Graduate The (1967)

A classic? Yes. An essential? Not in my book. I contend that it’s the film’s soundtrack & timing which has made others consider it one. Still it’s a comedy romance drama that’s received wide acclaim and features a terrific Best Actress Oscar nominated performance by Anne Bancroft. Fellow co-stars Dustin Hoffman and Katharine Ross were also nominated and director Mike Nichols won. The film its Screenplay (co-written by Buck Henry who also appears as a hotel desk clerk) and Cinematography also received nominations. #7 on AFI’s 100 Greatest Movies list. #9 on AFI’s 100 Funniest Movies list. #52 on AFI’s 100 Greatest Love Stories list. Simon & Garfunkel’s song “Mrs. Robinson” is #6 on AFI’s 100 Top Movie Songs of All Time list. “Mrs. Robinson you’re trying to seduce me. Aren’t you?” is #63 on AFI’s 100 Greatest Movie Quotes list. Added to the National Film Registry in 1996.

Hoffman plays the titled graduate Benjamin Braddock who’s advised to learn about “plastics” (#42 on AFI’s 100 Greatest Movie Quotes list) for his future. Instead he has an affair with Mrs. Robinson (Bancroft) the wife of his father’s (William Daniels) partner (Murray Hamilton). That is until he meets the Robinson’s daughter Elaine (Ross). Naturally Mrs. Robinson is outraged that Benjamin wants to drop her for her daughter. She tells Elaine which leads her daughter into an engagement with another suitor. The film’s ending is a classic not easily forgotten. Norman Fell appears as Mr. McCleery; Richard Dreyfuss and Mike Farrell appear uncredited.

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