"The Summer of '42" is a coming-of-age film released in 1971, directed by Robert Mulligan. The story is set on a small island in Maine during the summer of 1942 and follows a teenage boy named Hermie as he navigates the complexities of adolescence and first love. The film explores Hermie's infatuation with a young widow, Dorothy, whose husband is away fighting in World War II. Through their interactions, Hermie learns about love, loss, and the bittersweet nature of growing up, making it a poignant reflection on youth and the passage of time.