That Certain Summer Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Movie Overview: That Certain Summer
| Movie | That Certain Summer |
| Release Year | 1972 |
| Director | Lamont Johnson |
| Genre | TV Movie / Drama |
| Runtime | 73 minutes (1h 13m) |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is That Certain Summer (1972) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 6.6/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this TV Movie.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in That Certain Summer are led by Hal Holbrook . The supporting cast, including Martin Sheen and Joe Don Baker , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
That Certain Summer stands out as a strong entry in the TV Movie genre. The film benefits from engaging storytelling, memorable performances, and solid production values that help keep viewers invested.
- Compelling performances from the main cast
- Strong visual storytelling and direction
- Well-structured TV Movie narrative
- Satisfying emotional or dramatic payoff
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, That Certain Summer has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.
- Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
- Some predictable plot developments
- May not appeal to audiences outside the TV Movie fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: That Certain Summer
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1972, That Certain Summer is a TV Movie, Drama film directed by Lamont Johnson, written by Richard Levinson. The narrative presents a compelling narrative that engages viewers from start to finish. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Hal Holbrook as Doug Salter.
Ending Explained: That Certain Summer
That Certain Summer Ending Explained: Directed by Lamont Johnson, That Certain Summer wraps up the main storyline while leaving some interpretation to viewers. The ending highlights the core tv movie themes developed throughout the film.
The emotional resolution focuses on the transformation of its main characters, particularly in scenes involving Hal Holbrook. The interpretation of the ending may vary among viewers.
Key Elements of the Ending
- Narrative Resolution: The story resolves its primary conflict while leaving room for interpretation.
- Character Development: Character motivations become clearer by the final scenes.
- Thematic Message: The ending reinforces the tv movie themes introduced earlier in the film.
The final moments of That Certain Summer reflect the creative choices of the filmmakers and align with the tone of the narrative.
Who Should Watch That Certain Summer?
Age Advisory: Rated Not Rated.
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy TV Movies films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Hal Holbrook or the director
- Want solid genre entertainment
At just 73 minutes, it's a quick watch.
That Certain Summer Parents Guide & Age Rating
1972 AdvisoryWondering about That Certain Summer age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of That Certain Summer (1972) is 73 minutes (1h 13m). Directed by Lamont Johnson, the film runs for 73 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.6/10, and global performance metrics, That Certain Summer is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 1972 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is That Certain Summer worth watching?
That Certain Summer is definitely worth watching if you enjoy TV Movie movies. It has a verified rating of 6.6/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find That Certain Summer parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for That Certain Summer identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of That Certain Summer (1972)?
The runtime of That Certain Summer (1972) is 73 minutes (approximately 1h 13m).
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
