ABSTRACT
Bruce Brown produced, directed, wrote, edited, photographed, and narrated this quintessential film about surfing. At the time of its release in 1966, Variety announced: “Independently made documentary on surfing around the world has enough action and wit to make a dent in market with proper promotion.” Little did anyone know The Endless Summer would make new converts to the sport everywhere, reinvigorate seasoned surfers, and charm thousands of moviegoers who previously had no interest in surfing. A surfer himself, Brown spent two years trekking 35,000 miles in search of the perfect wave. His quest served to build the plot to an exciting climax as he filmed surf action in Hawaii, Senegal, Ghana, South Africa, Australia, Tahiti, and other exotic spots. The stars of the film were two young Californians, Mike Hynson and Robert August. Both were slender dynamos of energy, perfectly tanned with glossy hair. They did not say much since Brown did all the talking, which worked well because it was their job to master the waves. Hynson and August performed sleek maneuvers in some treacherous surf. They always seemed to be having the time of their life and never tired of paddling out for one more wave. Halfway through the documentary their charisma was evident. They made surfing look like such a “blast” and seeing them framed time and again by soft morning light or brilliant setting sun romanticized their trip even more.
