Summer Run


Summer Run is a 1973 American film written and directed by Leon Capetanos.
It was also known as The Backpack Girls.
The film was finished in 1971 but took several years to be released.
Lewis Teague co edited. He later made Dirty O'Neil with Captetanos.

Premise

A man backpacks through Europe.

Cast

  • Andrew Parks
  • Dennis Redfield
  • Tina Lund
  • Juliet Berto
  • Phyllis Smith Altenhaus
  • John C. Broderick

    Production

The film was based on the personal experiences of the director and producer. A limited partnership was formed in Houston to make the film, which was shot in Europe starting in the summer of 1971. Filming took place over eight countries and a period of 56 days.
Andrew Parks, the lead, was the son of actor Larry Parks. Capetanos said "I wanted to make a film about living and having a good time."

Reception

The film screened at the USA Film Festival in Dallas in 1972.
The film was released commercially in 1973. The Los Angeles Times called it "easy, charming."
The film won an award at the Atlanta Film Festival.