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BUTTERFLIES ARE FREE.
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107 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1969
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August 18, 2025
Butterflies Are Free by Leonard Gershe
Another version of this note and thoughts on other books are available at:
- https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list... and http://realini.blogspot.ro/
Exceptional, dazzling chef d’oeuvre.
When the work in question is a film adaptation, I had doubts and this is only the second note on such material.
This was such an extraordinary joy that I need to express my complete satisfaction and a gratitude for the creators.
And the performers of this magic play, starting with Goldie Hawn, continuing with Edward Albert and last but not least with Eileen Heckart who not only won the Academy Award for her acting, but also has some wonderful lines.
The themes are powerful, worthwhile, thought provoking, challenging and treated with seriousness but also humor.
Jill Tanner moves into an apartment right next to Don Baker, who in the first place seems to be looking persistently at her.
After a few lines Jill is stunned to discover that her neighbor wasn’t really staring at her because he is…blind.
So one of the major subjects is blindness, disability and being different, for we also have included in the smart and stupendous dialogue homosexuality and other interesting points, expressed with openness.
This is the age of the hippy culture and Jill admits that she has been through that stage, lying naked on the beach.
She has been through a lot of experiments, including a six days long marriage and a subsequent divorce.
On the plus side, this is a sensational heroine- intelligent and with a good EQ, beautiful, open minded, curious and brave.
She likes Don and engages with him, not worried about his blindness and without second thoughts, somewhat recklessly one might say.
When Don’s mother questions what will happen when Jill would eventually want to leave him and Don would suffer, Jill understands her position, even if it takes a while.
There is a lot of humor in what could have been the depressing tale of a blind young man who falls for a superficial, unstable neighbor:
- You want to go to bed with me because you feel sorry for a blind man??!!
- I would not feel sorry for Anyone who sleeps with me!
….
- I went home in sandals and rags!
- And what did your mother say?
- She liked it! In fact she took to wearing sandals and rags
- She was married four times…
- Why?
- She likes getting married, obviously she doesn’t like it being married
- After my phase with the hippies I became a Young Republican but I was wrong
- There is No Young Republican! With The Donald as their elected choice, one is bemused by the accuracy of a statement that is perhaps 50 years old
And later on Mrs. Baker, with her perceptive irony scolds the young Jill for her appearance and short lived marriage:
- An actress? Have we seen you in anything else except your underwear – which Jill is wearing when mother visits
- You were married for six days? What did you do on the seventh…rest?
- When Ralph, the director of the play in which Jill is to appear naked makes an arrogant remark about the production showing aspects of the real life and its details, the reply is quick and sharp
- So is diarrhea!- a side of life- she surely meant to say
That was not the exact dialogue, which is actually brilliant and worth listening to again, if Cinemax intends another replay.
I was enthused, mesmerized by this unique masterpiece:
- It is fresh, unorthodox and broad minded, enthusiastic for the most part, even if there are dramatic aspects and emotions, there is a light touch and we are allowed to laugh at dark sides
A magic, sensational treat.
Another version of this note and thoughts on other books are available at:
- https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list... and http://realini.blogspot.ro/
Exceptional, dazzling chef d’oeuvre.
When the work in question is a film adaptation, I had doubts and this is only the second note on such material.
This was such an extraordinary joy that I need to express my complete satisfaction and a gratitude for the creators.
And the performers of this magic play, starting with Goldie Hawn, continuing with Edward Albert and last but not least with Eileen Heckart who not only won the Academy Award for her acting, but also has some wonderful lines.
The themes are powerful, worthwhile, thought provoking, challenging and treated with seriousness but also humor.
Jill Tanner moves into an apartment right next to Don Baker, who in the first place seems to be looking persistently at her.
After a few lines Jill is stunned to discover that her neighbor wasn’t really staring at her because he is…blind.
So one of the major subjects is blindness, disability and being different, for we also have included in the smart and stupendous dialogue homosexuality and other interesting points, expressed with openness.
This is the age of the hippy culture and Jill admits that she has been through that stage, lying naked on the beach.
She has been through a lot of experiments, including a six days long marriage and a subsequent divorce.
