A Summer Story
Tags: tragedy, romantic

Plot synopsis:
In the summer of 1904 Frank Ashton, an educated young man from London, is on a walking holiday in Devon with a friend. When he falls and twists his ankle, Ashton is helped at a nearby farmhouse and stays there for a few days to recover, while his friend goes on. Ashton quickly falls for the village girl who looks after him, Megan David, and she falls in love with him, to the great distress of her cousin Joe Narracombe, who wants her for himself. Ashton and Megan spend a night together, and after that he takes the train to a seaside town to cash a cheque at a bank, promising to return the next morning and take Megan away with him and marry her.
On arrival in the town, Ashton finds a branch of his bank, but it will not cash his cheque, insisting on first contacting his branch in London. While he is delayed, Ashton meets an old school friend, staying at a local hotel with his three sisters, of whom the oldest is Stella Halliday. Thanks to the bank's delays, he misses the train he needed to catch to make his rendezvous with Megan. During the day that follows, he spends more time with his friend and his sisters, and while Stella flirts with him he begins to have second thoughts about marrying Megan.
Megan then travels to the seaside town looking for Ashton, carrying her luggage for running away. He sees her on the beach and follows her into the town, but when she turns and catches a glimpse of him, he hides.
Eighteen years later, Ashton is married to Stella and they are motoring through Devon. They have no children. Ashton visits the farm where he seduced Megan and is recognized. He learns that Megan was heart-broken about losing him and also that she died soon after giving birth to a son, who she named "Francis", or Frank. He is taken to see Megan's grave, which is at the spot where they had first met. She had asked to be buried there, to wait for his return. In motoring away with Stella, Ashton passes his son, young Frank, who gives him a friendly wave.

Review: I wasn't sure what to expect cause I bought it on a whim because of the ratings it had gotten in some review books and because James Wilby is in it who I think is one of the most underrated actors alive.
It's beautifully directed, top notch acting, and for such a simple story it's amazingly effective.
Anyone whose ever loved and lost will feel what the characters are feeling in this film!
I watch this gem about twice a year, when I feel like having a good cry.
This film truly transports me to another time and place.There are timeless morality issues dealt with in the story, and the unforgettable ending gives a person goose bumps.
I remember watching this film way back when I was in high school as a TV special (since it was never released in movie theaters in my country).My sister and I, as young as we were then and perhaps still idealistic and what have you, were moved to tears watching this great film.
I can still remember my sister and I trying to find out the name of the actress when the credit was being shown because we were so touched by the truthfulness of her performance.For one strange reason or another Imogen Stubbs' name really got stuck in my mind from then on, although I have never ever seen any other movie of hers after that.
This movie made an impression on my young mind and has stayed with me ever since.
For a couple of years now, I have been desperately trying to find a VCD or DVD copy of this movie so that I could watch it again and experience the same emotions I had back then when I was watching it with innocent eyes.
But alas, I still have not found any copy.I really would love to watch this movie again...
It is a bittersweet tale of lost love, based on a short story ("The Apple Tree") by John Galsworthy.
Wow, This guy (me) loves this movie!!.
Too many people are missing a great story and a great movie.Since I discovered this movie during the Summer of 1996, I've watched it about once a year.
I was so very, very sad.I wish it was out on DVD, but I can still watch my old VHS copy and have heartaches just the same.
Being an action, sci-fi, and thriller type of guy, I think it speaks highly of the film that I enjoy  watching this story over and over.I hope you enjoy it as much as I do..
I am happy to know that I am not the only person this movie had a profound effect on.
How can it be so good and yet so many people have no clue about it.I saw it around the year it came out.
I was living in Toronto and I can't remember whether or not it came to the theatres but late one night I looked at it on the movie Channel.
Fantastic movie, the ending was so sad.For years I would recommend this film to friends and nobody would really know what I was talking about.
For months after I had seen the film I would think about it and the way it ended.I have never forgotten the name Imogen Stubbs.
This movie and Imogen Stubbs had a profound effect on me.
I watch my old VHS copy about once a year.
I stumbled on this one day while watching a partially recorded copy of the movie.
Probably not to extreme except for the fact that I'm an "action","sci-fi", "fantasy" kind of movie lover.............I can't recommend it highly enough, and easy 10+.I don't think you will be disappointed..
If you are thinking of watching this movie, make sure you have a box of tissues ready - because unless you are emotionally constipated this film will make you cry.
The music by George Delerue matches and enhances the heart rending story, and sounds pretty darn good without the film, too.
The story is about an upper class young man(James Wilby) who, whilst on a walking holiday, falls in love with a beautiful young farm girl.
If you never enjoy romance, or poignant tales of lost chances and heartbreak, then you probably won't love it!.
It was not recommended and I was just changing channels when I stumbled upon this movie (luckily).
I first saw this great little movie a few years ago while overseas in the Middle East on a late night movie channel that carried older "B" movies.
When I got back to the States I some how found an old DVD of the movie on the internet and bought it immediately.
My wife and I watched this wonderful movie again recently (Jan 2017) and ended up crying together all over again!
