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

Did You Know?

Trivia

The film takes place at Harvard and the director of the film, Alek Keshishian, is himself a Harvard graduate (Class of 1986).

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Goofs

When Simon comes downstairs wearing Courtney's robe, he gets a beer out of the fridge and takes the bottle cap off. When Courtney asks him for her robe, and he starts to take it off, the bottle cap is back on.

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Quotes

Social Security Clerk: I'm going to ask again, do you have evidence of birth?
Simon Wilder: I'm sittin' here ain't I lady? What do you think, I happened by spontaneous combustion?

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Connections

References New Year's Rockin' Eve 1980 (1979)

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Soundtracks

It's Not Unusual
Written by Gordon Mills and Les Reed
Performed by Belly
Courtesy of 4AD/Sire Records
By Arrangement with Warner Special Products

User Reviews

Excellent and thoughtful movie.

I don't know why this movie is classified under "comedy"... It's one of the most serious and thoughtful movies I've seen in a while. The plot twists were unpredictable, for me at least, and although it didn't have a "happy" ending, it was very well done.

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

29 April 1994 (USA)

Also Known As:

With Honors

Filming Locations:

Illinois, USA

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$4,328,543, 1 May 1994

Gross USA:

$20,016,254

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$20,016,254

Company Credits

Production Co:

Spring Creek Productions, Warner Bros.

Technical Specs

Runtime:

101 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1