Lifeguard

1976 "Every girl's summer dream."
6.6| 1h36m| PG| en| More Info
Released: 23 July 1976 Released
Producted By: Paramount
Country: United States of America
Budget: 0
Revenue: 0
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Synopsis

Rick is a Los Angeles County lifeguard who is in his thirties. At his 15-year high school reunion, he sees his old girlfriend who is now a divorced mother. After falling in love with her, Rick considers changing his career and lifestyle.

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nelsfresnoca Surfing channels I came across this film when my eyes recognized Torrance's, Rolling Hills Estates and south Redondo beach. I was a teen when this movie was made and surprised I never heard or seen the film as my summers were spent at Redondo & Hermosa beach as a visiting New York-er. My first thoughts were the film was the beginning framework from which Bay Watch was created. My second thought was Sam Elliott, a dynamic actor did not fit the role. Lifeguards were blonde, blue eyed back then, hence my skepticism to continue watching. But the nostalgia of viewing and recalling my early beach experiences kept me glued to the screen. I would like to mention that the US economy in the 70's was depressed and employment as a county lifeguard had a respectable position contrary to the film. By today's standards the same position in CA would be considered a professional job. As for the film I found it to be a bit cheesy but had the quality of presenting a message about life's career options as an adult. I read the reviews on this site for this film and found each one equally interesting. I gave it a low rating because although I can relate to the films objectivity it had a shallow story line. Clearly one of Sam Elliott's B listed movies.
Greatornot Though not a great movie,but very near, a very satisfying film about a summer at a California beach. Centering around Sam Eliot, a lifer lifeguard. This movie is most profound. Is Rick Carlson a child for foregoing responsibility or is he a martyr? On the surface , what seems like a shallow film takes us to the deep end of the ocean. Rick Carlson is perfectly happy and content being a lifeguard as opposed to being involved with more lucrative opportunities, that I shall not reveal here. He is as much a blue collar worker, albeit a chick magnet , being a lifeguard , as he is genuine , true to himself. Throw in a wet behind the ears Parker Stevenson as his sidekick, learning the ropes lifeguard and forever horny typical teen male, but harmless 'Machine gun', a regular on the beach and you have a fine cast of characters. Kathleen Quinlan, very young , is a confused teen , that seemingly has it all , but not. This is a psychological film , in many ways , and gets one to think. Going through life is not easy and this film has the characters pondering choices in their lives. A very '70s' effort and fitting that it is smack in the middle of this particular decade, none the less, a great film that takes you back.Salute to this great cast , including Anne Archer. I would be remiss if I did not mention her acting performance. Reminiscing has never felt so good.
elshikh4 Well, it's not unusual to have a small and cute movie. These are the movies which we pilgrimage to, escaping from Hollywood's big and loud movies. The thing is, this time, it is unusual to have a unique hero; with new solution for his conflict. So how is that ? Simply because this hero we watched didn't eventually choose the teenage girl who materializes his impetuosity for life, as well as his dive into it. And he also didn't choose the mature woman / his old love who materializes rationality and stability. The man preferred to choose his freedom, his self with its own defects. He preferred to work what he really loves, succeeds in, and can't forbid himself of doing (his work as a daily Life Guard at the beach), so maybe he could find someday that love which would harmonize with his status, and not the status which would harmonize with his love ! He is an interesting type of hero, who achieved his victory on circumstances for his invariability. And his very success was nothing but realizing that his happiness and his immutability were one thing, which if he tried to change; he would lose the thing he loved the most : his selfsame, or his precious nature. Although he knew very well that he is losing a lot in the same time "I know that I'm losing.. more than you could imagine !" but he selected not to select anything of what was in front of him.. and that – in itself – is a selection. In fact, we aren't used to watch this kind of heroes in the movies but rarely. That's why this movie isn't small and cute only, but rare too.
milsurf This film works as a nice little reality check for us "over-aged" surfers. We see Rick teased with getting a so called real job, and we see him doing what he loves to do....being at the beach. Nice direction for a 70's film and real nice character development. Ann Archer shows her acting skills and of course Sam Elliott steals the show.