Summer of the Seventeenth Doll

About This Movie

Summer of the Seventeenth Doll is a fascinating piece of Australian cinema that explores the nuances of relationships against a backdrop of post-war societal shifts. Leslie Norman’s direction brings a rawness to the characters, two sugarcane cutters and their mistresses, who have a delicate dance of love and reality each summer. The performances are solid, with a specific chemistry that’s palpable. The pacing leans toward a slow burn, allowing the weight of their interactions to settle. The film captures an era with limited resources, yet the practical effects and set design transport you to a very specific time and place. It’s not flashy, but it’s this grounded approach that makes it feel authentic and resonate on a deeper level.

Original release: 1959, Australia · Based on a play by Ray Lawler · Cinematography by James D. W. O’Gorman · Features a mix of real locations and set design