Watch Summertree

Summertree is a poignant drama from the year 1971, directed by Anthony Newley, and starring Michael Douglas, Jack Warden, and Brenda Vaccaro. The film presents a raw and honest portrayal of a young man's emotional journey during the tumultuous 1960s. The plot revolves around Jerry, an intelligent and thoughtful college student, who is disillusioned with the Vietnam War and feels disconnected from his conservative family. Jerry's idealism is put to the test when he decides to drop out of school and join the army, hoping to make a difference and find some purpose in his life.

As Jerry prepares to leave, his father, a World War II veteran, voices his disapproval and tries to convince him to stay in school. Despite his family's objections, Jerry enlists and begins his journey towards an uncertain future.

The film follows Jerry's experiences in the army as he confronts the harsh realities of war, and his subsequent return home to face the challenges of reintegration into society. Along the way, he meets a variety of characters, including a disillusioned veteran played by Jack Warden and a free-spirited hippie played by Brenda Vaccaro. They all help shape his perspectives on life and war, leading him to question his own values and beliefs.

Despite the heavy subject matter, Summertree is not entirely depressing. There are moments of comedy and romance, such as Jerry's flirtations with a young nurse and his bonding with a fellow soldier over a shared love of jazz. These moments serve to humanize the characters, adding depth and nuance to their stories.

The film has a gritty realism to it, with a documentary-like feel that captures the mood of the late 60s and early 70s. The Vietnam War is shown not as a heroic endeavor but as a brutal and senseless conflict that left scars on everyone who participated in it.

The performances in Summertree are uniformly excellent. Michael Douglas shines as Jerry, delivering a nuanced portrayal of a young man struggling to find his place in the world. Jack Warden also impresses as an embittered veteran, conveying a sense of world-weariness that feels authentic.

The cinematography is also noteworthy, with shots of the open road and vast landscapes conveying the sense of freedom and possibility that Jerry and his fellow soldiers seek. The film's score, featuring jazz tracks by Freddie Hubbard and other notable musicians, adds to the sense of youthful rebellion and questioning that is at the heart of Summertree.

Overall, Summertree is a powerful and moving film that captures the spirit of a generation and the complex emotions of those who came of age during one of the most tumultuous periods in American history. It is a film that still resonates today, reminding us of the importance of questioning authority and striving for a better world, even in the face of overwhelming adversity.

Summertree is a 1971 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 28 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.7.