STACK #252 October 2025

MOVIE FEATURE

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More than half a century after its release, The Graduate continues to resonate, now newly remastered in stunning 4K Ultra HD. Words Bob J THE GRADUATE HERE’S TO YOU,

• The Graduate is out Oct 8

Did you know? In the now famous promotional still for the film, Dustin Hoffman is seen in the background framed by Mrs. Robinson’s shapely leg. However, the leg in that photo didn’t belong to Anne Bancroft; it belonged to a then-unknown

Murray Hamilton and Anne Bancroft

model, Linda Gray, who is now best known for playing the character Sue Ellen in the 1980s TV show Dallas .

Dustin Hoffman

I n August 1963, movie producer Larry Turman released his musical drama I Could Go On Singing starring Judy Garland, which in fact became her final movie. While searching for his next production he came across a first novel written by a young Californian named Charles Webb which he had titled The Graduate . Turman was impressed with its mix of being amusing and extremely satirical on America’s bourgeoisie. On pure impulse he put up his own money, a mere $1000, to option the movie rights. That purchase would lead

hottest young director Mike Nichols to make his feature-film debut. Production and casting was to start in mid 1965, but Nichols was then offered the plum assignment of directing the film version of the controversial Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? starring Liz Taylor and Richard Burton. Subsequently, production was now postponed for almost a year, but during that time Turman, with the assistance of Nichols, began

read the impressive screenplay, persuaded her to take on the role of the provocative and alcoholic Mrs Robinson. Both Turman and Nichols realised the casting of Benjamin Braddock (the graduate) as the malaise ridden and alienated hero was absolutely crucial. It was originally offered to Warren Beatty, who rejected it as he was about to launch his own production of Bonnie and Clyde . Nichols then followed a tip from one of his theatrical friends to take a look at a

impressed with his style and attitude delivered with a dead pan expression. Following a short audition Nichols told the actor ”You’ve got the part”. Those four words would change Dustin Hoffman’s life, as he would emerge as the most significant youth cult star since James Dean. Simon and Garfunkel were signed up to write new songs for the film but were too busy to deliver them on time. Instead Nichols used their The Sound of Silence and Scarborough Fair songs. However, they had just

The Graduate day bill

to one of the most significant films that would change the face of Hollywood. However, the film almost never got made – for nearly two years Turman was rejected by every major Hollywood studio, all of which disliked the book. His search for

FUN FACT

finished writing a new song which was a toast to Mrs Roosevelt. Nichols asked them to change the name in the song, which became the now classic Mrs Robinson . The film was released in December 1967 and was an immediate box office hit, especially for young cinemagoers, primarily due to its portrayal of lassitude and estrangement which

casting the film. For the role of the seductive Mrs Robinson

Robert Redford, fresh from his Broadway megahit Barefoot in the Park , desperately wanted the lead role. But Mike Nichols told him ”It’s not for you Bob, as you could never play a sulking loser.”

Turman signed up Patricia Neal, but unfortunately Miss

Neal suffered a life-threatening stroke that paralysed her for

nearly three years. To replace Neal, Nichols

Mike Nichols and Dustin Hoffman

financing finally led him to movie schlockmeister Joseph E. Levine, who offered him $3 million. For writing the script Turman selected Buck Henry, a young comedic actor who was writing for the then very popular TV spy spoof series Get Smart . Within just a month Turman had what he considered to be an outstanding screenplay. Turman now hired Broadway’s

wanted Doris Day for her all-American image. But after reading just a few pages she found it repulsive and immediately returned the script to Nichols. Turman now offered the role to Anne Bancroft, who in 1963 had won an Oscar for her saintly role in The Miracle Worker . Practically everyone cautioned her to turn it down, but her husband Mel Brooks, who had

expressed the feelings of a younger generation bored with the shallow materialistic values of their parents. Within just three months it had earned over $105 million at the box office, making it one of the highest-grossing movies of the decade. It would also go on to receive seven Academy Award nominations.

relatively unknown off-Broadway New York actor (whom he described as a cross between Ringo Starr and Buster Keaton) who just might be a possible fit for the graduate role. Inviting the actor to Hollywood, Nichols was immediately

12 OCTOBER 2025

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Mike Nichols with his Oscar