'The Swimmer' takes place in an affluent Connecticut suburb, and for Ned Merrill (Burt Lancaster) it is where he confronts all of his dreams...and deceptions. Burt Lancaster gives the best performance of his career as Ned the troubled suburbanite who one summer morning decides to "swim" home via the pools of his wealthy friends. Along the way he encounters several women from his past: a tempestuous teenage girl (Janet Landgard), teetering at the edge of adolescence and womanhood; his embittered ex-mistress (Janice Rule); and the sensual wife of an old friend (Kim Hunter). Ned's journey is one of embarrassments, humiliation and steamy passion. He passes from one scenario to another until he arrives home to an empty house...and to a startling self-revelation.
Audio commentary with Frank Perry biographer Justin Bozung (2022)
Marge Champion on 'The Swimmer' (2013, 18 mins): onstage interview with the actor, conducted by filmmaker Allison Anders at the Turner Classic Movies Film Festival, TCL Chinese Theatre, Hollywood, after a screening of 'The Swimmer'
Against the Tide (2022, 11 mins): actor, comedian and filmmaker Richard Ayoade discusses the unique genius of the Perrys' film
'The Swimmer 'Read by John Cheever (2004, 26 mins): the original New Yorker short story read by the author
Title sequence outtakes
Isolated music and effects track
Original theatrical trailer
Illeana Douglas trailer commentary (2019, 6 mins)
TV spots Image galleries: storyboards, deleted scenes, promotional and publicity material
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