With Honors

Monty, a Harvard politics student (Fraser), is struggling to finish his thesis when the only copy falls into the hands of Simon, a wily bum (Pesci). Attempting to retrieve it, Monty realises he has much to learn and Simon that he has much to teach. As an entertaining demonstration, Simon delivers an impromptu lecture on the role of the common man in the US Constitution, hence the presence of Gore Vidal as a supercilious tutor who hopes that the repetition of his cynical ideals will allow Monty to graduate 'With Honors'. A slight film, reiterating the simpler aspects of its theme (making your way in the world), but one with brains and heart. Attractive performances, handsome photography by Sven Nykvist, and charming music by Patrick Leonard, go some way to offset the clichés and sentimentality.