A Storm in Summer 2000
Robert Wise's *A Storm in Summer (2000)* unfolds in the simmering heat of 1969 upstate New York, where the grumpy Abel Shaddick—played with sharp, cantankerous charm by Peter Falk—rules over his deli like a king surveying a kingdom of grudges.
Director: Robert Wise
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is *A Storm in Summer (2000)* about?
Set in 1969, the film follows Abel Shaddick, a prickly deli owner whose quiet life is upended when his nephew secretly agrees to host a needy city kid for the summer. What starts as a clash of wills gradually evolves into an unexpected connection, testing beliefs and uncovering shared humanity.
Who directed *A Storm in Summer*?
Robert Wise, the acclaimed director behind classics like *West Side Story* and *The Sound of Music*, helmed this heartfelt drama.
Who stars in *A Storm in Summer*?
The film features a standout cast led by Peter Falk as Abel Shaddick, alongside Andrew McCarthy, Nastassja Kinski, Ruby Dee, and young Aaron Meeks as Herman Washington.
Is *A Storm in Summer (2000)* worth watching?
As a TV movie drama, it delivers a poignant, character-driven story that may resonate more with fans of intimate, thematic narratives than action-packed blockbusters. Its strengths lie in its performances and emotional depth, making it a solid pick for those seeking substance over spectacle.
How long is *A Storm in Summer*?
*A Storm in Summer* runs for 94 minutes, offering a concise yet impactful viewing experience.
About A Storm in Summer (2000) — How a Grumpy Deli Owner and a Summer Kid Found Redemption
Robert Wise's *A Storm in Summer (2000)* unfolds in the simmering heat of 1969 upstate New York, where the grumpy Abel Shaddick—played with sharp, cantankerous charm by Peter Falk—rules over his deli like a king surveying a kingdom of grudges. His peace is shattered when his reluctant nephew, Stanley, quietly signs them up for a charitable summer program that pairs local kids with underprivileged city children. Before Abel can object, young Herman Washington arrives, thrusting the cantankerous deli owner into an unexpected clash of personalities and perspectives. What begins as a battle of wills slowly transforms into an unlikely bond, revealing the cracks in Abel's hardened exterior amid themes of generational change and the quiet power of kindness. Wise's direction infuses the story with a nostalgic warmth, balancing humor and heartache as two outsiders collide in a tale that feels as timeless as it does rooted in its era.
Starring Falk alongside Andrew McCarthy as the reluctant Stanley and Nastassja Kinski as the program's idealistic organizer, Gloria, the film blends drama with the intimate scale of a TV movie that never feels small. The atmosphere is thick with the tension of clashing lifestyles—rural stubbornness versus urban resilience—all set against the backdrop of a summer that forces growth where none was expected. *A Storm in Summer (2000)* is a character-driven drama that proves even the most unlikely relationships can bloom in the unlikeliest of seasons.