The Strawberry Statement (1970)

66% of users liked it
(728 ratings)

This film is based on the James Simon Kunen book about student unrest on the Columbia University campus. Simon (Bruce Davison) joins the campus protest movement to socialize with the various hippie girls. When a violent police assault breaks up the protest, Simon's thoughts quickly turn from female… More This film is based on the James Simon Kunen book about student unrest on the Columbia University campus. Simon (Bruce Davison) joins the campus protest movement to socialize with the various hippie girls. When a violent police assault breaks up the protest, Simon's thoughts quickly turn from female infatuation to more important social causes. He becomes active in protests against the Vietnam War, police brutality, student's rights and the draft. He is branded a Communist and becomes part of the great worldwide social revolution of his times. Music from Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, Buffy Sainte-Marie, Thunderclap Newman, Richard Strauss and John Lennon accurately reflect the turbulent times in which the film was released. Bud Cort, James Coco, and Kim Darby star in this uneven political drama. ~ Dan Pavlides, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: R, 1 hr. 43 min.
Directed By: Stuart Hagmann, Irwin Winkler
Written By: Israel Horovitz
Genres: Drama, Comedy

In Theaters: Jan 1, 1970 Wide
On DVD: Jun 25, 1991

Critic Reviews

John A. Nesbit, Old School Reviews
an embarrassment for student activists of the period
Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
Never probes beyond the surface over student unrest in its social commentary.

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Featured Audience Ratings

AJ V

This movie is kinda like a late 60s version of Casablanca, taking place in America, on a college campus. It's very intense, exciting, and dramatic. I really liked this movie, it's fantastic, and I highly recommend it.

Cast

            Bruce Davison as Simon

            Kim Darby as Linda

            James Coco as Grocer

            Murray MacLeod as George

            Bob Benjamin as Man

            Michael Margotta as Swatch

            Danny Goldman as Charlie

            Kristina Holland as Irma

            Eddra Gale as Dean's Secretary

            Israel Horovitz as Benton

            Carol Bagdasarian as Telephone Girl

            Booker Bradshaw as Lucas

            David Dukes as Guard

            Tom Foral as Coach

            James Simon Kunen as Chairman

            Henry Leff as Police Inspector

            King Moody as Television Newscaster

            Andrew Parks as Student

            Julie Payne as Woman

            Bert Remsen as Policeman

            Kristina Van Buren as Filing Room Girl

            Margo Winkler as Woman

            Bob Balaban as Elliot the Organizer

            Jeannie Berlin as Clipboard Girl

            Bud Cort as Elliot the Coxswain

            Ed Greenberg as Bearded Leader

            Robin Menken as Guerilla Theatre Troupe

            Bruce Neckels as Student Speaker

            Debbie Muller as Student Speaker

            Ruth Silveira as Woman

            Christopher Pray as Guerilla Theatre Troupe

            Jon Hill
            
            Joe Quinn as Professor

            Paul Willson as Guerilla Theatre Troupe

            Pat Rooney as Red Mountain Jug Band
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