A Summer Story is so well cast (Imogen Stubbs in the lead female role and James Wilby as the lead male) and with a story that is so beautifully written.
Beware to be supplied with a box of tissues for the plot climax at the end!Technical Note: The DVD this viewer watched had high contrast, with narrow dynamic range, resulting in poor image detail in the shadows and highlights, and loss of screen resolution.
excellent and beautiful movie.i watched it 10 years ago when i was teenager in local TV channel.
i been trying to watch this movie again,but couldn't find it.
If she had long lost the blue-eyed, flower-like charm, the cool slim purity of face and form, the apple-blossom colouring, which had so swiftly and so oddly affected Ashurst twenty-six years ago, she was still at forty-three a comely and faithful companion, whose cheeks were faintly mottled, and whose grey-blue eyes had acquired a certain fullness.
She was looking for a place where they might lunch, for Ashurst never looked for anything; and this, between the golden furze and the feathery green larches smelling of lemons in the last sun of April--this, with a view into the deep valley and up to the long moor heights, seemed fitting to the decisive nature of one who sketched in water-colours, and loved romantic spots.
I thought I was the only person in the whole universe who knew about this film.It is not only timeless and relevant,but how can a truly great film,brilliantly acted become so obscure that I not only cannot find another (I have managed to get 2 VHS copies,though very grainy)but the soundtrack is impossible to get as well.Imagine,films from the 1930's have been restored and converted to DVD,but this beautiful work of art(made in 1988) is lost somewhere on some shelf or maybe lost forever.I'm ready to write letters to Atlantic Entertainment and beg the question WHY HAVE YOU BURIED SUCH A MAGNIFICENT FILM??????
I could never begin to count the number of times I have watched this film.It has become my all time favorite film.So the word PRECIOUS does not even sum up my feelings....PRICELESS seems more appropriate.I admit, it breaks my heart every time I watch it.But I'm so drawn to it I just can't seem to help myself.Therefore,I'm so happy that there are other (A SUMMER STORY) aficionados out there.I am not alone..
Beautiful Movie of Innocent Love.
This is another excellent love movie that most people miss out on.
I remember watching this way back when it was shown on the local public television channel and was so mesmerized by the whole movie.
I enjoyed it so much I wanted to watch it again however it was hard to find a copy and it wasn't played anymore on TV.
Many years later I was able to find it at a local movie rental store.
It's hard to find a good love movie involving a romance so full of many emotions.
This movie and "The Notebook" touched my heart in almost the same way.
If you enjoyed watching "The Notebook" or haven't seen both and simply enjoy watching heart touching romantic movies then you must watch both!
Innocent love lost and betrayed, it's so sad..
A Summer Story opens with the year of 1922, after the first world war, but quickly goes back to 1902, the year of "The Gilded Age."Two young men, on a journey, are setting across Somerset, when one injures his foot while trying to jump a gate.
The tranquil setting is too boring for one of the two young men, so he leaves, while his friend, with the injured foot stays on.A romance begins to start with the girl.
The only problem is, the home owner's son also has feelings for her.This movie has great photography, one of the finest soundtracks by well known film composer Georges Delurues, and a very enduring love story.The landscape settings are unequaled.
This movie deserves a good transfer to DVD and Blue-Ray.You might find it interesting to know that the soundtrack album is worth anywhere from $200 to $250, as it was released for a very short time in 1988 by Virgin Records, and because of the quality of the music, considered Delurues' finest, is in high demand.The film has not been shown on the premium channels (HBO, Cinemax, Showtime or Starz) since 1991.
It is long due for a repeat presentation.If you get the opportunity to watch this movie, do it!
It was released in 1988.I hope the distributors for this movie will see this review and get the hint and make a proper transfer to DVD and Blue-Ray.
I thought I was the only one who remembers A Summer Story.
I watched A Summer Story nearly a decade ago.
True, my memory of A Summer Story maybe tinted with the rosy glow of yesterday but from what I remember every tear I shed for this movie was worth it..
Ashton twists his ankle and encounters country girl Megan David (Imogen Stubbs).
The ending is harsh but that's what so good about this movie..
I have seen this movie only once, about 20 years ago, on television and ever since, it has struck a chord with me.
An extremely well directed film, and equally good performances by Imogen Stubbs and James Wilby.
I would strongly recommend this film to anyone who enjoys good cinema.
The film has a sad end, but that is how it should be.
I understand that short story (Apple Tree) on which this film is based, had a different end.
It's a mesmerizing film, haunting, lovely and painful all at the same time, and the feelings linger for days after.
Even when it was first released, there wasn't much mention of the film, but people are missing out on a real gem..
When this beautiful country girl named Megan comes to the aid of a young barrister who injured his ankle while passing through her homeland with a friend, she falls in love.
This story reminds me of the innocence of country life and the social pressures of the olden times for a girl to marry and not have a career.
Megan is a gal who's heart runs free and wants to be cared for by a loving gentleman.
This story makes me yearn for the best for Megan and her love.
