years later one of the top movie reviewers in Britain "Alexander Walker" commenting on the BBC line up of Christmas movies named "Summerfield" as his favorite film from Australia in the 70s (included wonderful films like, Pic-nic at Hanging Rock and My Brilliant Career) Other reviewers have been equally praising and a beautiful DVD has been now been produced, of which every one in the film should be very proud. Perhaps therefore a bit unkind that such a detracting review should been placed at the top of all these other very nice reviews. Nick Tate
Atmospheric mystery with a sprinkle of eroticism
fertilecelluloid7 August 2005
Warning: Spoilers
A richly atmospheric mystery with a light sprinkle of eroticism and a slyly ironic epilogue.
There is strict attention paid to justified camera movement and exquisite composition in this tale of blood secrets.
Mike Malloy, who shot the movie, is to be commended for the beautiful, warm veneers of this subtle drama. Bruce Smeaton, who scored PICNIC AT HANGING ROCK, turns in another hypnotic score that expresses the inner workings of its characters. Cliff Green, who scripted PICNIC, wrote this mildly haunting piece.
Performances are above par. Nick Tate, a vastly underused Australian actor, is superb as Simon Robinson, a replacement teacher in the midst of a mystery. Elizabeth Alexander, as Jenny Abbott, delivers an extraordinary performance which is a cocktail of ice poured over steamy passion. John Waters, as her peculiar brother, achieves just the right note. Most affecting of all is little Michelle Jarman's performance as Sally Abbott. An impossibly beautiful child, she has shattering on-screen charisma and conveys an ethereal otherworldliness that contributes so much to the film's success as a mood-ridden mystery.
The film is deliberately paced, but it is also quietly enchanting and seductive.
There is strict attention paid to justified camera movement and exquisite composition in this tale of blood secrets.
Mike Malloy, who shot the movie, is to be commended for the beautiful, warm veneers of this subtle drama. Bruce Smeaton, who scored PICNIC AT HANGING ROCK, turns in another hypnotic score that expresses the inner workings of its characters. Cliff Green, who scripted PICNIC, wrote this mildly haunting piece.
Performances are above par. Nick Tate, a vastly underused Australian actor, is superb as Simon Robinson, a replacement teacher in the midst of a mystery. Elizabeth Alexander, as Jenny Abbott, delivers an extraordinary performance which is a cocktail of ice poured over steamy passion. John Waters, as her peculiar brother, achieves just the right note. Most affecting of all is little Michelle Jarman's performance as Sally Abbott. An impossibly beautiful child, she has shattering on-screen charisma and conveys an ethereal otherworldliness that contributes so much to the film's success as a mood-ridden mystery.
The film is deliberately paced, but it is also quietly enchanting and seductive.
Now where have I heard this story before.......
trevorandrewmillar-7076926 September 2019
Warning: Spoilers
A man tries to solve the mystery of a person who disappeared. He thinks he may have been killed because he found out someone else's secret, finds out the secret for himself, and in so doing causes a tragedy; and then the missing person turns up alive, and our hero realises he needlessly caused the tragedy! Now where have I heard this story before? Of Course! Raymond Chandler's "The Long Goodbye"!
Apart from that, this film's alright, I guess...
Sometimes it's better not to know.
lost-in-limbo22 April 2006
Warning: Spoilers
Simon Robinson is a teacher who arrives at a isolated seaside community to take over the local school. This when he discovers that his predecessor has disappeared without a trace and strangely no one seems overly worried about it. So Simon decides to take it on his own to find out what had happen to the teacher and this leads him to a estate called 'Summerfield' where he feels there's something not quite right going on.
Every now again you stumble across a film that it's hard to take your eyes off and think "Why haven't I heard anything about this flick before?". Well, that's the case here. I accidentally happen upon this DVD when I was checking out my library's selection. Seeing that the screenwriter of "Picnic at Hanging Rock" was involved and the plot's outline looked like an intriguing mystery, I had no hesitation in checking it out. And what an uniquely, brooding mystery it was! I was compulsively, attached to this pretty well crafted, enigmatic piece.
