Filmed in 1975, "Lifeguard" relays the story of an aging L.A. lifeguard (Sam Elliott) during the summer of '75. He suffers an early mid-life crisis when his friends and family continually reveal their disapproval of his career choice. This is heightened when he attends his 15-year high school reunion where he reunites with a recently-divorced ex-flame (Anne Archer). To complicate matters Elliot runs into a cute underage teen on the beach (Kathleen Quinlin) who makes him feel like an Adonis.I remember catching "Lifeguard" on TV sometime in the '90s and all I can remember is what a great film it was. I never heard of it before but the story took me right in and captivated me throughout. This is a secret gem from the 70s.What makes it work so well? For one thing the film is very realistic. It's like they filmed a story of real people. That's how good the writing and acting is.Parker Stevenson appears as a lifeguard apprentice who works with Elliott throughout the summer. The fact that he's a college student and goes back to school at the end of the film adds to Elliott's crisis.A handful of items I found interesting in the story: Elliott instructs Stevenson to not mess with the underage cuties on the beach who often tend to flirt with lifeguards. He then does this very thing with a girl named Wendy (Quinlin), who says she's 17 but could very well be as young as 15 (girls are known to lie in such situations). Elliott's character in the film seems pretty mature, honest and intelligent. Was he being hypocritical? I think his actions reveal the crisis he's undergoing. He's getting older and his manhood is being threatened by the numerous people encouraging him to get a "real" job. Wendy makes him feel like a man and he unwisely gives into temptation. I lost some respect for the character when this happened but, you'll see, he "sees the light" later on.The film effectively shows that Wendy wasn't ready for a sexual relationship with Elliott or anyone else. When Elliott informs her that they simply can't be together her breakdown is potent. This leads to another event that, I'm sure, drives home the point for Elliott to never mess with "jailbait" ever again.At Elliott's reunion he gets tired of hearing negative reactions to his still being a lifeguard so he opts for ambiguity, "I work for the county." Have you ever done that? The film reflects the loose sexual morals of the pre-AIDS 70s era e.g. "You're hot, let's have sex! And, no, I'm not interested in marriage." Also, one woman is shown totally nude near the beginning. Despite this, it's NOT a T&A exploitation flick; the flimmakers were obviously simply shooting for realism. To support this, the beach scenes are filled with realistic-looking people, unlike Baywatch which exclusively showed incredibly bodacious babes walking the beach in the background. I've been to numerous southern Californian beaches on four separate vacations and know this isn't true.Speaking of Baywatch, that TV series obviously used "Lifeguard" as a prototype. I've only seen a couple of whole episodes in my life so I'm not the right person to ascertain that show's quality, but I think it's pretty safe to say there's no comparison. In other words, don't allow a negative impression of Baywatch keep you away from "Lifeguard." Elliot's friend (Stephen Young) encourages him to take a lucrative job selling Porsches. When he goes to the dealership for an interview you can tell he's almost ready to lose his cookies at the prospect of being a car salesman despite the better money. Have you ever experienced this? I have.The film runs 96 minutes and was filmed on location on the beaches just south of L.A. (Torrance).The score is 70s light pop, including Paul Williams "Time and Tide." It's not to my tastes but it fits the film.FINAL ANALYSIS: "Lifeguard" is about numerous important topics that we can all relate to -- aging, career choices, (early) mid-life crisis, manhood, staying true to oneself, responsibility, love, sex, competition, consequences, and much more. Although it's generally a "quiet film" it smacks of reality and is full of insights. If you're in the mood for a great drama you can't go wrong. And, yes, this is Elliott's best role and performance IMHO.GRADE: A

Sam Elliot plays the coolest lifeguard ever! Gals will love this because , well Sam is so hot (speedos,nice abs,70s porn mustache)and guys will love the never ending stream of babes that pursue him ( the stewardess,the buxom receptionist,the high school sweetheart and the adorable,hormonal teenager. By the way, Kathleen Quinlan plays a memorable role in this film,adorable and sultry at the same time.What a lovely girl and so talented at a young age! I love this film,I purchased it,had viewed it in the 1970's(with the parents!!! and never forgot it).I watch it often and never tire of the cute story and realistic look at the 70's beach culture! It reminds me of youthful summer days at the beach(that's all I'm telling!). This movie was well casted,every character was well acted,perfectly chosen for the roles they played.The music ,as well, is amazing,beautiful summery songs. A real reflection of the 1970's for me and hopefully for you too.. If this was not reality for you,I'm sure it was one of your fantasies.

This is a movie I can never get tired of. You can watch it again and again, all day long. It's laid-back and entertaining, and doesn't ask much or expect much of you, the viewer. The story involves a thirty-something lifeguard who is naturally slick with the ladies, on and off the beach, and oh, saves lives too. Sam Elliot is a very cool actor and delivers otherwise simple lines with slow-burn perfection. Parker Stevenson is his young protégé who is in the film JUST enough, Anne Archer his perfect lady, and Kathleen Quinlin is a young girl, supposedly a teenager, who represents the last of Elliot's 'conquests' before settling down with Anne, who is his age. There is a part in the middle of the film that centers on Elliot's character feeling old and, after attending a 15 year high school reunion, trying to get a job selling cars. This is when he starts dating Archer, realizing she is someone he can settle down with and NOT just for 'fun'. In most films this part of the film would hinder the otherwise kickback feel, but in this movie's case, it flows along just as good as the beach scenes. It's a relaxing movie and you can play it on a loop on your DVD machine (now that it's finally on DVD) and I bet you won't get tired of it. If you do, just swim to shore a while... and I'm sure, soon enough, you'll want to see it again... and again... and again... LIFEGUARD!

I first saw this movie about five years after a miserable divorce. I had worked fifteen years supplying a monster home, Mercedes for her, Jag V12 for me, all for nothing. With everything now gone I saw this film not once but two days in a row. The actors, the plot and the Bee-Gee's background music was almost hypnotic. It helped me change my vocation from being corporate cattle, to one that I love doing. A copy rests in my video library and is viewed regularly. It's 5 star to me.