Summerspell

Last updated
Summerspell
Directed by Lina Shanklin
Written byLina Shanklin
Starring Dorothy Holland
Jennifer Mayo
Frank Whiteman
Cinematography Robert Elswit
Edited by Gloria Whittemore
Release date
April 1, 1983 (U.S. Film Festival)

Summerspell is an independent film written and directed by Lina Shanklin. It premiered at the U.S. Film Festival (the precursor to Sundance) on April 1, 1983.

Contents

Plot

The film follows as the members of a large extended family gather on the Fourth of July for a not-so-happy reunion on their West Texas ranch right after World War II. [1]

A gripping drama of beauty and sacrifice in the tradition of O'Neill, Tennessee Williams, and early William Faulkner. An edgy 4th of July weekend finds the Wisdom clan gathering on a remote West Texas ranch to bring the family’


"Shanklin has etched a family saga in the tradition of O'Neill, Tennessee Williams, and early William Faulkner. Strikingly lensed and directed with a firm hand, SUMMERSPELL marks the debut of a talented Yank director with an unusually refined eye."

-- VARIETY

"The adult awakening of a young girl, a long-kept secret that refuses to stay buried, a reunion of the family that must not admit to the truth collide in this story of a family coming apart. The film boasts strong direction by Lina Shanklin (One Of Those Nights), breathtaking photography by Robert Elswit (Let There Be Blood, Boogie Nights, The River Wild, Tomorrow Never Dies) and matchless performances from an ensemble cast."

-- JFK CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS


Cast

Dorothy Holland as Bernice Wisdom

Jennifer Mayo as Eleanor Wisdom

Frank Whiteman as Lowell Wisdom

Michael Holmes as Uncle Ezra

Joan Crosby as Aunt Maggie

Kay Freedman as Aunt Lillian - Gay Hagen as Aunt Edna Mae

Ed Wright as Grandfather Wisdom

Coleman Creel as Cecil

Bert Tanswell as Rich


Production

Shanklin based the script off her experiences growing up in the American Southwest. [2] She said it took her nearly four years to get the film made. [3]

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References

  1. Thomas, Kevin (23 Sep 1999). "Eloquent Without Words". The Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2020-01-01.
  2. London, Michael (6 Jul 1984). "Miracles at Filmex". The Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2020-01-01.
  3. Knode, Helen (7 Mar 1985). "You've Come a Long Way…?". LA Weekly. Retrieved 2020-01-01.