The screenplay is done by Cliff Green and he incorporates an thought-provoking script here that generates a mystery, where there are many dense levels and hidden symbolic messages implied. The complex story plays around with the idea that something is not right on the surface and it evolves around our central character putting his nose where it's best left out off. The way the plot plays is hauntingly, still and there's a sensuousness feel running underneath the context. Underlining the mysteriously, quiet air is an ominous feel that's just hard to shake. Although, I thought the one of the revelations is rather predictable because you slowly put the pieces together and film's climax is plain unsettling thanks to the eerie score, but the final straw to the story is where it knocked me off my feet. Man, I didn't see that cunning conclusion coming! The thing is that the picture just sticks in your mind after it's finished.
The set-up of the story leisurely strings you along with some plodding moments, but I found it refreshingly engaging and how could you dismiss the flourishing backdrop. Simply it's glorious in detail and its gives the film an dreary, off-putting cloud that showers the air with a heavily moody vibe. The scenery might look ravishingly, breathtaking, but it's the isolation of it that streamlines the film and it embodies itself into subtext of the plot. What captured the backdrop was the well-defined, but graceful camera-work that freely moved about in such a soothing fashion. One thing that also screams out asking you to pay notice is Bruce Smeaton's (Picnic at Hanging Rock) highly prolific, titillating score that just raises harrowing chills. He was able to bring out the emotional element out of the characters in a very subdued, but precise manner. The production is professionally handled with such skilled brushes by all involved.
The lead performances were just magnificent that I couldn't help but become infatuated by this versatile cast. Nick Tate is faultlessly, believable as the naive teacher Simon Robinson. John Waters goes low-key, but still manages to make himself a force as David Abbott. Elizabeth Alexander, plays the delicate sister Jenny Abbott. Which, she is totally beautiful, but still she holds her own with striking penetration in such a passionately, protective way. While, the child of the piece played by Michelle Jarman, just has a certain glow about her and she seems so natural in her performance as Sally Abbott. The shadiness about her seems to lead into the mystery very well. The supporting roles are equally good by an alluring Geraldine Turner as Betty Tate, Charles 'Bud' Tingwell as Dr. Millar and Max Cullen as the unwelcoming Jim Tate.
If you enjoyed "Picnic at Hanging Rock" this flick might also tickle your fancy. A very atmospheric mystery tale that stages the central notion impeccably well and leaves you with a bittersweet conclusion.
Every now again you stumble across a film that it's hard to take your eyes off and think "Why haven't I heard anything about this flick before?". Well, that's the case here. I accidentally happen upon this DVD when I was checking out my library's selection. Seeing that the screenwriter of "Picnic at Hanging Rock" was involved and the plot's outline looked like an intriguing mystery, I had no hesitation in checking it out. And what an uniquely, brooding mystery it was! I was compulsively, attached to this pretty well crafted, enigmatic piece.
The screenplay is done by Cliff Green and he incorporates an thought-provoking script here that generates a mystery, where there are many dense levels and hidden symbolic messages implied. The complex story plays around with the idea that something is not right on the surface and it evolves around our central character putting his nose where it's best left out off. The way the plot plays is hauntingly, still and there's a sensuousness feel running underneath the context. Underlining the mysteriously, quiet air is an ominous feel that's just hard to shake. Although, I thought the one of the revelations is rather predictable because you slowly put the pieces together and film's climax is plain unsettling thanks to the eerie score, but the final straw to the story is where it knocked me off my feet. Man, I didn't see that cunning conclusion coming! The thing is that the picture just sticks in your mind after it's finished.
The set-up of the story leisurely strings you along with some plodding moments, but I found it refreshingly engaging and how could you dismiss the flourishing backdrop. Simply it's glorious in detail and its gives the film an dreary, off-putting cloud that showers the air with a heavily moody vibe. The scenery might look ravishingly, breathtaking, but it's the isolation of it that streamlines the film and it embodies itself into subtext of the plot. What captured the backdrop was the well-defined, but graceful camera-work that freely moved about in such a soothing fashion. One thing that also screams out asking you to pay notice is Bruce Smeaton's (Picnic at Hanging Rock) highly prolific, titillating score that just raises harrowing chills. He was able to bring out the emotional element out of the characters in a very subdued, but precise manner. The production is professionally handled with such skilled brushes by all involved.
