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The Graduate
This is the first play adaptation of the classic novel and cult film. It premiered in April 2000 at the Gielgud Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue, London, starring Kathleen Turner as Mrs Robinson
California in the 60s. Benjamin's got excellent grades, very proud parents and, since he helped Mrs Robinson with her zipper, a fine future behind him... A cult novel, a classic film, a quintessential hit of the 60s, now Benjamin's disastrous sexual odyssey is brought vividly to life in this world stage premiere production."Terry Johnson is that rare a moralist with wit. He writes with responsible gaiety" (Guardian)
California in the 60s. Benjamin's got excellent grades, very proud parents and, since he helped Mrs Robinson with her zipper, a fine future behind him... A cult novel, a classic film, a quintessential hit of the 60s, now Benjamin's disastrous sexual odyssey is brought vividly to life in this world stage premiere production."Terry Johnson is that rare a moralist with wit. He writes with responsible gaiety" (Guardian)
112 pages, Paperback
First published April 13, 2000
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Terry Johnson
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
February 13, 2026
The Graduate adapted from the novel by Charles Webb
A different version of this note and thoughts on other books are available at:
- https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list... and http://realini.blogspot.ro/
The hero is a young man called Benjamin Braddock who falls for Mrs. Robinson’s seduction techniques…in the first place
Dustin Hoffman plays the character with skill, in what may be his best performance or equal to the one in Rain Man.
Alas, I have read about the actor and learned that his behavior on the set could be obnoxious, to say the least.
In the stupendous book Adventures in the Screen Trade by the marvelous writer William Goldman there are extraordinary facts, details concerning the writing, making of films and events on and off the set.
William Goldman was the author of acclaimed and awarded scripts like Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid, A Bridge Too Far, All The President’s Men, The Marathon Man, The Great Waldo Pepper and others.
He writes about the making of Marathon Man and how Dustin Hoffman misbehaved while working on it.
In one scene, the character played by Hoffman is woken at night by his brother, played by Roy Scheider.
But he does not know who comes in at this late hour of the night and he is supposed to reach for a lantern.
That would be by the bedside; only the pretentious actor would not do that, because his fans would not like it…!
This was so ridiculous, superficial, vain and preposterous, especially considering that his partner was waiting for him and so was the director and all the many others involved, just because the image would not be macho or macho enough!!
In another segment, the same man has to be in the company of the legendary Laurence Olivier who was very sick at the time.
That does not concern the individual who has the title role and hence is more important and wants to Emphasize it.
Sir Laurence Olivier is suffering while the little man is dragging him along the set to satisfy his vanity and need for reassurance?
- Why, this does not matter!
So, whenever I see Hoffman, be it in Meet the Fockers or The Graduate I remember his outrageous conduct.
I must admit that in the film that I have seen again these days, he acts very well and so does the rest of the cast, especially Anne Bancroft and Katharine Ross.
There are some scenes that are now part of The History of Great Cinema, from the face off with Mrs. Robinson to the iconic moment in the church, where a wedding takes place and then a crowd is chasing someone- without a spoiler alert I’ll say nothing about it- who defends himself with a…cross that he uses to stop them.
Benjamin Braddock is a young “Graduate” who has yet to learn about sex and much else in life, for which he seems to have a blasé attitude.
He meets at the party given by his parents a man that he wants to tell him just one word: plastics and then Mrs. Robinson.
She wants him to drive her home, where she starts to maneuver and entice the much younger man, starting to undress:
- Mrs. Robinson, are you trying to seduce me? Has become one of the most famous lines of all time
The same thing can be said about the soundtrack and the lyrics and especially the song by Simon & Garfunkel:
And here's to you, Mrs. Robinson / Jesus loves you more than you will know / Wo wo wo / God bless you, please, Mrs. Robinson
There are many humorous scenes mixed with dramatic and very tense ones, occasioned by the complicated love triangle.
First, Benjamin is involved in a sexual relationship with the woman who is perhaps twenty years his senior, with funny moments at the hotel, where at one moment the receptionist wants to ring the bell only to hit Benjamin who is so shy and ashamed that he wants nobody to know about him being there and what he is up to…
And then he falls in love with the daughter…Elaine Robinson.
