LGBTQ+ Pride Series: That Certain Summer

Doug Salter (Hal Holbrook), a divorced general contractor, is preparing for a summer visit from his 14-year-old son, Nick (Scott Jacoby), who lives in Los Angeles with his mother, Janet (Hope Lange). Nick wishes his parents would reconcile, but unbeknownst to him, Doug has been in a committed relationship with Gary McClain (Martin Sheen) who also lives in Doug’s house. To ease into revealing his sexuality, Gary agrees to temporarily stay with his sister during Nick’s visit. However, Nick becomes suspicious of his father’s close friendship with Gary. Nick eventually realizes the true nature of their relationship and overwhelmed, he runs away, prompting Doug and Gary to search for him. After a cryptic phone call to his mother, Janet immediately flies up to San Francisco and meets Gary for the first time. When Nick eventually comes home, Doug has an honest conversation with him, explaining his relationship with Gary. Though initially confused and hurt, Nick begins to process the revelation, and Janet assures Doug that, with time, Nick will come to understand.

That Certain Summer is a groundbreaking 1972 made-for-television drama directed by Lamont Johnson and written by Richard Levinson and William Link (Columbo). Airing as part of ABC’s Movie of the Week on November 1, 1972, it is widely recognized as the first American network drama to sympathetically portray gay characters and depict a stable same-sex relationship. The movie earned critical acclaim and several awards, including a Golden Globe for Best Television Film and an Emmy for Scott Jacoby’s performance. As you can imagine, the film had some difficulties in pre-production.  Initially NBC turned it down, before Barry Diller, the creator of the ABC Movie of the Week agreed to it, but he had to fight ABC to get it made.  Then it was difficult to find quality actors willing to play the leads.  It was thought to be a death sentence to your career to play a homosexual at the time.  Hal Holbrook initially turned it down, not because of the “gay” aspect to the character, but because he thought the script was a bit mundane, his wife, Carol Rossen, changed his mind and he then agreed.  In a 2007 interview with Martin Sheen, he said, “I thought it was wonderful. There was a great deal of freedom in it because it wasn’t about advocating a lifestyle or sexuality. It was about two people who adored each other, and they weren’t allowed to have a relationship that involved their sexuality.”  He was then asked if he was concerned over how taking the role could affect his career, he responded, “I’d robbed banks and kidnapped children and raped women and murdered people, you know, in any number of shows. Now I was going to play a gay guy and that was like considered a career ender. Oh, for Christ’s sake! What kind of culture do we live in?”.  In addition to the casting challenges, the film also delt with studio interference.  ABC insisted there be no physical contact between the lead actors, not even lingering eye contact.  And they believed the film was taking a pro-homosexual stance, so they insisted on inserting the opposite view in a couple of lines given by Doug in his speech to his son.  Even with those difficulties, the movie was made and is  also recognized as being the first network drama to depict a stable, same-sex couple; the first to depict a gay parent; and the first gay themed show to win an Emmy.

Although I do not remember this movie airing or any of the hoopla around it, I remember the time period very well.  Being a gay man who grew up in the 70s and 80s, accurate and positive representation was far and few between.  All too often, those in the LGBTQ+ community were depicted with cliché and stereotypes and were mainly used for comic relief or as a villain.  Seeing two people in a loving and committed relationship dealing with a real-world problem, making mistakes and battling their own insecurities was just not done in that era.

The performances by both Hal Holbrook and Martin Sheen are superb!  Hal represents so many men who fought so hard against their own inner truths and still have difficulty accepting who they are.  There is a great scene in which Doug sees two men holding hands and remarks he doesn’t like “public displays of affection”.  Gary remarks that he felt a bit of shame in his reaction.  Although the scene is subtle, it comments on so many of us, who harbored inner turmoil over what we are and seeing others living free, bring about a negative reaction.  Gary continues that it takes some guys longer to come completely out.  Which is a very poignant comment because it is so very true.  Hal’s performance is understated, and at time unemotional, but that is not to say it was bad.  You can feel the tension and emotions boiling underneath and his stoic responses are due to years of pushing his true emotions down.  When he tells his son about who he truly is, Nick begins to cry.  His response is to tell his son not to cry.  This is juxtaposed with the last image of Hal with tears streaming down his face after his son has left.  It is an extremely powerful message depicted in nuance.  Although it is never said, Sheen’s character, Gary, seems to have accepted himself much earlier in life, and in doing so is better adjusted.  Gary represents those who have fought to live free their entire lives and has several scenes where he has to deal with both the homophobic straight community and even allies who are open minded and yet also condescending.  His scene with Janet is wonderful, and I applaud the film for depicting the ex-wife with the complexity the situation deserves.  Although she is slightly bitter, she is also kind and loving and more understanding than one