The lead performances were just magnificent that I couldn't help but become infatuated by this versatile cast. Nick Tate is faultlessly, believable as the naive teacher Simon Robinson. John Waters goes low-key, but still manages to make himself a force as David Abbott. Elizabeth Alexander, plays the delicate sister Jenny Abbott. Which, she is totally beautiful, but still she holds her own with striking penetration in such a passionately, protective way. While, the child of the piece played by Michelle Jarman, just has a certain glow about her and she seems so natural in her performance as Sally Abbott. The shadiness about her seems to lead into the mystery very well. The supporting roles are equally good by an alluring Geraldine Turner as Betty Tate, Charles 'Bud' Tingwell as Dr. Millar and Max Cullen as the unwelcoming Jim Tate.
If you enjoyed "Picnic at Hanging Rock" this flick might also tickle your fancy. A very atmospheric mystery tale that stages the central notion impeccably well and leaves you with a bittersweet conclusion.
Slow and boring
davidcooney-0172424 August 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Davey is shagging his own sister resulting in their child having a rare blood type. A teacher finds out and Davey kills his sister he was shagging and their daughter from their relationship. Watch if you're really bored.
Simon Robinson arriving in a small seaside community to take over as teacher at the local school. He makes the acquaintance of siblings Jenny and David Abbott, and Jenny's daughter Sally, who live on the island estate of Summerfield. The discovery that his predecessor vanished without a trace and, that Sally has a rare blood disorder lead Simon to try to uncover the truth behind the mystery.
Simon Robinson arriving in a small seaside community to take over as teacher at the local school. He makes the acquaintance of siblings Jenny and David Abbott, and Jenny's daughter Sally, who live on the island estate of Summerfield. The discovery that his predecessor vanished without a trace and, that Sally has a rare blood disorder lead Simon to try to uncover the truth behind the mystery.
A slow burning mystery which haunts. 75+%
dfle37 September 2014
This has been on my "To do" list at this site for a while now. It's finally time to cross that off my list now! It may have been as a child that I saw some or all of this movie and the plot reveal near the end has stuck with me all these years. Seeing this movie on the weekend (06/09/2014) makes me realise that perhaps I may have been too young to watch this film all those years ago...not exactly suitable for a young audience.
The basic plot concerns a teacher called Simon Robinson (played by Nick Tate) coming to an isolated community to replace a teacher called Peter Flynn who has gone missing and left his belongings at the guest house where he lodges. Simon now lodges in the same room. Nobody seems particularly concerned that Peter has gone missing.
For most of the film, nothing much happens, apart from Simon's curiosity being piqued about what happened to Peter. He also gets pulled into the orbit of the family of one his students, Sally Abbott (played by Michelle Jarman). Sally's mother is the elegantly beautiful Jennifer Abbott (played by Elizabeth Alexander). Simon slowly also becomes curious about the Abbott's, who live on an isolated island, with the only entrance being a wooden bridge, which has a locked gate and a sign to keep outsiders out.
For most of the movie, it was tracking to score 70+% but I particularly liked the ending. For some people the leisurely pace may be off-putting. For others, the ending may be too.
The reason why I bumped up my score due to the ending is because it haunted me. The entire end sequence of the movie both answers mysteries and leaves new mysteries to arise. My main question is whether the ending could have been resolved differently or whether something like that was inevitable. E.g. the scene where Jennifer's brother, David Abbott (played by John Waters) calls out to Simon. Was Simon's response leading up to that moment a consequence of him drawing together the issue of what happened to Peter and the position he now found himself in?
There is a resolution to the mystery of Peter's fate. It occurs to me that perhaps the filmmakers wanted the viewer to come to some sort of realisation about what had happened earlier (I also wondered if this related to Sally's father as well). I'm not sure if that is explicated well enough to come into play though. In searching for this title at this site, I was surprised to see a listing for "Secrets of Summerfield: The making of 'Summerfield'" (2005, video). Am definitely curious to see this now, with regard to my own questions about the haunting ending. Hopefully my suspicions can be confirmend (or not!). The existence of this follow up film is good news, in the sense that the original movie must have resonated with people for it to be created.
