Harry and Tonto
dir. Paul Mazursky · 1974
Plot
Harry is a retired teacher in his 70s living in the Upper West Side of New York City, where his late wife and he raised his children, where he's lived all of his life. When the building, in which he lives, is torn down to make way for a parking garage, Harry and his beloved cat Tonto begin a journey across the U.S., visiting his children, seeing a world he never seemed to have the time to see before, making new friends, and saying goodbye to old friends.
Why watch
Harry, a retired teacher, faces the upheaval of losing his home and embarks on a cross-country journey with his cat Tonto. As he reconnects with his children and reflects on his life, the film unfolds like a series of poignant vignettes, each revealing the beauty and complexity of human relationships.
Talking points
- aging and identity
- the significance of family ties
- the role of pets in human lives
- urban vs. rural living