On the plus side, this is a sensational heroine- intelligent and with a good EQ, beautiful, open minded, curious and brave.
She likes Don and engages with him, not worried about his blindness and without second thoughts, somewhat recklessly one might say.
When Don’s mother questions what will happen when Jill would eventually want to leave him and Don would suffer, Jill understands her position, even if it takes a while.
There is a lot of humor in what could have been the depressing tale of a blind young man who falls for a superficial, unstable neighbor:
- You want to go to bed with me because you feel sorry for a blind man??!!
- I would not feel sorry for Anyone who sleeps with me!
….
- I went home in sandals and rags!
- And what did your mother say?
- She liked it! In fact she took to wearing sandals and rags
- She was married four times…
- Why?
- She likes getting married, obviously she doesn’t like it being married
- After my phase with the hippies I became a Young Republican but I was wrong
- There is No Young Republican! With The Donald as their elected choice, one is bemused by the accuracy of a statement that is perhaps 50 years old
And later on Mrs. Baker, with her perceptive irony scolds the young Jill for her appearance and short lived marriage:
- An actress? Have we seen you in anything else except your underwear – which Jill is wearing when mother visits
- You were married for six days? What did you do on the seventh…rest?
- When Ralph, the director of the play in which Jill is to appear naked makes an arrogant remark about the production showing aspects of the real life and its details, the reply is quick and sharp
- So is diarrhea!- a side of life- she surely meant to say
That was not the exact dialogue, which is actually brilliant and worth listening to again, if Cinemax intends another replay.
I was enthused, mesmerized by this unique masterpiece:
- It is fresh, unorthodox and broad minded, enthusiastic for the most part, even if there are dramatic aspects and emotions, there is a light touch and we are allowed to laugh at dark sides
A magic, sensational treat.
January 27, 2016
"Pat aklajam skaidrs."
Skaisti par to, cik grūti ir piederēt.
June 12, 2022
This play holds a very special place in my heart. So touching.
March 15, 2016
Sweet and tender and I love the film.
April 6, 2013
Touching and funny and unique...amazing.
February 22, 2024
I finished reading this
Butterflies are Free
by Leonard Gershe days ago and I admit that I loved it so much. It was a fast read and probably would’ve finished it sooner if I wasn’t busy. This is the first book of Leonard Gershe that I’ve read and he did a brilliant job in creating this terrific play. I decided to read this book that I found at a library at the college that I work part time and a friend of mine who works there lend it to me. When I found it and notice that the picture of the book cover is Goldie Hawn.
The plot centers around Don a blind young, intellectual and confident man seeking independence and he decides to live on his own. So he leaves Scarsdale, the home of his loving, but overbearing mother: Mrs.Baker. His Mother’s intention is far from bad, but who could blame her though. For being concerned and constantly worried for her only son. Don gets a new next door neighbor named Jill. She is a 19 year old young gal that is a free spirit hippy from California that moves to New York trying to be an actress. Don & Jill start to talk, get more friendly & intimate pretty quick. Don's mother finds out when she drops by his apartment unannounced to find them together. She flips in finding her son with Jill and the condition of his apartment that she doesn't like. Mind you that Mrs.Baker doesn’t hold back her feelings or opinions of what she sees. So the dialogues that the mother & son have are as real as any human feelings and funny too.
I am going to quit telling you about the synopsis of the play. Since I don't want to spoil it for anyone that’s planning on reading the book. It's beautifully written, and heart touching. I would recommend anyone to read it and to watch the movie too. Goldie Hawn, Edward Albert & Eileen Heckart all do a brilliant job in bringing these characters to life. I rate the play with 5 top stars and two thumbs up.
The plot centers around Don a blind young, intellectual and confident man seeking independence and he decides to live on his own. So he leaves Scarsdale, the home of his loving, but overbearing mother: Mrs.Baker. His Mother’s intention is far from bad, but who could blame her though. For being concerned and constantly worried for her only son. Don gets a new next door neighbor named Jill. She is a 19 year old young gal that is a free spirit hippy from California that moves to New York trying to be an actress. Don & Jill start to talk, get more friendly & intimate pretty quick. Don's mother finds out when she drops by his apartment unannounced to find them together. She flips in finding her son with Jill and the condition of his apartment that she doesn't like. Mind you that Mrs.Baker doesn’t hold back her feelings or opinions of what she sees. So the dialogues that the mother & son have are as real as any human feelings and funny too.
