Nichols' breakthrough film (for popularity) is a deft blend of sophisticated suburban comedy and seduction humor. Dustin Hoffman was made a star by this, and is perfectly nerdy as a recent college grad Ben Braddock, disillusioned with his career prospects. Anne Bancroft is polished and sexy as a jaded married friend of his parents who thinks Ben is physically good for her, but won’t be good enough for her own collegiate daughter, Katherine Ross. Murray Hamilton as her dad gets some very funny scenes. The novel by Charles Webb was reportedly autobiographical, causing a lot of finger pointing in his family circle. Look for Buck Henry in a tiny scene-stealing part, and terrific use of Simon and Garfunkel songs, "Mrs. Robinson" written for this movie, "The Sound of Silence" being reused for alienation. One of the great romantic comedies.
Quote: You're not one of them outside agitators are you? Cause I won't stand for that. (Normal Fell)