Given more reliable communication and transport systems, modern medicine, urbanization, and much more relaxed boundaries between social classes, the concept of the one that got away is not as romantic as it used to be. But it’s what makes historical romance hold much more emotional stakes– people can be brave, push past their fear, and do everything right, but be stopped due to circumstances beyond their control. A Summer Story seemed to be in line with that direction, going through familiar pastoral romantic routes for a love across social strata, and it does it fairly well, with slightly more novel scenes like sheep shearing that adds to the current understanding of the time. Sadly, the third act disappoints. Perhaps the ending is much more realistic given their respective positions, but nonetheless A Summer Story disappoints with the choices that the protagonist has made. We don’t even get the satisfaction of seeing them have to live with it.
Synopsis
A young lawyer from London, Mr. Ashton, and his best friend are hiking across Dartmoor. When he twists his ankle, Ashton is forced to seek help at a nearby farmhouse and stays there for a few days. Innocent beauty Megan David catches the attention of Ashton. He decides to stay longer, and he and Megan fall in love, much to the displeasure of Megan's aunt and her loutish son.
Storyline
After being injured while hiking through Dartmoor in 1902, Frank Ashton falls in love with Megan David, the village girl that took care of him. Eighteen years later, in 1920, he returned to Dartmoor to look for her.
TLDR
It would have been much more dramatic if it was shot the other way around.
What stands out
It doesn’t shy away from sex, but for this particular film, it does make the protagonist a bit harder to believe in.
