This film, adapted from Philip Roth's prize-winning novella is about a summer romance between two very different young people. Neil (Richard Benjamin, in his film debut) is a young New Yorker who has no money or important connections. He falls for Brenda Patimkin (Ali Magraw, before Love Story would make her a superstar), a rich, brainy, beautiful yet spoiled girl from the other side of the tracks (suburbia).
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Much of the film alternates between scenes of Neil working at the New York Public Library and living in his aunt and uncle's down-at-the-heels Bronx apartment, versus visiting Brenda at the Patimkins' fancy digs, where the family leads a charmed life. The clan is frequently shown at leisure or going over details regarding Brenda's brother's upcoming wedding.
Neil is visibly uncomfortable in the Patimkins' nouveau riche milieu, especially at the fancy country club where they belong. One reason for this is that Mr. Patimkin feels Neil is going nowhere in his career, while Mrs. Patimkin is openly snobbish. While there is a real spark between Neil and Brenda, it will be difficult for them to sustain their relationship, given the socioeconomic differences between them.
The review of this Movie prepared by Elana Starr
