Douglas was cast in the lead that summer, and the play was so well received that a production was planned for Broadway. Director Jules Irving, however, fired Douglas in favor of another actor, David Birney. That prompted Michael's father, Kirk Douglas, to buy the screen rights so that Michael could play the character in a movie version distributed by Columbia. Michael had mixed feelings about this, as he was already dealing with accusations of nepotism, but ultimately his desire to further explore the character on film won out.
Anthony Newley was hired to direct. He had only directed one film and would not make another after Summertree. He was best known as a British singer and actor, with many British movies and some stage hits under his belt in that capacity. He had also been married to Joan Collins since 1963.
On the New York stage, Summertree had been well received, but on film it was not. It drew poor reviews from The New York Times and other influential outlets, as well as lackluster box office, though industry trade reviews were somewhat more positive. "Except for the considerable charm of the performances," said The Hollywood Reporter, there is little in the film of value save its evident sincerity... Yet Newley's skill with all of the performers is evident throughout; it is his affinity for this kind of sudsy material that will be criticized, not his handling of actors." Variety deemed it "inventively directed by Anthony Newley... [a] handsome vehicle to show off superior acting talents... [Douglas and Brenda Vaccaro] make their love story fresh and believable."
Summertree is also of interest for the rest of its cast, with Jack Warden and Barbara Bel Geddes appearing as Douglas's parents, and a young Rob Reiner also on hand. Brenda Vaccaro had just played a role in Midnight Cowboy (1969) for which she was nominated for a Golden Globe. She and Douglas were also dating, and they fell in love while making this film. Their relationship lasted about five years.
SOURCES:
Marc Eliot, Michael Douglas: A Biography
John Parker, Michael Douglas: Acting on Instinct
By Jeremy Arnold
