'Near perfect film' from decades ago fans say has 'aged surprisingly well' is free to stream this weekend

A classic film released decades ago is about to become available to stream completely for free.

Originally shown back in 1967, it’s since become an undeniable Hollywood classic and launched the career of one of the biggest stars in American cinema.

Film fans will soon be able to stream it on BBC iPlayer, at no extra cost, from Saturday, 12th April.

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This bittersweet, complex comedy follows a 21-year-old college graduate with no direction in life who’s seduced by an older woman before falling in love with her daughter.

Featuring one of the most iconic movie endings of all time and an instantly recognisable soundtrack by Simon & Garfunkel, we’re, of course, talking about The Graduate.

Directed by Mike Nichols, the film catapulted Dustin Hoffman into stardom and also featured the incomparable Anne Bancroft as Mrs. Robinson, with Katharine Ross as her daughter Elaine.

Movie buffs are still obsessed with this subversive romantic-comedy over half a century later, and The Graduate is held up as one of the best films of the 1960s that has aged surprisingly well.

One four-star review on Rotten Tomatoes said: “A near perfect film I wish I liked just a little bit more.

“Very interesting to see a very intimate, personal story shot in anamorphic widescreen. Accurately captures the struggle of legally being an adult while still functioning as a kid in the world you grew up in.”

Someone else gushed on Letterboxd in a five-star review: “I was worried this wouldn’t hold up on a rewatch but it really does. Feels like the first time again every time I watch it.

“The cinematography is so beautiful, spaces are either too big or too small for Benjamin. Just wanted more Mrs. Robinson.”

Another rave review on Google claimed: “The Graduate is a brilliant piece of cinema. I've watched it many times over the years, and nearly 60 years after its release it remains in my top 10 best films ever made of all time.”

The cinephile went on: “If I could give it 10 stars, I would… The plot of The Graduate remains 100% relevant today, nearly 60 years later. It will be 1060 years from now.

“The Graduate is perfect, as no one in their right mind would change a thing.”

And a final fan wrote: “Watched several times over the last 54 years and I still find it utterly compelling.

“It is interesting to me to review my interpretation of the movie at each 15 year interval of my own life. Now well on it brings back a lot of good memories; the storyline still makes me squirm with embarrassment at places, and music utterly delights.

“Classic top 10 movie of all time and seriously broke the mold and captured an essential era.”

Film fans, don’t miss out on this exciting chance to stream one of the very best films of the 20th century completely for free.

The Graduate is available to stream on BBC iPlayer from Saturday, 12th April.