Dorothy, a conflict widow, was a central character within the movie and e-book “Summer season of ’42.” Proof suggests the true Dorothy might have lived in Canton.
The “Stark, truly” featurettes are about individuals, locations and issues in Stark County.
What: The 1971 film “Summer of ’42,” and ensuing e-book, was a largely autobiographical account of creator Herman Raucher’s coming of age affair on a household summer time trip.
The place: The film and e-book had been set on fictional Patchett Island, however Raucher mentioned it was truly Nantucket Island, Massachusetts.
When: Because the title suggests, the summer time of 1942, throughout World Battle II.
The story: Raucher, who died in 2023, perpetually insisted he used actual names for the primary characters within the story.
Throughout that summer time, a 14-year-old Hermie befriended a lady named Dorothy, whose husband, Pete, went off to struggle within the conflict. One night, Hermie arrived at her cottage to search out her crying.
She’d simply obtained a telegram: Her husband had been killed in navy motion. In her grief, Dorothy fell into Hermie’s arms and so they shared an evening of ardour.
Hermie returned to go to the subsequent day — Dorothy was gone.
He did not know her final identify, or the place she was from.
Raucher included that story as a plot line in “Summer season of ’42,” three many years later. The position of Dorothy was performed by Jennifer O’Neill. The film earned 4 Oscar nominations and one win.
Its launch additionally prompted ladies from across the nation — all claiming to be Dorothy — to jot down him letters.
On the March 20, 1972, episode of “The Mike Douglas Show,” Raucher spoke about these pretend letters. All apart from one, he mentioned, written by the true Dorothy; he was certain of it.
She’d remarried and was a grandmother. She was involved about psychological harm that night time might have precipitated Raucher. She did not embody her final identify or a return tackle.
The one clue was the postmark.
Canton, OH.
Attain Tim at 330-580-8333 or tim.botos@cantonrep.com.On X: @tbotosREP
This text initially appeared on The Repository: Did war widow Dorothy from the ‘Summer of ’42’ live in Canton?
