Written and directed by the then husband-and-wife team of Frank and Eleanor Perry, 1969’s controversial Last Summer adapted from Evan Hunter’s novel of the same name, has been unavailable for nearly forty years—never on DVD, and unseeable in its original cut—has been released on Blu-ray from Warner Archive. Originally given an X-rating by the MPAA, Frank Perry quickly agreed to remove a few frames from the film’s disturbing climax to receive an R-rating, shortly after the initial theatrical release.
Set during the hot summer months on New York’s Fire Island, Last Summer tells the story of Sandy (Barbara Hershey), Peter (Richard Thomas), Dan (Bruce Davison), and Rhoda (Catherine Burns, who was deservedly nominated for an Oscar), four seemingly normal teenagers from upper class backgrounds, left to their own devices, free to explore their burgeoning sexuality. Peter and Dan are good looking buddies, seemingly unable to do anything without the other. When the guys meet the beautiful and fiercely independent Sandy, they quickly become a tight threesome. The trio spend their days on the beach with carefree abandon. The boys brush it off when Sandy reveals a casual destructive streak in an incident with a seagull.
Things take a darker turn with the arrival of Rhoda. Overweight and clumsy, she overshares her confused emotions. It’s immediately obvious to everyone but her that she doesn’t fit in with these good-looking, independent teens. Even so, they seem to have sympathy for Rhoda, allowing her into their group, if only on their terms. Rhoda often annoys them, becoming an easy target for ridicule. Even as her humiliation increases, Rhoda continues to insert herself in the group.
When Rhoda finally stands up to her new “friends,” the violent finale is even more chilling specifically because in hindsight, it was inevitable. The whole film has been building up to the final harrowing scene. Far from a random act of violence, it’s the result of built-up frustrations. Peter and Dan talk regularly about wanting to have sex with Sandy, but never work up the courage to ask her, though it appears she would be more than willing. As it is, this would be their last carefree summer. From now on, they would have to live with the weight of this dark secret.
Warner Archive’s Blu-ray contains the theatrical cut of the film. Presented in 1.85:1 aspect ratio, the transfer is sourced from a recent 4K scan of the best available element. The results are impressive, offer a nice amount of film grain, and maintaining the natural, hazy look of the cinematography. Fine detail and textures are pleasant throughout, maintaining the look of the era. Colors are appropriately muted, but clean. Given the reconstruction necessary for this transfer, Warner Archive has delivered another superb looking Blu-ray. Aside from a couple of brief instances of noise, the film is free of scratches or other digital anomalies.
The original mono soundtrack has been presented as DTS-HD Master Audio 2. 0.. The results are clean, and surprisingly clean. The dialogue is clean, clear, and concise, as is John Simon’s score, and the few rock-and-roll flavored songs.
English SDH subtitles are included.
The following extras are available:
- Audio Commentary with Writer/Producer Larry Karaszewski and Film Historian/Writer Justin Bozung: Described repeatedly as “the Ultimate Experts” regarding Last Summer, there love and knowledge for the film are obvious. They talk for the entire 97 minutes, offering information about the cast and crew, the various cuts of the film, and more. For those eager to take a deep dive into the history of Last Summer, this is a must listen.
- Deleted Scene (3:43) This clip features Ralph Waite as Peter’s (Richard Thomas) father. Of course, this is more interesting because Waite and Thomas would go on to play father-son just a couple of years later on television’s The Waltons.
- Q & A Featuring Larry Karaszewski Interviewing Actors Barbara Hershey and Bruce Davison (29:40) Recorded in March of 2026 at the American Cinematheque in Santa Monica, this took place after a screening of Last Summer‘s new restoration. Both actors share lots of memories and behind-the-scenes stories about the film.
- Q & A Featuring Larry Karaszewski Interviewing Actor Richard Thomas (34:26) Recorded in May of 2026 at the Paris Theater in New York City, Richard Thomas shares his thoughts on Last Summer.
- Allied Artists Promo Reel (2:56) A vintage, unrestored piece, heralding the company.
- Trailers From Hell (2:34) Larry Karaszewski introduces the trailer for Last Summer
- Theatrical Trailer (2:19) Taken from a low-resolution source, this trailer is Pillarboxed at 1.33:1.
- Booklet: Featuring an essay by Larry Karaszewski about Last Summer.
