MovieChat Forums > Summer and Smoke (1962) Discussion > What kind of movie is this? Also: summar...

What kind of movie is this? Also: summary anyone?


A biography of Edith Head implies that this movie is a "period piece." In addition, the autobiography of Hal B. Wallis, the producer of "Summer and smoke", states that Audrey Hepburn was not cast in the film specifically over the issue of who would design the costumes. Givenchy (Audrey's personal wardrobe designer) had never designed costumes for period pieces, so Edith Head designed the costumes and Geraldine Page got the role. (Other sources state that the casting decision was a matter of salary.)

So my question is, is this movie a period piece? If so, what kind?

And if someone can give a short summary of the movie without giving away the plot that would be nice.

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The story is set circa 1915, although it's very typical of William's tales of emotional frustration in the south. It's the tale of the shy Alma, a less pathological version of Laura in Glass Menagarie, and her inability to express her true feelings for the hellraising John, her childhood sweetheart. If you want a complete synopsis go to: http://www.papermill.org/_content/shows/Summer_and_Smoke_Synopsis.pdf

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Thanks I was wondering what year the movie took place.

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[deleted]

I would classify it as a romantic tragedy. And being set in 1915, it is of course, a period piece.

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