If you like movies with mysteries, this is definitely worth checking out. The film itself does provide subtle hints and allusions to the mystery.
General observations:
* I really enjoyed the score for this movie and will try to seek it, but not holding much hope for that! The music was composed and conducted by Bruce Smeaton. The into score has Japanese strings playing, as well as some symphonic instruments. It creates an eerie mood, pensive at times. There is a lovely melody throughout this movie. At times there seems to be a subtle nod to music from a Hollywood movie (I think), which I just can't place...maybe something by Bernard Herrmann?
* Geraldine Turner has a touch of Gillian Anderson in her looks (obviously vice versa), in the part of the lodge's management.
* I don't think I've seen the star, Nick Tate, in other Australian productions...what happened to him? Apart from John Waters ("All the rivers run" and "Play school"!), the only other actor I could say I've watched before was Charles "Bud" Tingwell (I'd seen him in the great British children's series "Catweazle"). I think Tingwell may be credited as "Bud" at the start and "Charles" at the end credits! Max Cullen is a familiar name and I've probably seen him before too. The cop in this film looks familiar too, but I probably haven't seen the TV shows where he regularly appeared...probably in the role of a cop too!
* Not sure that I found Doctor Miller's (Charles Tingwell) revelations always plausible...i.e. often they just seemed to function as narrative exposition more than something that someone in his position would actually divulge. There are two examples of that: what he says to Simon one time, on the beach, and something he tells David at Summerfield.
* The cop says that "hundreds" of people have gone missing...I really hope he means in the state, not just their locale! Small town and all!
* Apart from the terrific music, I also liked the hues of the sky at times...but my television isn't the best...perhaps it looks even better on a good screen! There is plenty of 1970's fashions as well...short shorts, shirts etc.
* Just by the by, you can make out two newspaper headline posters at the milk bar, giving an idea of when it was filmed: The Sun "Fraser clamp_ on Lea_" (hard to read clearly as it is obscured) and the Herald's "Pop man hurt in stage blast"...curious who that was! Viewed from my PVR from a recording made on ABC TV 20/12/2013 at around 12:35 a.m. Running time of 91:25.
This film seems to have been repeated more than once in recent years...which was good for me, seeing as I wanted to rewatch it!
The basic plot concerns a teacher called Simon Robinson (played by Nick Tate) coming to an isolated community to replace a teacher called Peter Flynn who has gone missing and left his belongings at the guest house where he lodges. Simon now lodges in the same room. Nobody seems particularly concerned that Peter has gone missing.
For most of the film, nothing much happens, apart from Simon's curiosity being piqued about what happened to Peter. He also gets pulled into the orbit of the family of one his students, Sally Abbott (played by Michelle Jarman). Sally's mother is the elegantly beautiful Jennifer Abbott (played by Elizabeth Alexander). Simon slowly also becomes curious about the Abbott's, who live on an isolated island, with the only entrance being a wooden bridge, which has a locked gate and a sign to keep outsiders out.
For most of the movie, it was tracking to score 70+% but I particularly liked the ending. For some people the leisurely pace may be off-putting. For others, the ending may be too.
The reason why I bumped up my score due to the ending is because it haunted me. The entire end sequence of the movie both answers mysteries and leaves new mysteries to arise. My main question is whether the ending could have been resolved differently or whether something like that was inevitable. E.g. the scene where Jennifer's brother, David Abbott (played by John Waters) calls out to Simon. Was Simon's response leading up to that moment a consequence of him drawing together the issue of what happened to Peter and the position he now found himself in?
There is a resolution to the mystery of Peter's fate. It occurs to me that perhaps the filmmakers wanted the viewer to come to some sort of realisation about what had happened earlier (I also wondered if this related to Sally's father as well). I'm not sure if that is explicated well enough to come into play though. In searching for this title at this site, I was surprised to see a listing for "Secrets of Summerfield: The making of 'Summerfield'" (2005, video). Am definitely curious to see this now, with regard to my own questions about the haunting ending. Hopefully my suspicions can be confirmend (or not!). The existence of this follow up film is good news, in the sense that the original movie must have resonated with people for it to be created.
