moonspinner55 Review of Lifeguard

Lifeguard (I) (1976)

Odd but amiable combination of thoughtful drama and fun-in-the-sun nonsense...

[5/10 · 7 February 2008]

Mustachioed Sam Elliott strikes quite a presence in this minor character study by writer Ron Koslow, all about a long-time lifeguard working the beaches of Southern California whose involvement with an old flame from high school precipitates ideas about changing careers (i.e., growing up). Good supporting work from Parker Stevenson (as a rookie lifeguard) and a young Kathleen Quinlan (playing a wise-beyond-her-years admirer) helps to strengthen the scenario, which too often lapses into dumb yuks and sexy underpinnings. Daniel Petrie directed very sensitively, aided by fine Ralph Woolsey cinematography. Not a bad time-filler, with thoughtful nuances under its sunny facade. ** from ****