About Summertime

Summertime is a romantic drama film released in 1955. The film was directed by David Lean and features Katharine Hepburn and Rossano Brazzi. It's based on the play The Time of the Cuckoo by Arthur Laurents. The plot revolves around a middle-aged American woman, Jane Hudson, who travels to Venice, Italy for her summer vacation. She encounters an enchanting city and a passionate love affair that transforms her life forever.

Making / Production

Takes place in Venice, Italy, the Shoot of Summertime was executed in actual locations which brought an authentic feel to the overall storytelling. Despite facing challenges such as Katharine Hepburn being ill during the shoot, director David Lean still managed to craft a visually splendid film.

Actors

• Katharine Hepburn stars as Jane Hudson, a "spinster" who experiences love and life beyond her usual boundaries in Venice. Hepburn beautifully embodies the character's evolution throughout the film.
• Rossano Brazzi is Renato Di Rossi, a Venetian shopkeeper who becomes Jane's love interest. He portrays the charming, yet complicated character with an unforgettable performance.
• Isa Miranda plays the role of Signora Fiorini, who becomes a friend of Jane, and her performance lends a sense of depth to the film's emotional landscape.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• Katharine Hepburn contracted conjunctivitis from the polluted waters of the Venice canals during the shooting.
• In addition to being filmed entirely on location in Venice, Italy, many locals were also hired to appear in the film as extras.
• The striking red dress worn by Hepburn in the film became a fashion hit and was often replicated after the movie's release.

Awards

Summertime was nominated for two Academy Awards: Best Director for David Lean and Best Actress for Katharine Hepburn. Additionally, it won the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival in the year of its release.

Quotes

• "You are very beautiful... my dear."
• "Sometimes the greatest journey is the distance between two people."
• "Summertime and the living is easy."

Music, Soundtrack

• The film's evocative music was composed by Alessandro Cicognini.
• The song "Summertime" from George Gershwin's opera "Porgy and Bess" was incorporated in the film's soundtrack.