If you like movies with mysteries, this is definitely worth checking out. The film itself does provide subtle hints and allusions to the mystery.
General observations:
* I really enjoyed the score for this movie and will try to seek it, but not holding much hope for that! The music was composed and conducted by Bruce Smeaton. The into score has Japanese strings playing, as well as some symphonic instruments. It creates an eerie mood, pensive at times. There is a lovely melody throughout this movie. At times there seems to be a subtle nod to music from a Hollywood movie (I think), which I just can't place...maybe something by Bernard Herrmann?
* Geraldine Turner has a touch of Gillian Anderson in her looks (obviously vice versa), in the part of the lodge's management.
* I don't think I've seen the star, Nick Tate, in other Australian productions...what happened to him? Apart from John Waters ("All the rivers run" and "Play school"!), the only other actor I could say I've watched before was Charles "Bud" Tingwell (I'd seen him in the great British children's series "Catweazle"). I think Tingwell may be credited as "Bud" at the start and "Charles" at the end credits! Max Cullen is a familiar name and I've probably seen him before too. The cop in this film looks familiar too, but I probably haven't seen the TV shows where he regularly appeared...probably in the role of a cop too!
* Not sure that I found Doctor Miller's (Charles Tingwell) revelations always plausible...i.e. often they just seemed to function as narrative exposition more than something that someone in his position would actually divulge. There are two examples of that: what he says to Simon one time, on the beach, and something he tells David at Summerfield.
* The cop says that "hundreds" of people have gone missing...I really hope he means in the state, not just their locale! Small town and all!
* Apart from the terrific music, I also liked the hues of the sky at times...but my television isn't the best...perhaps it looks even better on a good screen! There is plenty of 1970's fashions as well...short shorts, shirts etc.
* Just by the by, you can make out two newspaper headline posters at the milk bar, giving an idea of when it was filmed: The Sun "Fraser clamp_ on Lea_" (hard to read clearly as it is obscured) and the Herald's "Pop man hurt in stage blast"...curious who that was! Viewed from my PVR from a recording made on ABC TV 20/12/2013 at around 12:35 a.m. Running time of 91:25.
This film seems to have been repeated more than once in recent years...which was good for me, seeing as I wanted to rewatch it!
Excellent thriller
subar32710 December 1999
I watched this movie back in the late seventies. One of my favorites of all time. It was a very memorable exciting thriller, with excellent acting, story-line and scenery. Although I remember virtually every scene, I would love to see it again. I think this is an impossibility
Oh, the irony...
Caps Fan11 January 2008
Warning: Spoilers
Nice to be able to pick up the DVD of this recently.
"Summerfield" is a remarkable film in that not very much happens, yet the viewer's attention is gripped from the first frame. The lead character is Simon Robinson, a supply teacher (played by the excellent Nick Tate of "Space 1999" fame) sent to replace another teacher who has disappeared from a remote township in Victoria, Australia.
Simon almost immediately falls in with the Abbott family brother and sister David and Jennifer, along with the latter's daughter, Sally who live on the isolated island estate of Summerfield. The Abbotts and other locals all seem to know something about something, but nobody is saying anything beyond dropping a few obscure hints here and there.
The film is a mood piece. We see shots of lonely coastline, dark clouds looming over gloomy waters. Against this ominous background, Simon comes across information about his predecessor and the Abbotts. He follows up on it, with disastrous results, leading to a doozy of a conclusion, full of savage irony. If only, if only
"Summerfield" had a very mixed critical reception on its release, but in an interview included on the DVD Nick Tate calls the film a "minor classic". Despite an irritating and superfluous side story where Simon makes love to his landlady, I certainly don't disagree.
Recommended, unless you like a lot of physical action. Rating: 8/10.
"Summerfield" is a remarkable film in that not very much happens, yet the viewer's attention is gripped from the first frame. The lead character is Simon Robinson, a supply teacher (played by the excellent Nick Tate of "Space 1999" fame) sent to replace another teacher who has disappeared from a remote township in Victoria, Australia.
