Butterflies Are Free (1972)

My Review

“Butterflies Are Free” is a romantic comedy film about a young blind man who moves away from home to experience independence and becomes involved with a free-spirited young woman. Complications arise when his over-protective mother gets involved in the situation. Director Milton Katselas put together a thoughtful and entertaining story from the screenplay by Leonard Gershe, adapted from his own 1969 Broadway play of the same name.

The talented cast turned in some excellent performances, including Goldie Hawn as Jill, Edward Albert as blind Don Baker, Eileen Heckart as Mrs. Baker, Paul Michael Glaser as their best friend, and Michael Warren and Paul Ryan as hangers-on. This was the first big role for Albert, the son of actors Eddie Albert and Margo.

The watchable low-budget “Butterflies Are Free” was a modest success in theatrical release for Frankovich Productions and Columbia Pictures. It was filmed in San Francisco and nominated for three Academy Awards, winning one for Best Supporting Actress (Heckart). Two non-winners were Best Cinematography (Charles Lang) and Best Sound.