Overview
A lonely woman finds unexpected romance in the enchanting canals of Venice.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Moderate
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- None
- wistful
- romantic
- gentle
- rainy day
- classic movie night
What critics said
Critics broadly praise Katharine Hepburn's vulnerable performance, Rossano Brazzi's charm, and the film's evocative Venice setting, while noting dated romantic conventions and occasional abruptness.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Jane Hudson is a middle-aged single traveler whose loneliness and uncertainty shape her response to Renato's advances.
Canals, gondolas, cafés, antiques, and sightseeing provide the atmosphere through which Jane experiences longing and self-discovery.
The critical reception specifically identifies the film's movement between old-school farce and a knowing depiction of relationships.
The film's Venice locations, canals, gondolas, and antique interiors give the romance a strong sense of place and visual allure.
Films like Summertime, and why
Brief Encounter
romantic longing, culturally immersive travel setting, and an emotionally mature woman confronting loneliness
A Room with a View
wistful holiday romance, picturesque European setting, and restrained emotional vulnerability
The Age of Innocence
lonely middle-aged protagonist, bittersweet romantic possibility, and elegant observational drama
Movie Details
- Director
- David Lean
- Release Date
- 1955-06-21
- Runtime
- 100 min
- Rating
- 6.7 / 10 (173)
Cast
- Katharine Hepburn
- Rossano Brazzi
- Isa Miranda
- Darren McGavin
- Mari Aldon
- Jane Rose
- MacDonald Parke
- Jeremy Spenser
- Gaetano Autiero
- Virginia Simeon
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- HBO Max Amazon Channel, HBO Max
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Summertime about?
- A lonely American secretary finds unexpected romance and emotional risk amid the canals and dazzling beauty of Venice.
- What is Summertime like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Summertime as measured, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is Summertime violent?
- No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in Summertime.
- What did critics think of Summertime?
- Critics broadly praise Katharine Hepburn's vulnerable performance, Rossano Brazzi's charm, and the film's evocative Venice setting, while noting dated romantic conventions and occasional abruptness.
- Which films are like Summertime?
- Films with a similar feel include Brief Encounter, A Room with a View, and The Age of Innocence.
- How long is Summertime?
- Summertime runs 100 minutes.
- Where can I watch Summertime?
- In United States, Summertime streams on HBO Max Amazon Channel, HBO Max.
