Synopsis:
Many Austrians still recall the summer of 1978 when the Austrian football team played some of their best matches at the World Championship in Argentina. The climax was the 3:2 victory over Germany in Cordoba. Sports commentator Edi Finger became immortal because he 'went crazy' on the air. Nine-year-old Tondo (Niki Ryba) spends his summer vacations in Vienna. His family cannot afford the expensive trips of his neighbours. Summer vacations seem to have their own rhythm: at first the time stands still, but then it suddenly manages to slip away… Antonin Svoboda's middle meter skilfully transfers the atmosphere of sluggishness and sexual depression. Place of action is the local inn; the props reflect the late '70s (as in the scene where the older sister takes Tondo to her friend and they send him away to play with a model of a bicycle with a furry seat – one that could have been made only in the glamorous '70s). Performing little tricks behind the counter, the father keeps his guests in good spirit and runs his business. They have a neighbour who cannot get out of bed and Tondo brings her food every day. All these elements form a rather Kafkian scenery, which Tondo does not comment on and accepts rather calmly.In spite of this, Summer vacationis is a realistic film, miles away from overused clichés about Vienna often present in Austrian cinema, featuring a very convincing young star in the leading role.

color, 40 min