I am going to quit telling you about the synopsis of the play. Since I don't want to spoil it for anyone that’s planning on reading the book. It's beautifully written, and heart touching. I would recommend anyone to read it and to watch the movie too. Goldie Hawn, Edward Albert & Eileen Heckart all do a brilliant job in bringing these characters to life. I rate the play with 5 top stars and two thumbs up.
October 18, 2021
Written by Leonard Gershe, who also wrote the script for the Audrey Hepburn film Funny Face, Butterflies are Free is a play that premiered in 1969 with Blythe Danner (Gwyneth’s ma) in one of the starring roles. It was adapted into a 1972 film starring Goldie Hawn and Eileen Heckart, the latter of whom won an Oscar for best supporting actress. Who knew?! My background prior to the google search that provided that info was that my parents went to college for performing arts in the 70’s and I have a backlog of old plays that are now in my condo and hence my TBR pile. [And this particular old play has an orange cover- Bingo!)
The scene opens in the lower east side Manhattan apartment of Don, an early-twenty something guitar player testing out life on his own in the big city. His next door neighbor, Jill Tanner, is a 19 year old commitment-phobe hippy with dreams of becoming an actress. We soon discover that Don has been blind from birth and has an overprotective mother who is eager for him to end his independent city living experiment and come home to the suburbs. After some initial romantic sparks between them, Jill heads to an audition and his mother attempts to make Don ‘see’ reason. Will Don stand up for his dreams? Will Jill face her commitment fears?
For such a short text, this packed a lot in. It was a snapshot of things very specific to the time and place- lower Manhattan in the 70’s, the US’ free love hippies- mixed with universal themes – overprotective parents, commitment issues. I can see why an actress might win awards playing Don’s mother- it’s a meaty role with an arc for character change that I didn’t see coming.
I don’t know if I would recommend reading this as a play, but I’m game to see a classic Goldie Hawn film- Private Benjamin and Overboard were watched multiple times in my childhood, so my nostalgic love for Hawn runs strong.
The scene opens in the lower east side Manhattan apartment of Don, an early-twenty something guitar player testing out life on his own in the big city. His next door neighbor, Jill Tanner, is a 19 year old commitment-phobe hippy with dreams of becoming an actress. We soon discover that Don has been blind from birth and has an overprotective mother who is eager for him to end his independent city living experiment and come home to the suburbs. After some initial romantic sparks between them, Jill heads to an audition and his mother attempts to make Don ‘see’ reason. Will Don stand up for his dreams? Will Jill face her commitment fears?
For such a short text, this packed a lot in. It was a snapshot of things very specific to the time and place- lower Manhattan in the 70’s, the US’ free love hippies- mixed with universal themes – overprotective parents, commitment issues. I can see why an actress might win awards playing Don’s mother- it’s a meaty role with an arc for character change that I didn’t see coming.
I don’t know if I would recommend reading this as a play, but I’m game to see a classic Goldie Hawn film- Private Benjamin and Overboard were watched multiple times in my childhood, so my nostalgic love for Hawn runs strong.
July 24, 2023
So enjoyable! I watched the movie first before I found the book (screenplay). Word-by-word, play-by-play which is very rare with most current days movies/adaptation. I love the fact that Keir Dullea was playing stage adaptation back in the 1970's. Such a shame I had to miss that (due to the fact I wasn't even born yet!). Still, I'm glad I finally get to read this wonderful play. It really such a treat for me
August 12, 2023
A play from the 1960s about young people in New York City. One of them is blind, the other suffers from an inability to commit. Also featuring a loving but over protective mother and a theater producer who is more of a plot device than an actual character. There are funny moments and it's a light play, but each of the main characters also grows and changes during the short duration of the play.
January 4, 2025
This wasn't a bad play, but it very much could have been a one-act. I think the play itself could hold up if the references made in the book were updated. I think the play is cute & has a neat idea, and I think the play would have been funnier to see the physical comedy. I just was looking for something more.
