The Graduate

Guide Note

The Graduate is a classic American film about a recent college graduate and his affair with an older, married woman.

The 1967 film is based on a novel of the same name by Charles Webb. The film version provided actor Dustin Hoffman with his breakthrough role as Benjamin Braddock, a part initially offered to Warren Beatty and Burt Ward. The film also boosted the popularity of folk-rock duo Simon and Garfunkel. The duo provided the film's chart-topping soundtrack album, which included the hit singles "Mrs. Robinson" and "The Sounds of Silence."

The film was adapted for the stage in 2000.

Fast Facts

1. Release date: December 21, 1967
2. Director: Mike Nichols
3. Screenwriters: Calder Willingham and Buck Henry
4. Starring: Dustin Hoffman, Anne Bancroft, and Katharine Ross
5. Running Time: 105 minutes
6. Based on the novel by Charles Webb
7. Awards: Academy Award for Best Director; Golden Globe for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress (Bancroft); AFI Top 100 Films List

• Mr. McGuire: I want to say one word to you. Just one word.
• Benjamin: Yes, sir.
• Mr. McGuire: Are you listening?
• Benjamin: Yes, I am.
• Mr. McGuire: Plastics.
• Benjamin: Just how do you mean that, sir?

• Mrs. Robinson: Benjamin, I am *not* trying to seduce you.
• Benjamin: I know that, but *please*, Mrs. Robinson, this is difficult...
• Mrs. Robinson: Would you like me to seduce you?
• Benjamin: What?
• Mrs. Robinson: Is that what you're trying to tell me?
• Benjamin: I'm going home now. I apologize for what I said. I hope you can forget it, but I'm going home right now.