1988 Seoul Olympics was held in our country...When I was a middle school student.My Summer is set to open in the summer story that there is some interest in movies but at the time I watch movie posters and a significant interest.Poster wearing a straw hat in the heroine's face is very sad movie word of mouth of the tear is very attractive because it was, and that the film was at the time.
I seem to recall.At that time, don't see this film, but the image of the heroine of the poster from the film's title, and memory are stored in my head so far is very sad story.
On Friday, after coming on YouTube movie clips related to this and that search take a look at this film and suddenly feel I should find out.I surprise you as I couldn't remember exactly what the title for trailers and video became a search of the key moments.Very impressive scenes to see first, I see from the original of this movie the next day.And this became to never forget my movies are.....British Devon Dartmoor provincial tour of two young lads, one of them accidentally farm around, with a sprained ankle, Frank, a lawyer only have to stay for a few days.
The beautiful girl, Megan fell in love with idyllic light in rural England duo's story is so beautiful and so sad.Keyword in this movie is two.'beautiful.' and 'sad.'.The heroine, Megan and Dartmoor's love and progress with their love and Georges Delerue the fate of the harmony of music is so beautiful, but Megan was too sad.IMDb together read the reviews of the world of 'a gem of a movie' is a ' box of tissues, to see this movie is required.'' In the last scene of the film The heart is stone man ' who did not cry.
See the contents of a common 'I feel like crying whenever see this film.'.I gave a perfect score on this movie is well-made film but the heroine, Megan David.Her make-up look small eyes shining like stars seen in his face and the attractive face of the plain country girl so beautiful in the personal appearance.Megan who plays aunt a Stubbs is a variety of video series called 'Anna Lee' while the six parts I saw a modern, cremation is used.
With no make-up look sometimes but face more scenes at Megan's pure, beautiful face and because I can see the look good.'Summer Story'...The film is a lifetime for me to keep in mind like precious jewels into memories will remain the same..
Story about summer fling stays with you forever!.
I watched this movie with no expectations and became mesmerized by its tale!
A sad poignant tale of class expectations vs, heart in one's mate choice, sited in early 20th century England..
However, this case is a bit out of the ordinary in that the gentleman felt a real love for this girl and didn't intend to abandon his promise to marry her, until a series of unexpected events compressed into a couple of days caused him to get cold feet and make a fateful decision.
He was swayed by the common advice to young upper class gentleman to 'never make the mistake of marrying your mistress', and let his head overrule his heart at the last minute.
This, Ashton didn't learn until many years later.The screenplay contrasts the earthy communal feel of rural English peasantry with the city world of uncaring bureaucracy-obsessed arrogant bankers and out-of-touch leisured upper class families.
Nonetheless, we are treated to the perception of Megan as a carefree young woman, full of fun, yet skilled in the tasks of a farm girl: a girl with self confidence in caring for children in a fun way and doing the common chores of a housewife, capable of real passion in a romantic relationship with the right man, despite disapproval by her family.
The background music for the film was quite appropriate in helping to accentuate it's various moods.This story has personal relevance to me, as I didn't make Ashton's mistake.
Against all advice, I decided to marry a girl rather like Megan, from a poor family on the other side of the world, of quite a different race and non-western culture, and whom I had known only a short while.
The eighties and nineties were perhaps the Golden Age of the British "heritage cinema" movement, and "A Summer Story" from 1988 is a good example.
Although the film is based on a story by John Galsworthy, it is reminiscent of the work of Thomas Hardy, both in its West Country setting and in its use of themes and devices which are typical of Hardy, such as love between people of different social standing and a chance mishap or misunderstanding which prevents a crucial meeting between the lovers.
In the summer of 1904 Frank Ashton, a young London barrister, on a walking holiday on Dartmoor with a friend, falls and twists his ankle.
The two fall in love and Ashton promises to take Megan back to London with him and marry her.
There is a particularly fine performance from the lovely Imogen Stubbs as Megan.
(This is one of Imogen's rare film appearances; she has generally concentrated more on stage and television work).
In financial terms, marriage to Ashton would probably be advantageous to Megan, at least in the long term.
Yet, knowing all this, she still loves Ashton unconditionally.
Megan is the heroine of the film, albeit a tragic one, but Ashton is not its hero, as he is not the stuff of which heroes are made.
Apart from the scenes in fashionable Torquay, the film lacks the visual beauty and elaborate costumes often associated with heritage cinema, especially the work of the Merchant-Ivory team.
I am surprised by all the good reviews of this film.
I thought it was a well-done film, but the story was heart-breaking and aggravating with a very selfish main character.
i need the subtitles on Spanish please tell me where i can found them, im from Mexico so i want to see this movie, i remember the first time i see it i love it until first time, and i spent a long time looking for this movie whit subtitles on Spanish but i couldn't found it i just have whit lenguaje on English, and i don't understand it so much, the reazon for i want in Spanish is because i want to see it whit a special person for my, i hope you can help my i really will thanks you so much if you help my, i think that this movie is the best of the world of the movies of love i know you think the same, one more time, really really i want this movie whit subtitles on Spanish please help me.