timtimclem I first saw this in 1989. It was old then, but nearly 20 years later its just as fresh and witty. Superb sound editing, great comic set pieces (the how to smoke a joint scene or the black salute), poignant (finding the smokes in the Jeannie's room with "Even the white horses" playing), the music performances (Ode to a Screw) and such acute observation of American Society. Nothing is missed: the comic potential of the fact that there is a "Society for the Parents of Lost Children(SPLC)", the realization that it is the parents who are lost; the lucrative potential of the counter culture and the "establishment's" realization of this (best seen in the hilarious speech by Jeanies boyfriend toward the end). Much of the comedy is drawn from the characters' little crises in their lives and their attempts to solve them, but it is always a warm and affectionate comedy. Forman likes these people, he likes America, he's willing them on, every slightly misguided step of the way.

lunchbill I just watched this on TVO, having lucked upon it while grazing stations. I am amazed I'd never even heard of this film before. From the first second I was engaged. It is, I think, the single best portrait of the social climate of the early 1970s that I have ever seen. Easy Rider is the only other film that I know of that perfectly captures the feeling of that time period, though I find Easy Rider to be indulgent, where this film is modest and understated. All the performances are wonderful. The girl who played the daughter, Linnea Heacock, is utterly captivating, as is David Gittler, as the rock star, Jamie. (I can find no record of other performances by either actor.) There's a hilarious scene with a young Vincent Schiavelli, where he explains to a bunch of older parents how to smoke pot. The direction is smart though not intrusive, which is very rare. Watch for Carly Simon and Cathy Bates in tiny roles. This film is a real delight. I only wish it were on DVD.

jmerrington I discovered this by accident, and have to wonder why it has been so ignored these last 22 years. Forman's take on the America of the late sixties is a beautiful mood piece, at times amusing, at times moving, but always acted, directed and written with subtlety and wit. I would reccomend this as a definative film about the culture of the Sixties.

clifton jack I saw this movie on it's original release and was mightily impressed. I'd previously seen Forman's "The Fireman's Ball" and liked the quirky style that he repeats so well with this one. The tale of the confused parents trying desperately to understand their "wayward" daughter is gently told but is bitingly satirical. I will never forget scenes of the parents attending the seminar on how to smoke a joint and the convention for the parents of fugitive children. So where has this movie gone? I checked out the on line video store here in the UK to find that it was deleted in 92. Great shame, it's a classic.