Watch Butterflies Are Free

Butterflies Are Free is a 1972 romantic comedy-drama film directed by Milton Katselas, based on a play of the same name by Leonard Gershe. The film, which stars Goldie Hawn as a free-spirited young woman named Jill, Edward Albert as a young blind man named Don, and Eileen Heckart as Don's overprotective mother, explores themes of love, independence, and disability.

The film begins with Don moving into a new apartment in San Francisco, where he meets Jill, who lives in the apartment next door. Don, who lost his sight in a car accident when he was a child, is initially wary of Jill's bohemian lifestyle and outspoken personality. However, the two quickly bond over their shared love of music, and Don begins to feel more at ease with Jill's unconventional ways.

As Don and Jill's friendship deepens, Jill reveals that she is planning to move to New York City to pursue her dream of becoming a singer. Don, who has never been able to leave his mother's watchful gaze, is fascinated by Jill's independence and free spirit. However, when Don's mother discovers that the two are spending time together, she becomes increasingly possessive and paranoid, fearing that Jill will take advantage of Don's disability.

Despite his mother's objections, Don continues to spend time with Jill and even proposes marriage to her. However, when he learns that Jill has agreed to perform in a nude scene for a play she is starring in, Don becomes jealous and insecure. Jill, who realizes that Don will never be able to fully accept her for who she is, breaks up with him and leaves for New York.

In the film's final scene, Don's mother comes to realize that her overprotectiveness has been stifling her son's independence and happiness. She sets out to find Jill in New York and bring her back to San Francisco, hoping to give Don the chance to pursue his own dreams and live his life on his own terms.

Butterflies Are Free received critical acclaim upon its release, with many praising the film's performances and sensitive handling of themes related to disability and independence. Goldie Hawn was especially lauded for her portrayal of Jill, which earned her a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Actress. The film also won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for Eileen Heckart's performance as Don's mother.

Overall, Butterflies Are Free is a touching and thought-provoking film that explores the complexities of love, independence, and disability with humor, sensitivity, and heart. Its timeless themes and messages continue to resonate with audiences to this day, making it a beloved classic of the romantic comedy-drama genre.

Butterflies Are Free is a 1972 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 49 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2.