May 9, 2017
It's one of my favorite plays . Perfect light read for an lazy afternoon. The movie is a delight as well.
August 7, 2019
From the perspective of the actors - inner monologue for the mom and the neighbor is very interesting to study! Playing a blind character is also interesting
May 17, 2021
Very popular in the 60's and 70's........a look back at a different time.
November 15, 2021
Funny! Heartfelt. A sweet little play about a blind man and a young actress.
April 22, 2022
meh 😕
December 31, 2022
too unrealistic for me to appreciate tbh...
May 18, 2023
4.5
slayed
slayed
Read
January 9, 2024Would love to put this on
August 27, 2016
Setting: Don Baker's apartment, at East 11th Street, New York
Genre: Comedy Length: 2 acts; 73 pages Cast Size: 2 M, 2 F
Basis: Loosely based on the life of attorney Harold Krents Adaptations: 1972 film
Productions: Broadway (Oct 1969- Jul 1972)
Accolades: 3 Tony nominations
Story:
Manhattan blind man Don Baker gets a visit from controlling mother who disapproves of his relationship with a free-spirited hippie neighbor, Jill Tanner.
On the Writing:
- Very much a light romantic comedy; lots of cute banter ranging from soft chuckles to a couple louder laughs
- Romantic chemistry cute between Don and Jill; also believable (and still comedic) relationship between Don and his mother
- For the most part, great pacing
- Though premiered in '69, story still relevant; homosexual references initially seemed dated, but actually still sort of relevant
- Nice incorporation of title; blindness metaphor a little superficial but worked for this sort of comedy
- Jill's moving out came a little out of nowhere (which was the point I guess) but still wouldn't have minded more hints or foreshadowing
- Appropriate length for a comedy, but would have liked it to be a little longer to build up relationships
- Ending was a little rushed but not unusual for romantic comedies
For Directing/Casting:
- Don Baker: early 20s
- Jill Tanner: 19; "little girl quality"
- Mrs. Baker: old enough to be Don's mom
- Ralph Austin: "young man"
- great chance for directors who want to try a lesser known comedy
For Acting:
- Jill: ingénue, comedic, cute, flakey
- Don: must be act convincingly blind, basic guitar skills needed, somewhat comedic but more the straight role
- Jill and Don need great chemistry to make a somewhat general story more enjoyable
- Mrs. Baker: uppity, snooty, and bitchy, but needs to also be comedic and redeeming
For Producing/Audiences:
- Any size performance space will work, though set calls for a 6' raised loft bed
- Relatively affordable: only one setting with rudimentary/cheap furniture
- Decent amount of ordinary props needed
- Securing rights for songs used not included in script performance rights, but offered
- Name of play alone not likely to draw a significant audience size or interest
- Audience from late teens to adult will appreciate
Genre: Comedy Length: 2 acts; 73 pages Cast Size: 2 M, 2 F
Basis: Loosely based on the life of attorney Harold Krents Adaptations: 1972 film
Productions: Broadway (Oct 1969- Jul 1972)
Accolades: 3 Tony nominations
Story:
Manhattan blind man Don Baker gets a visit from controlling mother who disapproves of his relationship with a free-spirited hippie neighbor, Jill Tanner.
