White Water Summer

Plot

School is out for the summer, and a group of young teenagers go on a hike with Vic, an experienced guide. One teen, Alan, butts heads with Vic during the film, as the life lessons Vic attempts to teach annoy him. The more defiant Alan gets, the more extreme the lessons come from Vic. Alan's defiance and Vic's aggressive lessons culminate in disaster and Vic winds up breaking his leg. Alan then has to use his skills and some of Vic's to get down from the mountain.

Production and release

White Water Summer was originally produced as Rites of Summer in 1985, and given its current name upon release in 1987. The film's action is framed by commentary from the now-older character of Alan (Sean Astin), as he remembers a camping trip led by Vic (Kevin Bacon). The narration was filmed two years after the film itself; Astin is noticeably older.

The film was photographed by John Alcott, a frequent collaborator of Stanley Kubrick. Alcott died shortly before the release of the film, which is dedicated to his memory. Scenes were shot in California's Sierra Nevada mountains, as well as in western Quebec, Canada, at the small French Quebec town of Fort-Coulonge, and New Zealand locales.

Columbia Pictures released the film theatrically in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States; a wider release was planned, but never carried out.

Music

Nine songs are included in the film:

Written by Bruce Hornsby and John Hornsby Performed by Bruce Hornsby and The Range Courtesy of The RCA Records Label of BMG Music

Written by Bruce Hornsby and John Hornsby Performed by Bruce Hornsby and The Range Courtesy of The RCA Records Label of BMG Music

Written by Steve Perry, Jonathan Cain and Neal Schon Performed by Journey Courtesy of CBS Records

Written by Ian Astbury and Billy Duffy Produced by Rick Rubin Performed by The Cult Courtesy of Sire Records by arrangement with Warner Special Products and Beggars Banquet Records Limited

Written by Nick Van Eede (as Nicholas Eede) Produced by Terry Brown & Cutting Crew Performed by Cutting Crew Courtesy of Siren Records Ltd.

Composed, Produced and Performed by Michael Boddicker

Written by Kaylee Adams and Charlie Mitchell Produced by Charlie Mitchell Performed by Kaylee Adams Courtesy of Warner Bros. Records

Written by Mike Slamer, Roy Ward and John Luttrelle Produced by Mike Slamer Performed by Roy Ward

Written by Mike Slamer and Mark Boals Produced by Mike Slamer Performed by Mark Boals