And you can imagine the complications, the jealousy, resentment involved when Mrs. Robinson tells all involved about her and Benjamin…
As for the finale…it is one of the most extraordinary in cinema history
And the film is an absolute classic.
A different version of this note and thoughts on other books are available at:
- https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list... and http://realini.blogspot.ro/
The hero is a young man called Benjamin Braddock who falls for Mrs. Robinson’s seduction techniques…in the first place
Dustin Hoffman plays the character with skill, in what may be his best performance or equal to the one in Rain Man.
Alas, I have read about the actor and learned that his behavior on the set could be obnoxious, to say the least.
In the stupendous book Adventures in the Screen Trade by the marvelous writer William Goldman there are extraordinary facts, details concerning the writing, making of films and events on and off the set.
William Goldman was the author of acclaimed and awarded scripts like Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid, A Bridge Too Far, All The President’s Men, The Marathon Man, The Great Waldo Pepper and others.
He writes about the making of Marathon Man and how Dustin Hoffman misbehaved while working on it.
In one scene, the character played by Hoffman is woken at night by his brother, played by Roy Scheider.
But he does not know who comes in at this late hour of the night and he is supposed to reach for a lantern.
That would be by the bedside; only the pretentious actor would not do that, because his fans would not like it…!
This was so ridiculous, superficial, vain and preposterous, especially considering that his partner was waiting for him and so was the director and all the many others involved, just because the image would not be macho or macho enough!!
In another segment, the same man has to be in the company of the legendary Laurence Olivier who was very sick at the time.
That does not concern the individual who has the title role and hence is more important and wants to Emphasize it.
Sir Laurence Olivier is suffering while the little man is dragging him along the set to satisfy his vanity and need for reassurance?
- Why, this does not matter!
So, whenever I see Hoffman, be it in Meet the Fockers or The Graduate I remember his outrageous conduct.
I must admit that in the film that I have seen again these days, he acts very well and so does the rest of the cast, especially Anne Bancroft and Katharine Ross.
There are some scenes that are now part of The History of Great Cinema, from the face off with Mrs. Robinson to the iconic moment in the church, where a wedding takes place and then a crowd is chasing someone- without a spoiler alert I’ll say nothing about it- who defends himself with a…cross that he uses to stop them.
Benjamin Braddock is a young “Graduate” who has yet to learn about sex and much else in life, for which he seems to have a blasé attitude.
He meets at the party given by his parents a man that he wants to tell him just one word: plastics and then Mrs. Robinson.
She wants him to drive her home, where she starts to maneuver and entice the much younger man, starting to undress:
- Mrs. Robinson, are you trying to seduce me? Has become one of the most famous lines of all time
The same thing can be said about the soundtrack and the lyrics and especially the song by Simon & Garfunkel:
And here's to you, Mrs. Robinson / Jesus loves you more than you will know / Wo wo wo / God bless you, please, Mrs. Robinson
There are many humorous scenes mixed with dramatic and very tense ones, occasioned by the complicated love triangle.
First, Benjamin is involved in a sexual relationship with the woman who is perhaps twenty years his senior, with funny moments at the hotel, where at one moment the receptionist wants to ring the bell only to hit Benjamin who is so shy and ashamed that he wants nobody to know about him being there and what he is up to…
And then he falls in love with the daughter…Elaine Robinson.
And you can imagine the complications, the jealousy, resentment involved when Mrs. Robinson tells all involved about her and Benjamin…
As for the finale…it is one of the most extraordinary in cinema history
And the film is an absolute classic.
October 16, 2018
OMG, Kathleen Turner is the perfect Mrs. Robinson. If you don't believe me, you have to listen to this.
There are parts of the play that I don't remember from the movie or the book, but I'd bet that the play is closer to the gist of the book. Hollywood does their own screwy thing with good books. Can't leave a good thing alone.
It's still relevant. The zipper is just about the only really dated 'thing.'