On the Writing:
- Very much a light romantic comedy; lots of cute banter ranging from soft chuckles to a couple louder laughs
- Romantic chemistry cute between Don and Jill; also believable (and still comedic) relationship between Don and his mother
- For the most part, great pacing
- Though premiered in '69, story still relevant; homosexual references initially seemed dated, but actually still sort of relevant
- Nice incorporation of title; blindness metaphor a little superficial but worked for this sort of comedy
- Jill's moving out came a little out of nowhere (which was the point I guess) but still wouldn't have minded more hints or foreshadowing
- Appropriate length for a comedy, but would have liked it to be a little longer to build up relationships
- Ending was a little rushed but not unusual for romantic comedies
For Directing/Casting:
- Don Baker: early 20s
- Jill Tanner: 19; "little girl quality"
- Mrs. Baker: old enough to be Don's mom
- Ralph Austin: "young man"
- great chance for directors who want to try a lesser known comedy
For Acting:
- Jill: ingénue, comedic, cute, flakey
- Don: must be act convincingly blind, basic guitar skills needed, somewhat comedic but more the straight role
- Jill and Don need great chemistry to make a somewhat general story more enjoyable
- Mrs. Baker: uppity, snooty, and bitchy, but needs to also be comedic and redeeming
For Producing/Audiences:
- Any size performance space will work, though set calls for a 6' raised loft bed
- Relatively affordable: only one setting with rudimentary/cheap furniture
- Decent amount of ordinary props needed
- Securing rights for songs used not included in script performance rights, but offered
- Name of play alone not likely to draw a significant audience size or interest
- Audience from late teens to adult will appreciate
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 22, 2015
Absolutely amazing! This play was charming, witty, brilliant and ridiculous. It has an adorable, yes I said adorable, storyline, was very easy to read, had great flow and overall was just enchanting. It had me giggling repeatedly, well alright truth: I was holding back snorts and guffawing, laughing my charmed butt off. My first read with Mr. Leonard Gershe, he does not disappoint. I was tantalized into the play right off the bat with its ridiculously witty banter and comedic appeal. I really must read more of his writing/plays in the near future. The reason I picked him up was because I'm to read a monologue from Jill, lady protagonist in the play standing alongside Don, male lead, I'm honestly very happy I did. I believe I had such a wonderful enraptured experience with this play because it resembled a Romance novel. And if you know me, I am a junkie on Romance! And what is absolutely amazing, for me, is a good (aka earth-shattering)romance packed in comedy, wit, and a punch of absurd! "Butterflies are Free" has many qualities of an absurd, witty and comedic read! Anyhoo this is a definite read, if you don't read the script you should at least try watching the play. It's that awesome;)
November 16, 2013
Funny dialog and great characters. I loved that the characters didn't fit into nice, neat little molds. They broke away from cliches and it really added dimension. For instance, the mother character is introduced as "over-bearing" and condescending, but as the play progresses you witness that not all is what it seems, and that she is actually a very caring mother, and **spoiler warning** it was not her holding back her son from a life of true independence, but his own fear of failure and pain ** end of spoiler**
For a seemingly light play, it actually packs quite an emotional punch. It deals with themes of: women empowerment, breaking away from stereotypes and labels, sexuality, strained family relationships, and come-of-age.
If you liked the whimsical tone of Barefoot in the Park you'd probably enjoy Butterflies are Free. Barefoot in the Park doesn't have as much depth, but they're similar in humor.
For a seemingly light play, it actually packs quite an emotional punch. It deals with themes of: women empowerment, breaking away from stereotypes and labels, sexuality, strained family relationships, and come-of-age.
If you liked the whimsical tone of Barefoot in the Park you'd probably enjoy Butterflies are Free. Barefoot in the Park doesn't have as much depth, but they're similar in humor.
June 18, 2020
Wow, I loved that play. Such a unique premise and characters, it's very well done. This is definitely one I'd like to be a part of.
We discussed this script in a special episode of the All the Books Show: https://soundcloud.com/allthebooks/ep...
We discussed this script in a special episode of the All the Books Show: https://soundcloud.com/allthebooks/ep...
September 5, 2012
A fun little story. It feels much more focused than other plays I've read. I like the characters and there's some great dialog. While it never reached the hilarious proportions of reading Crimes of the Heart or the Old Couple, I think this one would be great to see on stage.
June 9, 2013
Cute and displaying potential to be engaging on stage, this play has dynamic characters that change in a satisfying, albeit too quick way. A one day timeline? That's the only element I don't really like about this play.
June 22, 2008
A bit trashy I'm afraid
February 24, 2010
High School English class assignment. It was OK, but not what generally appeals to me. Even then, I thought the book tried too hard to be socially conscious.
July 28, 2012
This play is easily my favorite play of all time.
October 17, 2014
Old comedy play.... made me smile.
January 20, 2016
Saw the movie ages ago with Goldie Hawn but never read the play it was based on. Cute, some funny moments that brought back scenes from movie.
May 9, 2008
Oh I loved this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews