Last Summer
US (1969): Drama
This film is a frank coming-of-age tale that refuses to prettify its young characters or their activities. A group of aimless teens gets together for sex, drugs and rock-and-roll on Fire Island. Timid, overweight Rhonda (Catherine Burns) is goaded into aberrant behavior by her peers, especially the promiscuous Sandy (Barbara Hershey). Enjoying Rhonda's discomfiture, Sandy encourages the boys in the group to gang-rape the poor girl. It was this scene, the first of its kind in a general-release American picture, that earned the film its initial X rating. The film was later judiciously trimmed to qualify for an R rating without blunting its dramatic impact. Frank Perry directs for Allied Artists. Adapted by Eleanor Perry from Evan Hunter's novel. The small cast of 10 also features Richard Thomas, Bruce Davison and Ernesto Gonzalez. (Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide)
1 nomination
· Supporting Actress 1969: Catherine Burns