A Storm in Summer

Based on the original 1970s television movie written by Rod Serling, A STORM IN SUMMER beautifully tells the story of an unlikely friendship between an embittered Jewish deli owner and a young black boy during the Vietnam War era, the story unfolding with intelligence and great humanity. Peter Falk stars as Abel Shaddick, a man grieving the loss of his son and who agrees to mentor a precocious nine-year-old inner-city youth, Herman D. Washington (Aaron Meeks), for two weeks after the boy is dumped on Abel at his upstate New York home by his deadbeat nephew, Stanley (Andrew McCarthy). At first reluctant, Abel is soon won over by Herman's tough demeanor. While Abel and Herman's worlds are vastly different--both generationally and culturally--their genuine friendship helps them both come to terms with life. A powerful and touching film without unnecessary sentimentality, A STORM IN SUMMER is boosted by solid performances by Falk and Meeks, who work excellently together. Director Robert Wise uses his signature timeless filming techniques to not only revive an excellent screenplay but to give it new life.