Release: 1977-05-17
Runtime: 1h 34m (94 minutes)
Laura and Fabrizio have been meeting every summer in the forest by her parent's summer home. Fabrizio is a solitary boy with only his dog for company; Laura a sweet but unconfident child. This summer new aspects enter into their story as both are growing up. Laura is falling in love with Fabrizio, while he displays a new sexual awareness of her masked by his malice. Things develop further when they meet Sylvia who, unlike the innocent Laura, is confident and assertive. Fabrizio develops a fascination with her, eventually bribing Laura to fetch her to the forest to join them in play.
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Genres: Drama
Cast: Lara Wendel, Éva Ionesco, Martin Loeb
Laura and Fabrizio have been meeting every summer in the forest by her parent's summer home. Fabrizio is a solitary boy with only his dog for company; Laura a sweet but unconfident child. This summer new aspects enter into their story as both are growing up. Laura is falling in love with Fabrizio, while he displays a new sexual awareness of her masked by his malice. Things develop further when they meet Sylvia who, unlike the innocent Laura, is confident and assertive. Fabrizio develops a fascination with her, eventually bribing Laura to fetch her to the forest to join them in play.
First Love is a romantic drama film from the United States, released on 4 November 1977. Directed by Joan Darling, it stars William Katt and Susan Dey. The film is based on the short story Sentimental Education, written by Harold Brodkey.
The story revolves around Elgin, a literature-focused college student played by Katt. His life takes an unexpected turn when he overhears his friend David, portrayed by John Heard, in an intimate moment with his girlfriend. This leads to an encounter with Shelly (played by Beverly D'Angelo), who comes into Elgin's room. Although she expresses interest in Elgin, he is taken aback and rejects her advances.
Elgin's life changes when he meets Caroline (Dey) at the cafeteria, where a mishap occurs, causing him to spill tea on her. This awkward start leads to a budding relationship, despite Caroline hinting at another boyfriend. Their connection deepens as they attend a symphony together, showcasing strong chemistry.
However, complications arise when Caroline introduces Elgin to John, a figure from her past who is now married. This revelation disturbs Caroline, prompting her to seek solace with Elgin. Their romance faces challenges, including jealousy and miscommunication, especially when Elgin discovers Caroline's history with John.
As the story unfolds, Elgin experiences emotional turmoil as he juggles his feelings for Caroline against the backdrop of her complicated relationship with John. The film captures the essence of young love, heartache, and the struggles of navigating romantic relationships in college.
The film was shot in Portland, Oregon, featuring locations like Reed College and the Pittock Mansion.
Despite mixed reviews from critics, with some praising Katt's performance and others pointing out script issues, First Love remains a notable portrayal of youthful romance and its complexities. The film carries an R rating due to its nudity and sexual content, making it suitable for mature audiences.
The movie had a budget of $3 million and grossed approximately $9.4 million at the box office. It is available for streaming and has been released on both VHS and DVD.
For more details, you can check the film's page on IMDb or its reviews on Rotten Tomatoes.
