With Honors (1994)

Convinced his thesis will have him graduate with honors from Harvard University, a stuffy student finds himself at the mercy of a homeless man's demands when he holds the papers hostage.

Director:

Alek Keshishian

Writer:

William Mastrosimone

Stars:

Joe Pesci, Brendan Fraser, Moira Kelly

Nominated for 1 Golden Globe. Another 3 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Joe Pesci	...	Simon
Brendan Fraser	...	Monty
Moira Kelly	...	Courtney
Patrick Dempsey	...	Everett
Josh Hamilton	...	Jeff
Gore Vidal	...	Pitkannan
Deborah Lake Fortson	...	Homeless Woman
Marshall Hambro	...	Security Guard
Melinda Chilton	...	Helga
Harve Kolzow	...	Harvard Cop
James Deuter	...	Judge
Caroline Gibson	...	Donation Student
M. Lynda Robinson	...	Newspaper Purchaser #1
Richard Auguste	...	Newspaper Purchaser #2
Patricia B. Butcher	...	Librarian

Storyline

Monty is a student, and when his computer crashes, he's left with only a single paper copy of his thesis. Frightened of losing it, he immediately rushes out to photocopy it, only to stumble and drop it down a grate. Searching the basement of the building, he discovers that it has been found by Simon, a squatter. Simon makes a deal with Monty: for every day's accomodation and food that Monty gives him, he will give a page of the thesis in return.

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Plot Keywords:

harvard university | homeless man | college student | friendship | unlikely friendship | 

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Taglines:

If you want a degree go to Harvard. If you want an education go to Simon Wilder.

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for language and brief sensuality

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

29 April 1994 (USA)

Also Known As:

Con honores

Filming Locations:

Illinois, USA

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$4,328,543, 1 May 1994, Wide Release

Gross USA:

$20,043,254

Company Credits

Production Co:

Spring Creek Productions, Warner Bros.

Technical Specs

Runtime:

101 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Kristy Swanson passed on the role of Courtney, which ended up going to Moira Kelly.

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Goofs

In one shot, Monty's cast is on the wrong leg and the lettering on his sweatshirt is reversed.

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Quotes

Simon Wilder: Yes I'm a bum. But I'm a Harvard bum.

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Connections

Referenced in The Sterling Chase (1999)

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Soundtracks

She Sells Sanctuary
Written by Ian Astbury (as Ian Robert Astbury) and Billy Duffy (as William Henry Duffy)
Performed by The Cult
Courtesy of Sire Records/Beggars Banquet
By Arrangement with Warner Special Products

User Reviews

Pesci gives a great performance

Joe Pesci brings the best out of this film. The plot is OK, but Pesci, as the eccentric (yet downtrodden) bum Simon Wilder, keeps it together. He is funny, heartwarming and good at what he does- and that is acting. Brendan Frasier is also good as the college harvard who find Simon and makes the plot go around. Usually funny, usually sad, OK in my book (if I have such a book). A