It was so much fun. I'm trying to add a play every weekend, or every other weekend. Reading them are nice, but they weren't meant to be read in the head. They were meant to be interpreted and spoken by the various voices. I'm so grateful for L.A. Theater Works. Great productions!
There are parts of the play that I don't remember from the movie or the book, but I'd bet that the play is closer to the gist of the book. Hollywood does their own screwy thing with good books. Can't leave a good thing alone.
It's still relevant. The zipper is just about the only really dated 'thing.'
It was so much fun. I'm trying to add a play every weekend, or every other weekend. Reading them are nice, but they weren't meant to be read in the head. They were meant to be interpreted and spoken by the various voices. I'm so grateful for L.A. Theater Works. Great productions!
January 2, 2024
If you like The Graduate movie you will like this. Kathleen Turner is the voice of Mrs. Robinson and she's great. Funny dialogue and quick witted for all the characters. This play version is different than the movie which is an acceptable change (probably done for stage logistical reasons). It's a can't miss. Short and sweet. Motivates me to read the Charles Webb book the movie was based on.
November 4, 2023
Interesting play that speaks of the days when young couples had blood tests before marriage!
Having listened to the song ( Mrs Robinson) and watched the movie ( The Graduate) and the sequel ( Rumor has It), it was fascinating to hear the Broadway play. Ms. Kathleen Turner was iconic !
Having listened to the song ( Mrs Robinson) and watched the movie ( The Graduate) and the sequel ( Rumor has It), it was fascinating to hear the Broadway play. Ms. Kathleen Turner was iconic !
February 19, 2026
We are doing the Graduate for book club this month and I couldn’t find the audiobook for the full length book on Libby, BorrowBox, Audible, or Spotify. I looked into it and it looks like it’s difficult to secure a copy in Australia due to licensing.
I had already borrowed this version on Libby, not realising that it wasn’t the full version.
So I listened to it, and whilst it’s definitely of it’s time and would not pass these days especially in terms of sexism, I actually chuckled out loud a bunch of times which for me is impressive and quite rare. So I gave it four stars. I actually had no idea that the classic ‘Mrs Robinson’ is from this book?! So that was pretty fun and I’m loving letting that filter in along with the context of the daughter triangle.
I’ll try to find the full length audiobook in the meantime, perhaps on YouTube, or perhaps watch the film and be done with it, ahead of book club.
Looking forward to us hosting book club this month and discussing this book 😌
I had already borrowed this version on Libby, not realising that it wasn’t the full version.
So I listened to it, and whilst it’s definitely of it’s time and would not pass these days especially in terms of sexism, I actually chuckled out loud a bunch of times which for me is impressive and quite rare. So I gave it four stars. I actually had no idea that the classic ‘Mrs Robinson’ is from this book?! So that was pretty fun and I’m loving letting that filter in along with the context of the daughter triangle.
I’ll try to find the full length audiobook in the meantime, perhaps on YouTube, or perhaps watch the film and be done with it, ahead of book club.
Looking forward to us hosting book club this month and discussing this book 😌
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 23, 2017
I found this at the returned section in the library, sat down to read it and 20 pages or so into the play I stopped reading because I was smiling so much that I was sure I'd burst out laughing!
It's not a comedy, but I loved the characters. I love it when the characters sound like the people you know. I adored the son-father-mother relationship. The mother-father relationship and of course the relationship between Benjamin and Mrs Robinson.
As a bonus. It was another - lighthearted - reminder why I dislike marriage as the ultimate gesture of love! From the moment we learn that Ben wants to marry, I was like, no, that's the last thing these kids need! Especially reading the conversation between the two. However, as a story telling device, perfect.
I'm sure I have seen the movie but I remember nothing, so everything was anew, and I really love it.
It's not a comedy, but I loved the characters. I love it when the characters sound like the people you know. I adored the son-father-mother relationship. The mother-father relationship and of course the relationship between Benjamin and Mrs Robinson.
As a bonus. It was another - lighthearted - reminder why I dislike marriage as the ultimate gesture of love! From the moment we learn that Ben wants to marry, I was like, no, that's the last thing these kids need! Especially reading the conversation between the two. However, as a story telling device, perfect.
