Summer is the perfect time to catch a movie! And I’m so excited to share my thoughts on the awesome inspirational, historical movie— Summer of ’67!
You know that feeling you get when you’re reading a novel, and the words make the visual come alive before you? Almost as if endorphins have been released, you gaze upon it and sink into it? That’s how I felt as I watched The Summer of ’67, as though art unfolded before me.
I don’t usually watch Indie movies, nor do I prefer Vietnam era films, but I loved this!
Based on real life events, Summer of ’67 brings to life the turbulent times of the sixties and the struggles faced by the men and women impacted by the Vietnam War.
Young wife and mother Milly (Rachel Schrey) is forced to live with her mother-in-law (Mimi Sagadin) while her husband Gerald (Cameron Gilliam) is away on the USS Forrestal.
Kate (Bethany Davenport) must choose between Peter (Christopher Dalton) her high school sweetheart
and Van (Sam Brooks) her new hippie boyfriend.Ruby Mae (Sharonne Lanier) finally finds true love with Reggie (Jerrold Edwards) only to have him whisked away by the draft.
Each woman faces the question of whether or not their man will return, and even if he does, will life as they know it ever be the same?
The Vietnam war was before my time. And most of what I’ve seen from other movies depicts hippies and drugs, or our troops at war then returning to an angry America. Which never seemed to fit with the conservative military town where I grew up. We loved our troops, and it was rare to meet someone who maintained the 60’s “Woodstock” lifestyle. Society was different, and I couldn’t imagine how I’d fit in that world.
Until I watched this movie.
Summer of ‘67 isn’t a hyped-up Hollywood dramatization of the extremes. It’s about community gathering together to support each other, of drawing inspiration and encouragement from church and friends.
For the first time, I realized our worlds weren’t that different. I connected with each of the women’s stories and could imagine myself responding in a similar fashion. The young woman praying for a husband, while another tries to discover where she fits, the young-married just starting a family when tragedy hits—all powerful performances!
Summer of ’67 made me recognize American’s been through hard times before, but we have a history of coming together, supporting each other, and drawing on a higher power. Thankfully, God is larger than our trials and is never surprised.
Summer of ‘67 premiers on June 29th. Here’s a link for screening locations.
The experience sparked an interest in the era and history of the time I didn’t have before. And I’m excited to learn what will come next for the screenwriter/director, Sharon Wilharm, as she plans to turn her energy to writing historical novels!
Fred & Sharon Wilharm (Filmmakers)
Summer of ’67 is the seventh feature film for husband and wife filmmaking duo Fred and Sharon Wilharm. Their movies have screened in film festivals across the globe, accumulating dozens of festival accolades, sold in bookstores and online outlets, released to select AMC theaters, and aired on multiple television networks. In addition, Sharon has a film industry blog and is a popular speaker at film and writing events.
Summer of ’67 Social Media
Summer of ’67 website, Summer of ’67 on Facebook, Summer of ’67 on Twitter, Summer of ’67 on Instagram, Summer of ’67 on Pinterest
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