ThiefHott Too much of everything

Smartorhypo Highly Overrated But Still Good

Pluskylang Great Film overall

Rio Hayward All of these films share one commonality, that being a kind of emotional center that humanizes a cast of monsters.

vincentlynch-moonoi Our reviewers reviews of this film are all over the map, perhaps signifying that there are some good things about this film, as well as some major mistakes (at least in my view), a position supported by the film's tremendous flop at the box office.For me, the biggest problem here is that this musical is a musical, with pretty bland music at that. If this had been done as a drama with some humor, it might have turned out very nicely.The look of the film is quite lush with wonderful Technicolor, and most of the outdoor scenes were actually filmed outdoors, rather than on a set! It's very easy to criticize a 28 year old Mickey Rooney playing a graduating high school senior, but that was the problem with Rooney's ebbing career -- fine and ebullient actor who could ham it up when required (and it is required here), but only 5'2" tall. And if every film that has an actor or actress playing a role meant for a younger or older actor had never been made, half the films in Hollywood would have never been made. Other than knowing that he's too old for the part, his performance is fine for the age portrayed.Gloria DeHaven was pretty; period. But then, also in the supporting cast are two of the finest character actors in the history of American cinema -- Walter Huston as the truly loving father, and Frank Morgan as the light alcoholic uncle; the film is worth watching for their performances. Marilyn Maxwell has a nice turn as a sleazy vaudeville performer. Agnes Moorehead has an unusually docile part (for her) as the love interest for Frank Morgan. Selena Royle, as the mother, is okay; more interesting to note that she was a long-time "special friend" to Spencer Tracy in his early years in show business.Plot-wise, the films plods along through a series of vignettes, and then suddenly it was over...and I was left feeling like what was the point? The film had lots of potential, but wasted most of it. A rare disappointing MGM musical.

rhwasc I cannot imagine the conversations that must have gone on in the Freed offices during the development of this property! It is so completely unlike anything that the Freed Unit had ever done, reflecting a more dissonant period of American history (during the making of this film). This is an extraordinary reflection on the MGM Everyman (especially Andy Hardy grown up). How did they get this past Louis B. Mayer? In my mind the history of MGM's innocence is resolved in this picture. When Andy Hardy/Mickey Rooney stands outside the family home, at the end of the picture, looking into the darkness that his future might bring it completes the Series that was so loved by MGM. I must believe Mamoulian really understood the dark journey he was taking his characters into and the dark post war future the American audience would soon face. A remarkable historical document that doesn't always work. Well worth viewing with a perspective on it's origins (Ah, Wilderness!). This film should be viewed as an original. Roy H. Wagner ASC Director of Photography

muffinheuer2003 I love Mickey Rooney in this movie. The people who have said he overacts in this film are not correct. Rooney never overacts. He puts his whole heart and soul into a picture. What's wrong with that?? Anyhow, this film is very nice. Mickey does and excellent job. The color and the set up are beautiful. This is truly another great MGM musicals. I personally like this movie better than Ah Wilderness because it showcases more of Mickey. I'm a Mickey Rooney fan and I think he was one of the most talented actors of Hollywood. I truly enjoy his work and appreciate his talent!

Wayne119 If you are a fan of Mickey Rooney, or if you loved "Ah, Wilderness!" (1935 movie) and "Take Me Along" (Broadway musical version of "Ah, Wilderness!"), you will find this version of Eugene O'Neill's only comedy worth seeing.Mickey Rooney is in both films. In "Summer Holiday," he does a good job as the older brother, but I liked him better as the little brother in the 1935 movie. Butch Jenkins plays the little brother in "Summer Holiday" (the Mickey Rooney role in the 1935 movie). Somebody must have decided the role was not cute enough, so they gave poor little Butch a lot of extra lines and cutesy costumes. Remembering Mickey's robust performance in the earlier version, I found Butch embarrassing.The music in "Summer Holiday" is not very inspired. "Take Me Along" has better songs. I don't dislike "Summer Holiday." It just doesn't live up to my expectations of it.