That Certain Summer 1972

Doug plans to come out to Nick during his summer visit

Doug Salter, a divorced San Francisco contractor, eagerly anticipates a summer visit from his 14-year-old son Nick, who lives with his mother Janet in Los Angeles. Nick does not know that Doug is gay and in a committed relationship with Gary McClain. To ease the coming-out, Doug plans to explain his life with Gary during the visit rather than surprise Nick all at once.

Gary stays with family to facilitate the coming-out

Gary stays temporarily with his sister and brother-in-law so Doug can come out to Nick and tell him about their relationship. The arrangement aims to avoid shocking Nick abruptly and to create a more open, constructive dialogue for the family. This setup foreshadows the close bond that develops among the three during the visit.

Gary spends most of the visit with Doug and Nick

Gary spends most of his time with Doug and Nick, and Nick begins to notice how unusually close his father and Gary appear. The evolving dynamic between the two men makes Nick uncomfortable and curious about the nature of their relationship. His awareness marks the growing tension within the family during the visit.

Nick discovers the inscription on Doug's watch

Doug reaches into an aquarium and removes his watch, allowing Nick to read the inscription 'To Doug With Love Gary.' The message reveals that Doug and Gary are more than friends. The moment shatters Nick's assumptions and triggers a search for answers about love and family.

Nick runs away in confusion

Overwhelmed by the revelation, Nick runs off, trying to process what this means for his father and Gary. He grapples with the idea of non-traditional family arrangements and questions what his own beliefs should be. The moment drives a rift that the parents seek to mend.

Janet returns to the scene as the search continues

Janet arrives from Los Angeles as Doug and Gary search for Nick, adding tension and a fresh perspective to the family dynamics. The reunion at this moment raises questions about acceptance and the pace of Nick's coming-to-terms with the situation. This entry shifts focus to parental guidance and protective instincts.

Cable car barn confrontation and support

A sympathetic cable car employee encounters Nick at the barn and offers words of understanding, encouraging him to go home. The encounter provides a moment of comfort amid confusion and helps to ease the crisis temporarily. It also highlights small acts of kindness within the community.

Gary and Janet discuss the consequences of coming out

Gary and Janet have a candid conversation about the situation, with Gary saying, 'If I were a woman, this would all be acceptable!' and Janet replying, 'If you were a woman, I would know how to compete with you.' The exchange underscores societal pressures and the clash between desire, identity, and family expectations.

Doug explains to Nick that he and Gary have 'a kind of marriage'

Doug and Nick move off to talk privately, while Nick processes what he has learned about homosexuality. Doug explains that 'Gary and I have a kind of marriage,' offering a framework for understanding their relationship. Nick struggles to fully comprehend the concept yet remains curious and unsettled.

Nick's difficult adjustment to the new understanding

Nick finds the explanation difficult to fully absorb, and the visit ends as he begins to process this new information about his father’s life. The emotional impact remains unresolved, signaling a need for time and future conversations. The scene underscores the slow pace of accepting complex family dynamics.

Post-visit reflection between Doug and Janet

Doug and Janet share a brief discussion after Nick's departure, with Janet assuring him not to worry and to give Nick some time. They acknowledge the challenge of blending truth with compassion in parenting. The scene reinforces the theme of patience in coming-to-terms with family changes.