That Certain Summer 1972
A groundbreaking US teleplay that portrays homosexuality with compassion. Divorced contractor Doug Salter lives in San Francisco and anticipates a summer visit from his fourteen‑year‑old son Nick, who stays with his mother Janet in Los Angeles. Nick is unaware that Doug is gay and has been sharing his life for years with his partner Gary McClain, setting the stage for an emotionally charged reunion.
Does That Certain Summer have end credit scenes?
No!
That Certain Summer does not have end credit scenes. You can leave when the credits roll.
Meet the Full Cast and Actors of That Certain Summer
Explore the complete cast of That Certain Summer, including both lead and supporting actors. Learn who plays each character, discover their past roles and achievements, and find out what makes this ensemble cast stand out in the world of film and television.
Martin Sheen
Gary McCain
Hal Holbrook
Doug Salter
James McEachin
Mr. Early, the Conductor
Joe Don Baker
Phil Bonner
Hope Lange
Janet Salter
Scott Jacoby
Nick Salter
Myron Natwick
Man at Party
Marlyn Mason
Laureen Hyatt
Clarke Gordon
Artist
Jan Shepard
Jody Bonner
Carolyn Bueno
Mrs. Michele
Patti MacLeod
Woman
External Links and Streaming Options
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Full Plot Summary and Ending Explained for That Certain Summer
Read the complete plot summary of That Certain Summer, including all major events, twists, and the full ending explained in detail. Explore key characters, themes, hidden meanings, and everything you need to understand the story from beginning to end.
Doug Salter, a divorced San Francisco contractor, is looking forward to a summer visit from his 14-year-old son Nick Salter. Nick lives in Los Angeles with his mother Janet Salter. He does not know that his father is in a committed relationship with Gary McCain, his life partner of several years.
Gary stays temporarily with his sister and brother-in-law so that Doug can come out to Nick and tell him about their relationship, rather than surprise him all at once. But Gary otherwise spends most of his time with Doug and Nick, and the boy notices his father seems unusually close to Gary. At one point, Nick sees the inscription on a watch — “To Doug With Love Gary” — and realizes his father and Gary are more than friends.
Nick’s confusion grows, and Janet arrives from Los Angeles just as Doug and Gary search for Nick. Nick is at the cable car barn, where a sympathetic employee, realizing the boy has something on his mind, convinces him to go home. The conversation between Janet and Gary becomes a quiet, telling moment; Gary asserts:
If I were a woman, this would all be acceptable!
Janet calmly replies:
If you were a woman, I would know how to compete with you.
Meanwhile, Doug and Nick have a private talk. Nick has heard the word homosexuality but is not fully sure what it means. Doug tries to explain that, “Gary and I have a kind of marriage.” The moment is emotionally heavy, and the visit ends with Nick preparing to return home. Doug and Janet speak briefly, and Janet offers hopeful advice: “Just give him a little time.”
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Cars Featured in That Certain Summer
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That Certain Summer Themes and Keywords
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That Certain Summer Other Names and Titles
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