Classic (and rare) 1977 Australian film from the producer of Picnic at Hanging Rock. Summerfield is a 1977 Australian film, directed by Ken Hannam, written by Cliff Green and produced by Patricia Lovell. It stars Nick Tate, Elizabeth Alexander, John Waters, Charles 'Bud' Tingwell, Max Fairchild and Geraldine Turner, and was filmed on location on Phillip Island and Churchill Island in Victoria. Wikipedia Release date: 30 September 1977 (Australia)
SUMMERFIELD (1977)
Simon Robinson (Nick Tate) has just arrived at small seaside community of Bannings Beach to take over as teacher at the local primary school.
He makes friends with brother and sister Jenny and David Abbott (Elizabeth Alexander and John Waters, respectively), and Jenny's daughter Sally (Michelle Jarman) who live on the isolated island estate of Summerfield. Simon soon becomes intrigued with the strange disappearance of the previous teacher and starts his own investigations into the mystery. The townspeople appear to know more than they are letting on. However what clues Simon does possess point to the residents of Summerfield.
Produced by Patricia Lovell and directed by Ken Hannam, this is quite an intriguing little movie, with an effective storyline in particular the final sequences. The cinematography is superb taking advantage of picturesque Phillip and Churchill Islands off the southern Victoria coast.
Summerfield also features a swag of well known actors in its support cast including Charles Tingwell, Geraldine Turner, Sheila Florence and Max Cullen.
Oh and the 70's fashions never cease to amaze. The song "We wear short shorts" immediately springs to mind.
It’s streaming on Amazon Prime but also definitely overdue for a DVD/ BluRay release.