Simon almost immediately falls in with the Abbott family brother and sister David and Jennifer, along with the latter's daughter, Sally who live on the isolated island estate of Summerfield. The Abbotts and other locals all seem to know something about something, but nobody is saying anything beyond dropping a few obscure hints here and there.
The film is a mood piece. We see shots of lonely coastline, dark clouds looming over gloomy waters. Against this ominous background, Simon comes across information about his predecessor and the Abbotts. He follows up on it, with disastrous results, leading to a doozy of a conclusion, full of savage irony. If only, if only
"Summerfield" had a very mixed critical reception on its release, but in an interview included on the DVD Nick Tate calls the film a "minor classic". Despite an irritating and superfluous side story where Simon makes love to his landlady, I certainly don't disagree.
Recommended, unless you like a lot of physical action. Rating: 8/10.
Interesting little mystery drama
Noah-817 October 1998
Saw this as a kid. Loved it.
mbaprilia1 December 2015
One of the 1st (and to this day only) Australian films to have a brilliant trailer. So I was there with some mates on opening day. We had to sneak in as there was nudity and boobies. Unfortunately this film resonates today as much for its wonderful acting and scenery and story as for Director Ken Hannam's arrogance. I read producer Lovell's autobiography, and she was livid about how little coverage Hannam had shot, (apparently he had neglected to tell his producer he didn't believe in the project) and so Lovell and the editor had to try to "save" the film in the editing booth. Sad when you see the film (I was 13 when I saw it the first time, and it blew me away) it stands up and is what it is: a pretty taught little thriller. Hard to be overly critical on the movie, a good story well told, nicely acted, and as a teenage boy, with lots of great boobies. Twist ending, but nowdays we can all see it coming, but in 1978 it was new . . . if only the "director" had worked harder we may have had a classic here. Been in love with Geraldine Turner (see the Michael Parkinson interview) ever since. Sigh. Get it, bet you like it.
Why isn't this on DVD release yet?
spindizzy11 July 2004
Earlier comments already tell you what's so good about this film and have kindly not spoiled the plot so I'll simply add that I would love to see this classic film again.
This movie makes a refreshing change from modern formulaic trash (you know the ones I mean) so give it a go ~ I'm surprised by how watchable 70's movies are, it didn't seem so then but it was a brilliant decade for films.
Come on whoever-owns-the-film-rights, pull your finger out and give this fab movie the DVD release it deserves! NOW!
P.S, If you like this, try 'Bunny Lake is Missing' which is another quirky little gem...
This movie makes a refreshing change from modern formulaic trash (you know the ones I mean) so give it a go ~ I'm surprised by how watchable 70's movies are, it didn't seem so then but it was a brilliant decade for films.
Come on whoever-owns-the-film-rights, pull your finger out and give this fab movie the DVD release it deserves! NOW!
P.S, If you like this, try 'Bunny Lake is Missing' which is another quirky little gem...
Very memorable
PaddysMovieReview16 July 2019
A great story yes, but the real winner here is the photography
vallentine25 June 2001
A great story yes but the real winner here is the photography. Even on a 23 year old video tape the sunsets, beach colours and water shots still look magnificent. John Waters is understated but nonetheless powerful. Nick Tate is rock solid as usual. Geraldine Turner never looked better!
A Rare Aussie Classic
ladymidath8 April 2020
Great unloved Film
sonnythefat25 February 2023
Warning: Spoilers
I Saw John Walters live last night Performing his Glass Onion show ( Music of John Lennon) I Was telling my companion at the Theater How much I love this film, She had not seen this fim despite being a Fan of John Waters,
I went to the Premier showing of this film I was 18 then, I found it Beautful, Mysterious, But Shocking, I believe hiding the ending was, and is a Mistake, The Name of the Film shoud of been the The Summerfield Tragedy, As this Film is a Greek Tragedy, While set in a magnificent Australian coastal setting, There is many messages in this film, Number one Mind your own business, Secrets are a secret for a good reason sometimes, See the film,
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