The Harrad Experiment (1973)

At Harrad College, where controversial coed living situations are established, the students are forced to confront their sexuality in ways that society previously shunned. Part of the ... See full summary »

Director:

Ted Post

Writers:

Michael Werner (screenplay), Ted Cassidy (screenplay)

Stars:

Don Johnson, James Whitmore, Tippi Hedren

Cast

Complete credited cast:
James Whitmore	...	Philip / husband
Tippi Hedren	...	Margaret / wife
Don Johnson	...	Stanley / Sheila's roommate
Laurie Walters	...	Sheila / Stanley's roommate
Bruno Kirby	...	Harry / Beth's roommate (as B. Kirby Jr.)
Victoria Thompson	...	Beth / Harry's roommate
Elliott Street	...	Wilson / Barbara's husband
Sharon Ullrick	...	Barbara / Wilson's wife (as Sharon Taggart)
Billy Sands	...	Jack
Robert Middleton	...	Sidney
Maggie Wellman	...	Cynthia
Michael Greene	...	Yoga Instructor
Ron Kolman	...	Evan
Eric Server	...	Workman
Robert C. Ross	...	Workman

Storyline

At Harrad College, where controversial coed living situations are established, the students are forced to confront their sexuality in ways that society previously shunned. Part of the experiment is to pair incompatible members of the opposite sex as roommates in order to make them shun the traditional concept of monogamy. The film's primary two "couples" are the sex-crazed Stanley and ultra-timid Sheila, and insecure Harry and liberated Beth. In charge of the "experiment" are Prof. Philip and his wife, Margaret, who seem to enjoy the tension they instigate, as well as the graphic sexual episodes that unfold.

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Plot Keywords:

experiment | sex | sexuality | therapy | skinny dipping | 

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Taglines:

The most read book on or off campus is now on screen!

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama | Romance

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Certificate:

R

Did You Know?

Trivia

Don Johnson sings the ending song, "It's Not Over." The producer, Dennis F. Stevens, plays the flugelhorn solo, overdubbing himself.

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Goofs

The boom mic is visible over Beth and Stanley as they discuss the initial improvisation exercise with the professor.

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Alternate Versions

The 'Killer B DVD Double Feature' released by Marengo Films (which also includes "The Boy in the Plastic Bubble") is the 90 min. edited version, despite its warning that the feature contains "adult subject matter".

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Connections

Referenced in Video Nasties: Moral Panic, Censorship & Videotape (2010)

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Soundtracks

I Hope I'll Have Your Love
Music by Charles Fox
Lyrics by Norman Gimbel
Sung by Lori Lieberman

User Reviews

A failed attempt to bring a then-classic to the screen

My friends and I read the HARRAD EXPERIMENT by Robert Rimmer as nervous teenagers in the early 70s. The book was a manifesto for sexual awareness and responsibility, a call for a rational development of sexual activity on a cultural basis. Of course at the time, we were just looking for the hot parts....

Anyway, the movie makers were given the thankless task of transforming the book and apparently cound not decide whether to make it a polemic or a soap opera. Worse, the plot they chose betrays the format of the book, where the narrative was shared equally buy two men and two women. The film concentrates on Johnson's character, maligning him and transforming the film into his character's unwilling education in sexual responsibility.

Bruno Kirby doing full frontal nudity? Brrrrr..........

Details

Official Sites:

-Images from this movie

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

11 May 1973 (USA)

Also Known As:

The Harrad Experiment

Filming Locations:

Pasadena, California, USA

Box Office

Gross USA:

$177,930

Company Credits

Production Co:

Cinema Arts Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

97 min 91 min (DVD)

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color (Eastmancolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1