I'm sure I have seen the movie but I remember nothing, so everything was anew, and I really love it.
December 28, 2021
This is the audio from the London production of THE GRADUATE which uses dialogue from the original novel as well as from the movie screenplay. So, it is different from both. I love both the novel and the film and so this was a logical listen for me.
Rhys and Turner may have seemed odd choices for the stage, especially since we are so used to thinking of Hoffman and Bancroft in the roles, but for audio, they are quite perfect.
I gave this **** for what it is - the audio of a play from something I love for its story. Is it a great play? Maybe not. But it works well for me and it was a fast and enjoyable listen on a long walk in woods.
Rhys and Turner may have seemed odd choices for the stage, especially since we are so used to thinking of Hoffman and Bancroft in the roles, but for audio, they are quite perfect.
I gave this **** for what it is - the audio of a play from something I love for its story. Is it a great play? Maybe not. But it works well for me and it was a fast and enjoyable listen on a long walk in woods.
January 28, 2025
( Format : Audiobook )
"It was nothing personal."
With his radiation complete, Ben's life now stretches before him, time to be his own man. This very funny play, based on the book and iconic 70s film of the same name, is also sad, illuminating lives perhaps comfortable but bereft of satisfaction. The cast is superb especially Matthew Rhys, who plays Ben (The Dustin Hoffman role in the film), and Kathleen Turner excels as Mrs.Robinson, the gravelly voiced drunk who seduces him after his graduation party.
Another great production by L.A. Theatre Works and recorded before a live audience at the Skirball Cultural Center, Los Angeles, in December 2010.
"It was nothing personal."
With his radiation complete, Ben's life now stretches before him, time to be his own man. This very funny play, based on the book and iconic 70s film of the same name, is also sad, illuminating lives perhaps comfortable but bereft of satisfaction. The cast is superb especially Matthew Rhys, who plays Ben (The Dustin Hoffman role in the film), and Kathleen Turner excels as Mrs.Robinson, the gravelly voiced drunk who seduces him after his graduation party.
Another great production by L.A. Theatre Works and recorded before a live audience at the Skirball Cultural Center, Los Angeles, in December 2010.
January 5, 2020
Audio
Audio adaptation of the Charles Webb book. I spent a majority of my life with The Graduate in the background. The 'Mrs Robinson' song was very popular during my childhood (still a classic!) but I've never taken the time to listen or watch until the book showed up on sale today and the Library extension notified me it was available on Hoopla. It's a short (just under 2 hours) one and I'm not really sure what all the hype is about. Maybe for the 70's it was shocking but, as with a lot of 'classic' stories I'm finding, it doesn't quite hold up for me.
Audio adaptation of the Charles Webb book. I spent a majority of my life with The Graduate in the background. The 'Mrs Robinson' song was very popular during my childhood (still a classic!) but I've never taken the time to listen or watch until the book showed up on sale today and the Library extension notified me it was available on Hoopla. It's a short (just under 2 hours) one and I'm not really sure what all the hype is about. Maybe for the 70's it was shocking but, as with a lot of 'classic' stories I'm finding, it doesn't quite hold up for me.
May 3, 2021
Before they leave, Ben has to retrieve the key from the water.
The key is in the water.
Mrs. Robinson, who will return the favor of a ride home with a favor of her own, threw his graduation gift of a convertible’s keys in the aquarium.
The key is in the water, you see.
It’s a visual pun, the intro to a rhythm, theme, motif and rhyme
—parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme—
and, for a cross-country runner of the nervous type,
it’s the skeleton key to entry in the world of adults:
He just has to unlock himself.
The key is the water.
The key is in the water.
Mrs. Robinson, who will return the favor of a ride home with a favor of her own, threw his graduation gift of a convertible’s keys in the aquarium.
The key is in the water, you see.
It’s a visual pun, the intro to a rhythm, theme, motif and rhyme
—parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme—
and, for a cross-country runner of the nervous type,
it’s the skeleton key to entry in the world of adults:
He just has to unlock himself.
