A true classic film for the 1960's generation

Rating: 9/10 (25 November 2005)

What memorable characters and vivid portrayals by all concerned! It was the summer of love and a time for questioning traditional values. 1967 California is perfectly captured in this charming comedy. Who can ever forget Mrs. Robinson or the final hilarious scenes in the church and bus? Many do not realize that the introspective folk rock songs of Simon & Garfunkel had already been established hits before being adapted into this soundtrack.
In 1967 there had been race riots in Detroit and a few other cities, a prelude to worse riots that would come in 1968. At the end of the year the Academy gave the Best Picture Oscar to "In the Heat of the Night." I suspect they felt it was the politically correct thing to do. However, the Best Director award was rightfully given to Mike Nichols of "The Graduate." Usually those two awards go hand in hand, so therefore I think "The Graduate" might have won Best Picture if not for the racial tension in the nation.