This is Benjamin. He’s a little worried about his future.|Dec. 21, 1967|United States|106 Min.|PG
Genre: Comedy;Drama
Description: After graduating from a college on the East Coast, Benjamin Braddock returns to his parents’ home in Pasadena, California. Feeling uncomfortable as his parents shower him with praise during a graduation party, he retreats to his room. Mrs. Robinson, the wife of his father’s law partner, insists he drive her home, where she attempts to seduce him. Initially, he resists, but as his parents’ expectations make him feel increasingly isolated and desperate, he eventually gives in. He arranges to meet Mrs. Robinson at the Taft Hotel, using the alias “Mr. Gladstone.”
Throughout the summer, Benjamin spends his days lounging by his parents’ pool and his nights meeting Mrs. Robinson at the hotel. During one of their encounters, she reveals that her loveless marriage began when she became unexpectedly pregnant with her daughter, Elaine. When Benjamin jokingly suggests dating Elaine, Mrs. Robinson reacts with anger and forbids it. Despite this, Benjamin’s parents and Mr. Robinson pressure him to take Elaine out, and he reluctantly agrees.
On their date, Benjamin tries to ruin the evening by ignoring Elaine, driving recklessly, and taking her to a strip club. Distraught, Elaine runs away in tears, but Benjamin, feeling guilty, follows her, apologizes, and kisses her. They connect over their shared uncertainties about the future at a drive-in restaurant. Later, when they visit the Taft Hotel for a drink and the staff recognizes Benjamin as “Mr. Gladstone,” Elaine realizes he has been having an affair with a married woman. Benjamin insists the affair is over and arranges to see Elaine again the next day.
Cast director: Mike Nichols
Cast actor: Dustin Hoffman, Anne Bancroft, Katharine Ross, Murray Hamilton, Buck Henry, Brian Avery, Walter Brooke, William Daniels, Elizabeth Wilson, Norman Fell
Original name: The Graduate