That Summer – 1979 | 94 mins | Drama | Colour

Plot Synopsis

Traditional coming-of-age feature about four teenagers that share romance and adventure during the summer season in Torquay. The script opens with a realistic premise of seeking to break away from a mundane existence but degenerates into a clichéd syrupy feel-good ending. Harley Cokliss’s film is reminiscent of an 80s television drama but remains witty and the attractive photography captures many popular Torquay locations. The acting is convincing, particularly the two girls, Emily Moore and Julie Shipley. There’s a superb punk and new-wave soundtrack that sadly acts as a subdued background radio rather than complementing the storyline.

Steve Brody (Ray Winstone), a teenager just released from reform school is told he possesses a natural talent for swimming so decides to spend the summer in Torquay and enter a swimming marathon. Butchers son, Jimmy (Tony London), and Leeds factory workers Carole (Emily Moore) and Angie (Julie Shipley) also travel to the seaside resort looking to escape the mundane city life. Trouble arrives in the form of three gruff Glaswegians and particularly their leader, Tam (Jon Morrison), who is also competing in the swimming race.