What Is That Certain Summer About?
The premise of That Certain Summer in 307 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
The story unfolds against the sun‑kissed streets of San Francisco, a city whose breezy midsummer atmosphere mirrors the tentative openness the characters seek. In a home that feels both lived‑in and freshly arranged, a divorced contractor prepares for a brief reunion that promises more than just a change of scenery. The setting—half‑urban, half‑intimate—provides a backdrop where everyday gestures carry the weight of unspoken truths, and where the gentle hum of the city encourages quiet reflection.
Doug Salter, grounded in his work and aware of the delicate balance between personal honesty and societal expectations, shares his life with Gary McClain, a partner whose presence has become an essential part of his daily rhythm. Their relationship, portrayed with an unflinching tenderness, forms the emotional core of the narrative, offering a compassionate lens on a subject rarely addressed on television at the time. The bond they have nurtured subtly reshapes the household, inviting both warmth and an undercurrent of anticipation.
Nick Salter, a fourteen‑year‑old living in Los Angeles with his mother, looks forward to the summer months when he will stay with his father. Unaware of the full nature of his father’s domestic life, the boy carries the typical teenage curiosity and the lingering questions that arise when familiar comforts are tinged with something new. Janet Salter, his mother, remains a steady anchor on the West Coast, her own perspective hinting at the complexities that a blended family can entail when old habits meet fresh truths.
The tone of the teleplay is understated yet emotionally resonant, blending a quiet domestic realism with the poised bravery of characters who must navigate love, identity, and the fragile hope of understanding. As the summer approaches, the film invites viewers to linger in the spaces between words, feeling the subtle pull of connection and the promise that honest conversation, however tentative, can reshape lives.
What Happens in That Certain Summer?
The complete story of That Certain Summer, from the first scene to the last, in 276 words (about 1 minute). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 4 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
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.”
That Certain Summer Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
12 key events in the order they happen, from “Doug plans to come out to Nick during his summer visit” to “Overall theme: coming out and family growth”. 12 events name a place, across 6 locations.
- 1
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.
When:Summer visit Where:San Francisco
- 2
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.
When:During Nick's visit Where:San Francisco
- 3
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.
When:During the visit Where:Doug's home, San Francisco
- 4
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.
When:During the visit Where:Aquarium area, San Francisco
- 5
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.
When:Immediately after the discovery Where:Near the aquarium, San Francisco
- 6
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.
When:Shortly after Nick's disappearance Where:San Francisco
- 7
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.
When:Evening Where:Cable car barn, San Francisco
- 8
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.
When:During the conversation Where:San Francisco
- 9
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.
When:Later that day Where:Private space, San Francisco
- 10
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.
When:End of visit Where:Doug's home, San Francisco
- 11
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.
When:After Nick's departure Where:Doug's home, San Francisco
- 12
Overall theme: coming out and family growth
The visit centers on coming-out, family acceptance, and the complexities of love, presenting the characters with opportunities for growth. It examines how truth and time can move families toward understanding, with patient dialogue as a healing force. The events set up the emotional dynamics that may unfold in future encounters.
When:During the summer visit Where:San Francisco
Who Are the Main Characters in That Certain Summer?
5 characters, among them Doug Salter (Hal Holbrook), Nick Salter (Scott Jacoby) and Gary McCain (Martin Sheen): who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.
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Doug Salter (Hal Holbrook)
Played by Hal Holbrook
A divorced San Francisco contractor who longs to share his love with Nick while maintaining stability for the boy. He is practical and protective, yet emotionally vulnerable as he tries to tell Nick about his life with Gary. Doug strives to balance honesty with the need to preserve his son’s sense of security. His perspective anchors the film’s conflict between traditional expectations and a modern relationship.
- 👷♂️ Contractor
- 👨👦 Father
- 🌈 LGBTQ relationship
- NS
Nick Salter (Scott Jacoby)
Played by Scott Jacoby
A 14-year-old with a keen sense of instinct and confusion about the adults around him. He notices subtle signs of his father's closeness to Gary and struggles to understand terms like homosexuality. His teenage perspective adds emotional weight to the conversations about family and identity. Nick’s openness and questions push the adults toward clarity and care.
