المنقذ

This is a very pleasant movie without a lot of sex and violence. It concerns a man in his 30's who is uncertain which direction his life should go after being a lifeguard since high school. At his high school reunion fifteen years later he begins to wonder where to go. A nomadic woman on the beach wants him and his former flame in high school wants him back in her life. Look for Jimmy Van Patten and Parker Stevenson starting to gear up their careers back then. An unexpected outcome and overall good movie that makes all of us wonder about our purpose out there in life. Shot around Hermosa Beach in the wonderful summer of '75. Sit back and enjoy it.

This is a great document of the 70's...years from now, sociologists will study this film to try and make some sense of this most confusing period in American history. Fascinating because of its story as well as cinematic style which lingers over young bikini-clad chicks bouncing along the sand. The straightforward, politically-incorrect depiction of sexuality is discomfiting and somewhat dirty. The music is...I don't know what to say about the music. It just has to be heard. Well worth the time and money. Lifeguard is a hit!

This film works as a nice little reality check for us "over-aged" surfers. We see Rick teased with getting a so called real job, and we see him doing what he loves to do....being at the beach. Nice direction for a 70's film and real nice character development. Ann Archer shows her acting skills and of course Sam Elliott steals the show.

'Lifeguard' is a very realistic film with a simple premise. It depicts the day to day life of a lifeguard, with funny and serious moments. Sam Elliott is perfectly cast as lifeguard Rick. None of the other characters (or actors) really have a big impact on the film, although all the actors are very good. This is essentially a one-man show - it really is all about Rick. The film so clearly illustrates how one should follow your heart's desires, regardless of the opinions of those around you. 'Lifeguard' is an uncomplicated film with characters we can relate to. Its an easy to follow, simple film, yet there's also a lot more substance here than meets the eye. Sam Elliott is absolutely gorgeous, so if you're a Sam Elliott fan, this film is a must. If you like a tanned, hairy, muscular physique, then you will drool over Sam. The tagline reads "Every girl's summer dream". Well, clearly not only every girl, as I wipe the drool from my mouth...

Is life-guarding a grown-up job? What does it mean to be a grownup, anyway? Who decides how people should spend their lives? These are among the questions examined in this beautifully written character study of a man who has decisions to make. They're not issues that will change the world, but the kind of small decisions we wrestle with every day. What is really important? Why do we do what we do? Who influences how we behave? Should we conform because that's what people want of us? I remember once in TV Guide an ad that showed a buffed-out Sam Elliott with the caption, "He's every woman's dream--Lifeguard!" But this film has nothing to do with looks, and everything to do with character. It's a terrific piece of work, ringing true in scene after scene.

This is one of the finest films of the seventies. It deals with the complexities of life and society, and forces you to make a decision on what's important in life. Do we need to conform and fit into a society that has its own set of rules?....or is it O.K. to do what makes you happy as an individual, in turn giving you a better sense of fulfillment in life. Sam Elliott, Kathleen Quinlan, and Anne Archer, are all wonderful. This movie is a wonderful portrait of Southern California and the 1970's. Don't miss the chance to see it, you will not be disappointed.

With a different type of role for Sam Elliott. Has some of my fave actors in it besides him-Anne Archer and Kathleen Quinlan. She is a cutie, Anne is as always class. I enjoyed the theme of doing what you Should be doing for a career VS. what you Want to do. It was something that hit home with myself, having worked some dubby jobs in my twenties ere finally getting that 'Real' career that everyone expects you to have by c.30, roughly the same age Elliott is in this flick. I liked the poignant scenes of his 15 year High School reunion, the scenes of indecision he and Anne Archer undergo, trying to reconnect with what they had in their pasts, and the attempts to do something about it now. It is always hard to 'keep up with the Joneses' in High School, and as hard after too. Overall a good flick, nothing great, hearfelt, well acted, plays like a TV movie(maybe it was? I donno)-but one of the highest order. *** outta **** of course.