The key is the water.
January 9, 2024
For Audible: Kathleen Turner is Mrs. Robinson and Matthew Rhys is Benjamin Braddock in this theatrical remake of the infamous story of a young college boy being romanced by his alcoholic older neighbor. Romance, drama and laughs abound. Turner is amazing as the iconic Mrs. Robinson and Rhys captures the tortured essence of Braddock so well. Supporting cast is also excellent. Parts get rushed and you are expected to know the original material and some key bits get glossed over.
September 7, 2025
Hello, darkness my old friend. I'm visiting this effed up story again because Kathleen Turner performed Mrs. Robinson in the audio, durh.
As far as adaptations go, it kept the original structure, story, and iconic lines. However, in the form of a play, the story seemed absurd. Whereas in the novel and film, the emotional landscape was nuanced and, at least, understandable. As a play, you're sitting there wondering how the hell you got here.
As far as adaptations go, it kept the original structure, story, and iconic lines. However, in the form of a play, the story seemed absurd. Whereas in the novel and film, the emotional landscape was nuanced and, at least, understandable. As a play, you're sitting there wondering how the hell you got here.
June 2, 2023
I saw this on Broadway and am a big fan of the film, so was excited to go back and read the play and I kind of forgot how much I enjoyed it. Listened to the LATW recording of it as well, and that is great too. Great.
August 20, 2017
Really enjoyed this adaptation. Very fun!
May 5, 2019
I was disappointed with the writing. Some was amusing. But I felt the characterisation were incomplete and lacking. Not more than shadows and cliched.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 27, 2020
Not clear why this version was needed, or how it added to any discussion. Further seems to date itself (in the 60's, not 2000's) in views of women.
March 23, 2021
strong boy/girl scenes
October 30, 2022
Kathleen Turner is simply the best. in this.
October 5, 2023
I know way too much about this dude's penis.
November 15, 2025
I don’t remember the movie being this funny.
February 6, 2026
I did not care for this at all
February 5, 2023
Prefer the book and then the movie to this play. At least this version passes the bechdel test 4🥃
December 12, 2011
This review is based on the audio edition of The Graduate from L.A. Theatre Works (2 CDs, running time 107 minutes, 2011), starring Kathleen Turner as Mrs. Robinson and Matthew Rhys as Benjamin Braddock. I enjoy L.A. Theatre Works performances for the overall quality of the stage production--the dialogue is clear, special effects are audible but not intrusive, and the script adaptation is excellent. This version of The Graduate is adapted from the Terry Johnson screenplay, based on the novel and screenplay for the film version. Benjamin Braddock (Rhys) is an idealistic recent college graduate who returns home with no plans for the future, no apparent motivation, and a bucket-full of disillusionment. Mrs. Robinson (Turner) is the boozy, bored housewife (billed as "the original 'cougar'" in the jacket description) who chooses Benjamin as her play toy. It's no surprise to discover that Turner and Rhys originally portrayed these same roles in the 2000 London stage production--their previous experience working together is apparent, with exceptional timing, delivery, and comedic effect. Ms Turner's voice is so husky as to sound almost masculine--which was difficult for me at first, since for me she is and always will be the deliciously seductive and wicked Matty Walker from Body Heat (1981). But Turner is such a natural Mrs Robinson, the performance so believable, the delivery flawless, that I quickly put Matty aside. Rhys does an admirable job as the idealistic, self-consumed Benjamin, and the exchange between Turner and Rhys is by far the highlight of the production. The supporting cast is very strong and convincing, although the actress portraying Elaine Robinson was a bit too melodramatic and shrill for my ears, and there is a family quarrel in the second half that catapults into a very strident, ear-splitting episode. Still, I enjoyed the overall production very much, which includes an excellent interview with Kathleen Turner. Highly recommended.
December 1, 2012
I categorized it as a play, but it's actually not.
It's very grateful when you don't put any expectations on a random book you picked from the library. I saw the book on the spot, did't even know what's going on, the result comes out later is really working. Damn, this scrip squirms my stomach.
