Butterflies Are Free Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A blind guy, a blonde, and a battle-axe mom walk into an apartment… it’s not a joke, but it is a movie.

🍿 Butterflies Are Free: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Don’s Independence

Don Baker, blind since birth, moves into his own San Francisco apartment to assert his independence from his overprotective mother. He’s determined to live life on his own terms and experience the world without constant supervision. This decision marks a significant step in his journey towards self-reliance.

Meeting Jill

Jill, a free-spirited and unconventional aspiring actress, becomes Don’s next-door neighbor. Their initial encounter is quirky, leading to an unlikely friendship. Jill’s liberated lifestyle contrasts sharply with Don’s sheltered upbringing, offering him new perspectives and experiences.

A Budding Romance

As Don and Jill spend more time together, a romantic connection develops. However, Jill’s fear of commitment and Don’s vulnerability create challenges for their relationship. The film explores themes of love, acceptance, and overcoming personal obstacles. Their bond strengthens as they navigate these complexities.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Jill (Goldie Hawn): A free-spirited and somewhat immature actress who befriends and develops a relationship with her blind neighbor.
• Don (Edward Albert): A young blind man striving for independence from his overprotective mother while navigating a new relationship.
• Mrs. Baker (Eileen Heckart): Don’s overbearing mother who struggles to accept her son’s independence and his unconventional relationship.
• Ralph (Paul Michael Glaser): A playwright who offers Jill a role in his play, creating a conflict in her relationship with Don.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Jill: “On the seventh day, I split.” – Said in response to Mrs. Baker’s question about her brief six-day marriage.
• Mrs. Baker: “So, you’re an actress? Might I have seen you in anything… besides your underwear?” – Mrs. Baker says this sarcastically when she meets Jill, who is scantily clad in Don’s apartment.
• Don: “As long as you don’t move anything, I’m as good as anybody else.” – Don explains his independence and ability to navigate his apartment as long as things are kept in their place.
• Don: “I don’t want to be brave. I just want it to be over.” – Don confesses his weariness with constantly having to be strong and independent.

💰Box Office

• Budget: N/A
• Domestic Gross: $250,000
• Worldwide Gross: N/A

💥 Butterflies Are Free Reviews

Personal Review

I absolutely loved Butterflies Are Free! Goldie Hawn is so charming and Edward Albert’s portrayal of Don is both inspiring and relatable. Seeing their connection develop was really touching, and I found myself rooting for them. It made me laugh and tear up. I especially loved the scene where Don’s mom first meets Jill – so awkward and hilarious. Definitely a feel-good movie that I’ll watch again!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of classic romantic comedies”
  • “Those interested in stories about overcoming adversity”
  • “Viewers who appreciate character-driven dramas”
  • “Goldie Hawn fans”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mild suggestive content”
  • “Mature themes related to relationships”
  • “Some language may be considered dated”

Professional Reviews

• The New York Times: “Butterflies Are Free benefits from strong performances, particularly Eileen Heckart’s Oscar-winning turn. While the plot is simple, the witty dialogue and exploration of independence and acceptance resonate. The film’s stage origins are evident, but the actors bring depth to their characters.
• Variety: “A heartwarming and humorous film with a fine cast. Goldie Hawn shines as the free-spirited Jill, and Edward Albert delivers a convincing performance as Don. Eileen Heckart’s portrayal of the overbearing mother adds a layer of complexity and earned her well-deserved recognition.
• Chicago Tribune: “While the film’s premise is intriguing, it sometimes leans into sentimentality. However, the chemistry between the leads is undeniable, and the exploration of freedom and self-discovery is thought-provoking. Eileen Heckart is a standout, providing both comedic relief and emotional depth.

Audience Reactions

Goldie Hawn’s infectious energy and charm make the movie a joy to watch.: Viewers praise the film for its heartwarming story and strong performances from the entire cast.

Eileen Heckart’s portrayal of the overbearing mother is both hilarious and surprisingly sympathetic.: Many viewers agree that Eileen Heckart’s Oscar-winning performance is a highlight of the film.

Overall Consensus: Butterflies Are Free is generally well-regarded as a heartwarming and humorous film with strong performances, particularly from Goldie Hawn and Eileen Heckart.

Awards

1. Academy Award (Best Supporting Actress)- 1973

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The play ‘Butterflies Are Free’ was inspired by Harold Krentz, a blind man who was mistakenly drafted during the Vietnam War. Leonard Gershe, the playwright, heard Krentz on a radio show and was inspired to write the story.”
• “Eileen Heckart won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Mrs. Baker. She had previously played the same role on Broadway and won a Tony Award nomination.”
• “The film was shot primarily in one apartment setting, maintaining a theatrical feel similar to the original play.”
• “Goldie Hawn’s character, Jill, was originally played on Broadway by Blythe Danner.”

🖥️ How to Watch Butterflies Are Free?

Butterflies Are Free is available for purchase or rental on various platforms, including Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV. Check local listings for possible streaming options on services like the Sony Movie Channel. Availability may vary by region.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Butterflies Are Free, you might like these similar films:

• A Patch of Blue (1965): Features a friendship between a young woman and a blind man, exploring themes of acceptance and overcoming societal barriers.
• Harold and Maude (1971): Explores unconventional relationships and the embracing of life’s freedoms, with a focus on personal growth.
• Scent of a Woman (1992): Features a blind, but charismatic, character which forces a young man to look at life in a new way and deal with ethical struggles.
• Adam (2009): Modern love story dealing with a man with Asperger’s syndrome, and how a woman sees beyond his differences.

🛒 Butterflies Are Free Related Products

• Butterflies Are Free (DVD): Own the classic film on DVD and relive the heartwarming story of Don and Jill.
• Butterflies Are Free (Original Play Script): Read the original play by Leonard Gershe and experience the story in its original form.
• Goldie Hawn Collection [DVD]: A collection of Goldie Hawn’s best movies, showcasing her comedic talent and charm.
• 1970s Fashion Book: A visual guide to the fashion trends of the 1970s, inspired by the film’s iconic style.

🎧 Soundtrack

Butterflies Are Free features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Butterflies Are Free” – performed by Edward Albert
• “Take Me Home, Country Roads” – performed by John Denver

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Butterflies are Free

Curious about what makes “Butterflies Are Free” so special? This review dives deep into the movie’s themes and messages. It’s pretty insightful and gives you a lot to think about!

The Cinnamon Ship – Butterflies Are Free.wmv

Did you know “Butterflies Are Free” started as a Broadway play? Check out this song from the original production! It’s a cool piece of history behind the movie, and honestly, the song is pretty catchy.

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