Graduate student Harry Bailey was once one of the most visible undergraduate activists on campus, but now that he's back studying for his master's, he's trying to fly right. Trouble is, the campus is exploding with various student movements, and Harry's girlfriend, Jan, is caught up in most of them. As Harry gets closer to finishing his degree, he finds his iconoclastic attitude increasingly aligned with the students rather than the faculty.
Acting
Elliott Gould's exasperated everyman carries the chaos.
Direction
Richard Rush balances farce and genuine political dread.
Writing
Dialogue that mocks everyone equally—establishment and radicals.
Director
Richard Rush
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Elliott Gould was fresh off M*A*S*H and brought that same anti-authoritarian energy, improvising several scenes.
Released months after Kent State, the film's satirical tone baffled audiences who wanted either pure escapism or unflinching tragedy.
US