The characters plotted are SO AWESOME. Not any of them are sane. It's relevant to absurdity judged from the reader's point of view (and with the play, we can't see any of facial expressions, clear actions, their appearances.) But I can see them screaming at each other, wrecked inside, aggressive and not being capability of being normal people. They have pain penetrating to their hearts.
I blame on the society, American Dreams raised up them wrong. Benjamin is aggressively self-loathing smart child and his parents are the holes of wooden pole which is ready to be fired. Elaine (I personally hate her name.) is nothing but have-to-do-the-best-daughter's-duty to marry the wealthy man even though she tries to cover herself with knowledges from books she've read. Mr Robenson cares only his reputation and doesn't give any fuck of fucking his wife and Mrs Robinson is is the bullet of the story, she's drunk which means she's always crazy person. I love her conversation with Benjamin becasue it can describe all though experiences she's been though. I feel sorry for her life and her sex life.
I don't remember right away what the story reminds me of. It's fragility of parenting and social treatment for American people. In the story they're rich, lively but wrecked inside, ready to tired up like strong tyres filled with burning air.
Oh, I remember the story is similar to The Ordinary People I have read a few months ago.
It's very grateful when you don't put any expectations on a random book you picked from the library. I saw the book on the spot, did't even know what's going on, the result comes out later is really working. Damn, this scrip squirms my stomach.
The characters plotted are SO AWESOME. Not any of them are sane. It's relevant to absurdity judged from the reader's point of view (and with the play, we can't see any of facial expressions, clear actions, their appearances.) But I can see them screaming at each other, wrecked inside, aggressive and not being capability of being normal people. They have pain penetrating to their hearts.
I blame on the society, American Dreams raised up them wrong. Benjamin is aggressively self-loathing smart child and his parents are the holes of wooden pole which is ready to be fired. Elaine (I personally hate her name.) is nothing but have-to-do-the-best-daughter's-duty to marry the wealthy man even though she tries to cover herself with knowledges from books she've read. Mr Robenson cares only his reputation and doesn't give any fuck of fucking his wife and Mrs Robinson is is the bullet of the story, she's drunk which means she's always crazy person. I love her conversation with Benjamin becasue it can describe all though experiences she's been though. I feel sorry for her life and her sex life.
I don't remember right away what the story reminds me of. It's fragility of parenting and social treatment for American people. In the story they're rich, lively but wrecked inside, ready to tired up like strong tyres filled with burning air.
Oh, I remember the story is similar to The Ordinary People I have read a few months ago.
January 30, 2012
I listened to this LA Theatre Works live, full cast production of The Graduate starring Kathleen Turner. It was interesting to listen to a live theater production. I could hear the audience laughing and sometimes I had to guess what was going on, but overall it was a pleasure to listen to. There is an interview with Kathleen Turner at the end which is interesting. Super fast listen, only 2 discs.
January 31, 2013
Audiobook of the LA Theatre Works production staring Kathleen Turner.
Similar to the movie but I felt with the audio version, Benjamin was annoying and childish and the seduction of Mrs. Robinson didn't come through.
Enjoyed the interview with Kathleen Turner at the end of this short audio (about 1.5 hours).
Similar to the movie but I felt with the audio version, Benjamin was annoying and childish and the seduction of Mrs. Robinson didn't come through.
Enjoyed the interview with Kathleen Turner at the end of this short audio (about 1.5 hours).
July 31, 2016
Listened to the L.A. Theater Works production. Benjamin is the absolute worst. Ugh. However, Elaine and Mrs. Robinson are both A++++. Also, this play ended exactly the way I knew it would and exactly how I wish it wouldn't have. Oh well.
Kathleen Turner is a national treasure. She is fantastic.
Kathleen Turner is a national treasure. She is fantastic.
June 9, 2015
So here's to you Mrs Robinson... The movie moves seamlessly to the big stage and is every bit as good...
Where have you gone Joe DiMaggio?
Where have you gone Joe DiMaggio?
July 2, 2017
A solid adaptation of the classic novel and film, with the insanity of the elders perfectly expressed in this clever undermining of 60s American mores.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews