Set in the 1960s, the film follows the lead character Kent, as he travels along the California coast. As he drifts, he recalls his former troubled girlfriend, Bobbi who committed suicide after he broke off their relationship. During his travels he meets up with different women. However, he moves along rather than stay put in hopes of finding a meaning to his life.
Director: Hall Bartlett.
Writers: Hall Bartlett (story and screenplay), Tracy Butler (additional dialogue), Bill E. Kelly (original story & screenplay).
Stars: Kent Lane, Michele Carey, Jack Albertson, Marcia Strassman, Bill Kelly, Tom Holland, Kenneth Washington.
This one is dated, but compelling. A young guy wants to find himself instead of settling in suburbia like his parents.
Marcia Strassman from “Welcome Back, Kotter” briefly appears as a young reporter. Might have made for a more interesting film if they’d followed her storyline instead of making her character a stop along the way.
The montage of topical phrases and commercial taglines might also have been more effective if they’d opened the film instead of closing it. Would have set the tone better than the long, wordless intro.
I saw this film during its original release. I was seventeen, it was the sixties, I was moved. I have wanted to view it again for years, to compare my original impression with the wisdom acquired over time. Conclusion: it doesn’t hold up. The cinematography is nice, the music is good, but the script (such as it is) and the acting leave a lot to be desired. Angsty youth trying to “find himself” by driving his cool Porsche up and down the PCH and sleeping with attractive women. Mainly interesting as a period piece.
Fine sixties youth film in the tradition of The Graduate and Easy Rider.