The Greengage Summer (1961)

Director:

Lewis Gilbert

Writers:

Rumer Godden (novel)
Rumer Godden (screenplay)

Release Date:

14 August 1961 (Sweden)

Genre:

Comedy | Drama | Romance

Tagline:

A Summer of Evil...And a Young Girl's Cruel Awakening!

Plot:

The film tells the sensible story of a British girl who awakes from childhood on vacations in France finding life and love. |

Plot Keywords:

Youth | Based On Novel

Cast

Kenneth More	...	Eliot
Danielle Darrieux	...	Madame Zisi
Susannah York	...	Joss Grey
Claude Nollier	...	Madame Corbet
Jane Asher	...	Hester
Elizabeth Dear	...	Vicky
Richard Williams	...	Wilmouse
David Saire	...	Paul
Raymond Gérôme	...	Renard
Maurice Denham	...	Mr. Bullock
André Maranne	...	M. Dutour
Harold Kasket	...	M. Prideaux
Jacques B. Brunius	...	M. Joubert
Joy Shelton	...	Mrs. Grey
Balbina	...	Mauricette

Also Known As:

Loss of Innocence (USA)

Runtime:

99 min

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Sound Mix:

Mono

Certification:

Finland:K-16 | Sweden:15 | UK:PG (video rating) | UK:A (original rating)

Company:

Victor Saville-Edward Small Productions

Let's keep hoping for a DVD release!

I'm surprised to find that this has not as yet been given a video release. More and more films from the various studios' archives are finding their way to a public that craves the kind of entertainment which was once much more available to those willing to attend a film in a theatrical setting, that is, films with a respect for adult sensibilities and without the tiniest nod to the sensation-seekers who crave explosions, mindless (and excruciatingly extended sequences of) violence and special effects which are, let's face it, beginning the inevitable downward spiral of diminishing returns. Really! Are any but those who refuse to refine their tastes in theater, films, etc., still impressed by the ever more astonishing demonstrations of the computer geniuses' craft and which are the reason that dozens and dozens of artisans make a closing credit roll-up almost as long as a typical film these days (and which precious few theater patrons will now sit through)?

I was able to see "Loss of Innocence" (its American release title) at a first-run theater in Beverly Hills, California and the print was absolutely pristine, doing full justice to Freddie Young's exceptionally fine work behind the Technicolor cameras. A projectionist of my acquaintance at the time told me that Columbia Pictures Corporation was especially particular about the condition and presentation of first-run films released by that studio, sending technicians frequently during first-run engagements of Columbia films to check on the condition of projection equipment, correcting any flaws that may have shown up in the reels, the proper masking of projected films according to the aspect ratio used in production, and so forth. I no longer live in southern California but I'm somewhat reluctant to believe that such care (and expense) is still lavished on films at first-run houses down there these days. It certainly doesn't appear to be true here in the Northwest.

Anyway, with the lovely scenery of its French countryside settings and two truly beautiful actresses (the exquisitely young English rose, Miss York, and that elegant flower of French womanhood, Madame Darrieux) to delight one's eyes, plus a delicately scripted story of more than unusual interest, this is a film I shall always remember as one of the most ravishing cinema-going experiences that I can recall. I join others who have commented on this site in hoping that we will one day be rewarded with a happy refreshing of our memories with a video release of this gem.