The Long Days of Summer 1980
"A Season of Innocence Shattered by Hatred"
Director Dan Curtis revisits his nostalgic 1978 family drama *When Every Day Was the Fourth of July* in this bittersweet 1980 TV movie sequel, *The Long Days of Summer*.
Director: Dan Curtis
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Long Days of Summer (1980) about?
The film follows a Midwestern attorney in the late 1930s who defends a Jewish immigrant against deep-seated anti-Semitism in his New England hometown. As he navigates professional fallout and family strain, the story reveals the personal cost of standing for justice in a community resistant to change.
Who directed The Long Days of Summer?
Dan Curtis, the acclaimed producer and director behind *The Night Stalker* and *Kolchak: The Night Stalker*, helmed this sequel to his 1978 family drama.
Who stars in The Long Days of Summer?
The cast features Dean Jones as the idealistic lawyer, Joan Hackett as his steadfast wife, and supporting roles from Donald Moffat and Andrew Duggan, with Ronnie Scribner and Louanne rounding out the family dynamic.
Is The Long Days of Summer (1980) worth watching?
Though modest in scope, *The Long Days of Summer* offers a thoughtful exploration of moral courage and small-town prejudice in a bygone era. Its heartfelt performances and Curtis' nostalgic direction make it a rewarding choice for fans of period dramas and socially conscious storytelling.
How long is The Long Days of Summer?
The Long Days of Summer runs for 90 minutes.
About The Long Days of Summer (1980) — A 1930s New England Family Drama of Courage and Prejudice
Director Dan Curtis revisits his nostalgic 1978 family drama *When Every Day Was the Fourth of July* in this bittersweet 1980 TV movie sequel, *The Long Days of Summer*. Set against the backdrop of a charming but insular New England town in the late 1930s, the story follows a dedicated attorney who risks his promising legal career to defend a Jewish immigrant facing rampant prejudice in the community. Starring Dean Jones and Joan Hackett as the determined parents navigating personal and societal pressures, the film contrasts sun-drenched childhood summers with the harsh realities of intolerance and moral courage. With its evocative period atmosphere and understated emotional power, *The Long Days of Summer* crafts a poignant meditation on family, justice, and the fragile innocence of a bygone era.
At its heart, this 90-minute drama explores how hatred can fracture even the most idyllic of communities, all while capturing the warmth of familial bonds that endure despite adversity. Curtis' sensitive direction and the compelling performances of lead actors bring depth to a narrative that balances quiet domesticity with moments of raw confrontation—making it a quietly powerful watch for fans of character-driven storytelling and historical dramas.