Summer of the Seventeenth Doll

Name: Summer of the Seventeenth Doll
Director: Leslie Norman
Genre: Drama, Romance
Released: 1959-01-01
Duration: 93 min
Cast: Ernest Borgnine, Anne Baxter, John Mills, Angela Lansbury, Frank Wilson

1959Dir. Leslie Norman1h 33m

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About This Movie

Summer of the Seventeenth Doll is a fascinating piece of Australian cinema that explores the nuances of relationships against a backdrop of post-war societal shifts. Leslie Norman’s direction brings a rawness to the characters, two sugarcane cutters and their mistresses, who have a delicate dance of love and reality each summer. The performances are solid, with a specific chemistry that’s palpable. The pacing leans toward a slow burn, allowing the weight of their interactions to settle. The film captures an era with limited resources, yet the practical effects and set design transport you to a very specific time and place. It’s not flashy, but it’s this grounded approach that makes it feel authentic and resonate on a deeper level.

Original release: 1959, AustraliaBased on a play by Ray LawlerCinematography by James D. W. O’GormanFeatures a mix of real locations and set design