The Swimmer Overview:

The Swimmer (1968) was a Drama - Romance Film directed by Sydney Pollack and Frank Perry and produced by Frank Perry and Roger Lewis.

BlogHub Articles:

The Swimmer (1968): A Fable Starring Burt Lancaster

By 4 Star Film Fan on Feb 25, 2020 From 4 Star Films

I am tempted to call The Swimmer a pretentious fable about the waters of life. It is set in the upper echelon of Connecticut society, but the same cross-section might hold true in California as well. In fact, one could say this film effectively extends the pool metaphor of The Graduate (1967). Becau... Read full article


The Swimmer (1968)

By Beatrice on Feb 14, 2020 From Flickers in Time

The SwimmerDirected by Frank Perry Written by Eleanor Perry from a short story by John Cheever 1968/US IMDb lnk First viewing/Amazon Instant Burt Lancaster’s “Swimmer” takes a poke at Mid-Century prosperity and despair. After a long absence Neddy Merrill (Lancaster) shows up in h... Read full article


book: The Swimmer (2013; trans 2015 Elizabeth Clark Wessel) by Joakim Zander

By John Grant on Jan 10, 2020 From Noirish

The publisher seems keen to make us believe that this novel represents the emergence of a new John Le Carr? or Graham Greene. Their copywriters should read a bit more Le Carr? or Greene before making such comparisons, because they’re not doing Joakim Zander any favors. You won’t find in ... Read full article


THE SWIMMER (1968)

By Terry on May 27, 2018 From Stardust and Shadows

All I can say is? wow? after this one with Burt Lancaster take risks? as a performer? and for story content.? ? THE SWIMMER (1968)? Directed by Frank Perry? is? a? stylish? journey of? Man: in this case? Ned Merrill (Burt Lancaster) to ‘swim home” in his neighbor’s pools which are ... Read full article


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Quotes from

Shirley Abbott: What's the matter with you? I'll get you a sweater.
Ned Merrill: No!
Shirley Abbott: You must be catching something.
Ned Merrill: How can I swim in a sweater?
Shirley Abbott: Listen, I'll drive you home.
Ned Merrill: No! I've got to *swim* home.
Shirley Abbott: For the love of God, why?
Ned Merrill: I've just got to. I've got to.
Shirley Abbott: I'll go get the car.
Ned Merrill: No! I can't go in a car, it's impossible. How can I?


[first lines]
Donald Westerhazy: Where have you been keeping yourself?
Ned Merrill: Oh, here and there. Here and there.


Ned Merrill: You're the captain of your soul. That's what counts. Know what I mean?


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Facts about

The film was an allegory for the failure of the American Dream.
Burt Lancaster did numerous push-ups and sit-ups every morning before each shoot to stay lean and solid. He gained 20 lb. of muscle by doing weights, running, karate and aerobics.
Cameo(John Cheever): (author of the short story "The Swimmer") at the pool party.
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Also directed by Frank Perry




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Also released in 1968




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