The Greengage Summer (1961)
Sensitive story of a British girl's awakening from childhood into life and love on vacation in France.
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This film is a distant memory of Sunday afternoons in my teens when this film was still played in the UK. How can we get it released on video? The innocence of the girl falling in love with the thief, it was gripping. ten out of ten
Susannah York is nothing short of sensational in her first starring assignment as the eldest sister in charge of two sibling during a summer "holiday" in France. She lets us into her heart and mind in a most disconcertingly yet effectively personal way. We learn with her the delicate balances needed between vulnerability, responsibility, and the dangers of reacting with protective cynicism.Director Lewis Gilbert excels in showing lead characters battling with the difference between infatuation and love. The Greengage Summer, known here in the US as "A Loss of Innocence", may be his crowning achievement in this area. Kenneth More and Danielle Darrieux, two of the European cinemas very best, are extraordinary in their key supporting roles.Don't miss this unique gem.
I saw the movie only once and that was over 30 years ago. It was one of the best films I have ever seen and remains so. As others have commented, it doesn't appear to be on VHS nor have I ever found it shown on either AMC or TCM. If anyone knows where or how to see it and/or own it please email me.
All three stars are magnificent in this story of a young girl, guardian of her young siblings during a nearly idyllic Summer in France. Kenneth More is devastating as an aging jewel thief. Danielle Darrieux is even better. Romanticas and truth-seekers of all angels will love this film.