Summer of the Monkeys (film) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Summer of the Monkeys
Theatrical release poster
Directed by	Michael Anderson
Produced by	David Doerksen
Written by	Wilson Rawls (book) Greg Taylor (teleplay) Jim Strain (teleplay)
Starring	Michael Ontkean Leslie Hope Corey Sevier Katie Stuart Don Francks Wilford Brimley
Music by	George Blondheim
Cinematography	Michael Storey
Editing by	Lenka Svab
Distributed by	Walt Disney Home Video & Sullivan Releasing Inc.
Release date(s)	December 18, 1998 (1998-12-18)
Running time	101 minutes
Country	Canada
Language	English
Budget	$20 million
Money made	$24 million

Summer of the Monkeys is a 1998 adventure-drama film from America and Canada. It was directed by Michael Anderson. The movie is based on the popular children's book Summer of the Monkeys by Wilson Rawls.

The film stars Corey Sevier as the main character, Jay Berry Lee. Michael Ontkean and Leslie Hope play Jay Berry's parents. Other actors include Katie Stuart, Don Francks, and Wilford Brimley.

A Summer Adventure: Finding Monkeys

The story begins in the summer of 1910. A group of circus monkeys escapes from a French circus train after an accident. These monkeys, named Henri, Jacques, Antoinette, and Dominique, end up in the Oklahoma river bottoms. This is where Jay Berry Lee and his family live.

Jay Berry, who is 14 years old, dreams of buying his favorite horse, Annie. The horse belongs to Mr. Patterson, who says Jay can buy her for $75. Jay knows he needs to earn money to make his dream come true.

Monkey Mayhem and Family Challenges

One morning, Jay's dog, Rowdy, leads him to the forbidden river bottoms. There, Jay hears strange sounds and discovers the escaped monkeys! He later finds a wanted poster offering an $85 reward for their return. This is more than enough money for Annie!

Jay tries to catch the monkeys using apples as bait, but his plan fails. The monkeys even cause a big mess at his family's home. Meanwhile, a local man named Bayliss Hatcher accidentally sets off a bear trap, scaring Jay's sister, Daisy. Daisy, who has a disability, falls down a steep hill. Jay quickly helps her. Because of the mess and Daisy's accident, Jay gets grounded.

Learning About Monkeys and Helping Others

Feeling upset, Jay runs away to the river bottoms. His Grandpa Sam Ferrans finds him and decides to help. Sam takes Jay to a library in Ridgewell to research monkeys. Jay learns how to train them and even some French words from a woman named Rose.

Later, Jay finds one of the monkeys, Jacques, caught in a dangerous trap set by a bully named Toby. Jay saves Jacques, but Toby hits Rowdy, injuring the dog. Bayliss Hatcher appears and helps Jay and Rowdy. This shows a kinder side to Bayliss.

A Storm, a Loss, and a Big Decision

Jay starts building a cage for the monkeys in his barn. But a big storm hits, bringing a tornado that damages the farm. Jay is heartbroken to find that Bayliss Hatcher's cabin was destroyed, and Bayliss did not survive.

Soon after, Jay discovers that Jacques the monkey is very sick. He brings Jacques home to care for him. The other monkeys follow Jacques to the farm. Eventually, the circus owner, Jobert, arrives. He gives Jay the $85 reward for finding and returning his chimpanzees.

The next morning, Jay borrows Annie, the horse he always wanted. He gives Daisy a wonderful horseback ride. When they return, Jay sees his father building a new stall for Annie. But Jay makes a surprising choice. He tells his father that the $85 reward should be used for Daisy's important operation instead. Daisy overhears this and gives Jay a big hug, full of gratitude. Jay then walks Annie back to the ranch, knowing he made the right decision.

Cast

• Michael Ontkean as John Lee
• Leslie Hope as Sara Lee
• Wilford Brimley as Grandpa Sam Ferrans
• Corey Sevier as Jay Berry Lee
• Katie Stuart as Daisy Lee
• Don Francks as Bayliss Hatcher
• Andre Theiren as Jobert
• B.J. McLellan as Toby
• Kim Schraner as Rose
• Melissa Lozoff as Miss Freeman
• Wayne Best as Mr. Patterson