ITV Playhouse (TV Series) Last Summer (1977) User Reviews

A great 'feelgood' summer movie.

[crowenicholas · 8/10 · 27 November 2005]

I remember seeing this uplifting television play in summer 1976 - to my knowledge it's only airing. It was the story of one summer spent by two London teenagers who choose very different career paths on leaving school; one becomes a car thief and the other tries a more conventional job (a plumber as I remember). The late Richard Beckinsale (father of Kate Beckinsale) played a London gangster who becomes the car thief's mentor - a very different role than that of the naive Lenny Godber that Beckinsale played in Ronnie Barker's prison sitcom 'Porridge'. The play also featured great music, I remember 'Lazer Love' by T.Rex being used as part of the soundtrack. Unfortunately, it is unlikely that we will see this joyous rites of passage movie again, since it's makers Thames Television had a nasty habit in the seventies of disposing of much of their original material to save library space.

The law of The Jungle.

[Sleepin_Dragon · 8/10 · 21 February 2024]

Two lads leave school, and go in very different directions, one has ambitions of joining The Police, the other joins the lucrative world of car theft, the latter teams up with an experienced thief, but realises that things aren't always straightforward.

A thoroughly enjoyable episode from the ITV Playhouse series, and again a pointer how much variety there was, so different from the likes of Mr Axelford's Angel and Casting the Runes.

What a shame ITV doesn't find the time to show things like this, instead we have endless six part crime dramas.

Considering it's a story about car thieves, it's actually quite uplifting, it definitely has the feel good factor, it's hard not to be on Keith's side.

I enjoyed Keith's story, the way he was essentially groomed, tempted, trained, then slipped into the role that Johnny was playing, would he gave cared if something happened to Bobby?

So well acted, Richard Beckinsale was just a joy, and what a super talented actor.

8/10.

I will never forget

[ChrisMenges · 9/10 · 19 August 2019]

I shot the film. It was a most amazing experience. That summer the light in London startling fresh. The script a peach, Stephen Frears not too grumpy and the cast a dream, in particular Richard a great lead actor. Special times

Last Summer - Recording Found

[chris-5643 · 10/10 · 25 November 2017]

I have just come across a Video copy of the ITV Playhouse " Last Summer" from Thames Television in 1977. The picture and sound quality is excellent after 40 years!

Stars Richard Beckinsale, as Johnny.

I've written to Thames TV, just in case they haven't got a copy.

I will die a very sad person if I do not see this drama again!

[pjoyce953 · 19 June 2006]

I remember seeing a scene of this drama being filmed outside Fulham Broadway Station when I was on a tea break from working at Fulham Town Hall (opposite the station).

The character that Richard Beckinsale portrayed was completely different to the roles he was previously associated with, and it was obvious to see that he had the talent to turn his acting skills to any role or challenge.

I watched Last Summer on TV in 1976 and it was brilliant. My only regret is that I did not own a video machine at the time to record it.

Paul Joyce

Great Memories.

[patmurray21 · 10/10 · 27 May 2021]

I fondly remember working on this.

One of my first tv roles.

Richard Beckinsale was an inspiration.

The director Stephen Frears was world class.

The cameraman Chris Menges was the bravest cameraman I ever saw, and he went on to win 2 Oscars.

Wish I could see it again, we filmed it 42 years ago and incredibly it was only shown once.

Patrick Murray.

Thieving

[myfriendogri · 1 January 2007]

Yes, I remember this . Particularly as Richard Beckinsale was cast very much out of type, compared with his work up till then, in for example 'The Lovers'.

I particularly recall a scene in , I think, a supermarket car park. The car thief has chosen his target. Walks casually towards the car, takes only a few moments and he's into the Ford Cortina, swiftly bends his head down under the dashboard to hot-wire it..., and... there's someone already there, from the passenger side.., stretched out doing just that.

I believe this TV film was broadcast just the once.

Andrew

Not shown again, but still a memory

[naseby · 22 August 2008]

Can't rate what I can't remember, but what I do remember of this is where the late Mr Beckinsale kicks a car with a dent on it stating: "It's got a crease in the arse!" A part of this play was featured in 'The Unforgettable Richard Beckinsale' TV documentary and I think there was one other programme about him. A great actor, sad early loss. It had interviews with his past co-actors including Don Warrington and Ronnie Barker. As I remember in one programme about Richard, Ronnie Barker was in tears remembering him/the time he died. Don Warrington remembers a driver calling out to him, before he knew himself about Richard's death. The driver, Don says, called out to him and said; "Ay, you're mate's dead."