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 Sex manifesto of the free love generation.

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama | Romance

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Certificate:

R

Did You Know?

Trivia

Ted Cassidy, AKA Lurch from The Addams Family (1964) TV show was one of the screenwriters.

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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

Featured in Blood of 1000 Virgins (2013)

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Soundtracks

Wait For Me
Composed by Donna Hightower
Sung by Don Johnson

User Reviews

DISappointment in at least one DVD Version...

I had seen the release version without "regional editing for content," at the Naro Expanded Cinema in Norfolk VA.

It was an amazing, poignant, multi-faceted tale about inhibitions, and boundaries.

There was A LOT of casual frontal nudity, male and female.

Seeing this movie on DVD recently, AND I WISH I KNEW THE BRAND NAME TO TELL YOU WHICH TO AVOID, It was a hacked third rate print that had the sound cut-out on moderate swear words; and virtually ALL frontal nudity.

It angered me that when the film first traveled around the country, some power mongers, wanted to dictate what others should not view, after getting a good show themselves, of course.

This particular print was battle-scarred, but still had enough TRUTH sneak through the overzealous censors, who were too stupid to notice that while they cut out the nudity and profanity, the subtle dynamics of the various relationships SCREAMED for freedom. BOTH for the Characters AND the Viewers.

In respect to the plot, about students attending a co-ed school wherein the genders were integrated in the same dorm rooms, and physical relationships encouraged to be activated; the movie IF remade today would press forward with RACIAL STEREOTYPING and SEXUAL ORIENTATION as well.

I Fear, however, It would be, at the loss of the beautiful, lingering frontal nudity of 1970's American Art Cinema.

This beautiful little film, more especially if you can get a pure print, is a MUST-ADD to your movie appreciation club's program.

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