Review of Summertime (1955) by Rocco C — 28 Mar 2013

Hepburn truly shines as the strong-minded, yet stunningly gorgeous and deeply vulnerable middle-class Secretary Jane Hudson in what has been the long-awaited holiday of a lifetime. Hepburn in her sixth Oscar-nominated performance as the strong-minding and "independent" Ms Hudson finally learns why so many have fallen in love in - and with - the most romantic city in the world. Shot and recorded in beautiful Venice, this picture serves more than just a tender love story, it serves as a message for the immense possibilities and pleasures of a journey given that we work hard for it.

It was a joy to see Hepburn's talents turn to romantic comedies than the usual unapproachable, cold and stern women we have seen in the pictures like Morning Glory (1933) and The Philadelphia Story (1941). Hepburn's cheeky catching on of the Italian language adds to what really is this special little picture - a touch of class and innocent love in a completely different world.

In what appears to be the holiday break from hell, Hepburn's character befriends a charming homeless Italian boy who takes her across Venice to all the sites she wants to see before meeting and falling in love with the equally-as-charming and the terribly handsome Mr de Rossi. de Rossi appears to inject a different side that we typically see the great Katherine Hepburn; an innocent and free-spirited woman who simply just wants to live the memories in what is and has been a terrific holiday. The premise that the two can never be mirrors the impossibilities that were simply impractical given the time of filming, and what we should do now as modern audiences is to relinquish these beliefs and open our minds to a love that can happen between anyone - regardless of color, nationality or anything else.

As the credits came in, I thought: "What was actually the climax of this film?" Is the climax when she learns of Mr de Rossi's secret life or the fact that she really has loved Venice? Or is it the train separating them further as de Rossi waves goodbye his American sweetheart. But, really, it doesn't matter - the whole point of the movie is to tell how love can happen in the most peculiar and random of places.

All in all, a deeply touching picture that will leave one yearning for such a spontaneous romance to unexpectedly walk into their lives and a picture modern Hollywood should make note of. We certainly don't see movies like this anymore and it's a damn shame.