“Oh no, Mrs. Robinson. I think, I think you’re the most attractive of all my parents’ friends. I mean that!”
THE GRADUATE will screen at Webster University’s Moore Auditorium Friday September 15th at 7:30pm.
THE GRADUATE (1967), director Mike Nichols’ second feature after he debuted with WHO’S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOLF? (1966), is still a delightful classic and a nostalgic piece of its time, to say the least. Benjamin Braddock (Dustin Hoffman, 30 years old at the time, convincingly playing someone a decade his junior) is fresh out of college, and comes back to his rich parents’ house in a California suburb. Bored and undecided about what to do with his life, Benjamin is seduced by a friend of the family, middle-aged Mrs. Robinson (Anne Bancroft, who was actually only 36). When Mrs. Robinson’s daughter Elaine (Katharine Ross) shows up, Benjamin is forced to take her on a date. He hesitates at first and even tries to humiliate her by bringing her to a strip club, but he soon wants to marry her.
THE GRADUATE’s witty screenplay (by Calder Willingham and Buck Henry, based on a novel by Charles Webb) and the unforgettable songs by Simon & Garfunkel are the perfect combination of joy & melancholy. Hoffman is terrific, Ross is charming, and Anne Bancroft is outstanding. I wouldn’t go as far as call Benjamin a true rebel – he’s way too passive for that. I’d argue Mrs. Robinson is more of a rebel than he is for most of the story, although she herself is trapped in a world of misery when Ben and her daughter decide to rebel together and give happiness, or at least freedom, a try. No matter how you judge this film today, THE GRADUATE still has the fresh smell of young alienation and passion intact. St. Louis-area movie lovers will get a chance to experience THE GRADUATE in all of its big screen glory when it screens this Friday, September 15th at 7:30 at Webster University’s Moore Auditorium (470 E. Lockwood in Webster Groves).
Unless otherwise noted, admission is:
$6 for the general public
$5 for seniors, Webster alumni and students from other schools
$4 for Webster University staff and faculty
Free for Webster students with proper I.D.
Advance tickets are available from the cashier before each screening or contact the Film Series office (314-246-7525) for more options. The Film Series can only accept cash or check.
Winifred Moore Auditorium (470 E. Lockwood, Webster Groves, MO 63119) :
Directions: Taking Highway 44 East, exit left on Elm Ave. Make a right on East Lockwood Ave. Immediately after passing Plymouth Ave., there will be a parking lot entrance to your right (lot B). Winifred Moore Auditorium is behind Webster Hall (Building 2 on map).