- 🧒 Son
- 🧠 Curious teenager
- 💬 Coming-of-age
-
Gary McCain (Martin Sheen)
Played by Martin Sheen
Doug’s life partner, a steady, thoughtful presence who seeks to be honest with Nick while navigating societal expectations. He articulates the nature of their relationship and supports Doug during a difficult moment of disclosure. Gary embodies affection and patience, offering a calm counterpoint to Nick’s questions. He embodies resilience in the face of potential stigma.
- 🌈 Partner
- 💬 Supportive
- 👬 Relationship
- JS
Janet Salter (Hope Lange)
Played by Hope Lange
Nick’s mother who lives in Los Angeles and arrives to confront the situation with a mix of practicality and warmth. She provides a stabilizing influence and offers hopeful, measured guidance: give him time. Janet represents an alternate parental perspective and helps model how to navigate difficult conversations with empathy.
- 👩👧 Mother
- 🗨️ Mediator
- 💡 Realist
- ME
Mr. Early, the Conductor (James McEachin)
Played by James McEachin
A sympathetic presence in the cable car world who helps Nick process what he’s experiencing. His calm, understanding approach offers a brief but meaningful moment of support within the city’s microcosm. The conductor embodies a small but significant bridge between public space and private concern.
- 👔 Conductor
- 🎭 Supporting character
- 🧑🦳 Empathetic
Where and When Is That Certain Summer Set?
That Certain Summer is set in San Francisco, California, Los Angeles and California. Here is why the place matters to the story.
Where
San Francisco, California, Los Angeles, California
Set primarily in San Francisco with Nick spending time in Los Angeles, the film centers on a father, his life partner, and his teenage son. The San Francisco environment anchors the adult world of Doug and Gary, while Nick's life in Los Angeles shows the pull of his mother's home. The city’s cable cars and urban neighborhoods provide a realistic backdrop for a family navigating a sensitive truth.
- 🌁 San Francisco setting
- 🏙️ Los Angeles setting
- 🧭 Family drama
- 🌈 LGBTQ themes
What Are the Themes of That Certain Summer?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them LGBTQ+ Relationships, Communication and Family and Acceptance.
-
01
LGBTQ+ Relationships
The central relationship between Doug and Gary drives the story, presenting a loving partnership within a traditional family setting. Nick’s reactions reveal the confusion and curiosity that can accompany discoveries about sexuality. The film treats coming out as a patient, ongoing process rather than a single event. It explores love, commitment, and resilience in the face of social norms.
-
02
Communication
Dialogue is used to uncover hidden truths and tensions within the family. Conversations between Doug, Gary, Nick, and Janet reveal fears, hopes, and evolving understandings. The film shows how honest, often difficult talks can bridge generational gaps. It emphasizes listening, empathy, and the gradual building of trust.
-
03
Family and Acceptance
The story centers on how a non-traditional family navigates acceptance, protection, and belonging. Janet’s calm, guiding stance contrasts with Nick’s adolescent uncertainty, highlighting the complexity of parental roles. The resolution offers a hopeful message: time and open hearts can ease tensions and strengthen bonds.
What Kind of Film Is That Certain Summer?
Bittersweet in tone, with slow pacing and a straightforward story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Bittersweet
- Pacing
- Slow
- Story
- Straightforward
- Intensity
- Medium
- Ending
- Bittersweet
A quietly poignant drama that explores the emotional weight of a father revealing his sexuality to his teenage son, building tension through intimate conversations and unresolved feelings.
- heartfelt
- tender
- melancholic
- confrontational
- introspective
- resigned
- coming out
- father son relationship
- family dynamics
- identity
Content notes: emotional turmoil.
Quiz
How well do you remember That Certain Summer? Test yourself on the story.
