Summer of the Monkeys (film) Non-Disney film from Edge Productions released on video on December 18, 1998, as “Disney’s Summer of the Monkeys” by Walt Disney Home Video. A 12-year-old boy tries to capture four runaway circus chimps for the reward money. Directed by Michael Anderson. Stars Michael Ontkean (John Lee), Leslie Hope (Sara Lee), Wilford Brimley (Grandpa), Corey Sevier (Jay Berry Lee). 101 min.