Watch Goodbye, Columbus

Goodbye, Columbus is a 1969 film based on Philip Roth's novella of the same name. The film was directed by Larry Peerce and stars Richard Benjamin, Ali MacGraw, and Jack Klugman. The movie follows Neil Klugman (Benjamin), a working-class Jewish man who falls in love with Brenda Patimkin (MacGraw), a wealthy Jewish woman from a privileged family.

The story takes place in the 1960s in the suburbs of New York City. Brenda comes from a successful family of Jewish philanthropists who live in a luxurious estate in Short Hills, New Jersey. Neil, on the other hand, lives in the Bronx with his aunt and uncle, and works as a librarian in a public school. The two characters meet at the public library, where Neil is a library assistant and Brenda is attending a class.

Despite their different backgrounds, Neil and Brenda fall in love with each other. The film portrays their romance in a frank and realistic manner, capturing the passion and tension between them. However, the couple's relationship is not without its challenges. The differences in their social status are a source of tension between Brenda's family and Neil. Brenda's mother, played by Nan Martin, is particularly disapproving of their relationship and sees Neil as an unsuitable match for her daughter.

As Neil and Brenda's relationship develops, Neil becomes increasingly disillusioned with Brenda's wealthy and privileged lifestyle. He resents the fact that Brenda and her family seem out of touch with the real world and are indifferent to the struggles of working-class people like himself. Neil struggles with his own insecurities and feelings of inadequacy, which are heightened by the Patricia Morrison character, who has an eye for him and is more his type, so to speak. Neil is torn between his love for Brenda and his desire for a more authentic and fulfilling life.

The film explores themes of class, identity, and cultural conflict, as well as the coming-of-age experiences of young adults in the 1960s. The movie captures the social and cultural changes of the period, including the rise of the counterculture and the rejection of traditional values. The film depicts the excitement and angst of young adults trying to find their place in a changing world.

Richard Benjamin delivers a sensitive and nuanced performance as Neil, capturing the character's vulnerability and inner turmoil. Ali MacGraw's portrayal of Brenda is equally compelling, as she balances the character's privileged background with a rebellious streak and a desire for independence. Jack Klugman delivers an excellent supporting performance as Brenda's father, who is more sympathetic to Neil than the rest of the family.

The film also features a notable soundtrack, including songs by The Association and The Young Rascals, which adds to the nostalgic and evocative feel of the movie.

In conclusion, Goodbye, Columbus is a poignant and thought-provoking film that explores the complexities of love and social class in the 1960s. The movie captures the spirit of the period and offers a unique perspective on the challenges of coming of age during a time of great change. The performances are strong, and the film's themes are timeless and relevant, making it a classic of its era.

Goodbye, Columbus is a 1969 comedy. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4.