Harry and Tonto(1974)- User Reviews

Unless you die early, you WILL be old some day. Harry (Art Carney) gets along as well as he can for a mid-70s retired teacher. He lives in New York City with his cat (Tonto). When his building is slated for demolition, he is forced to move in with one of his sons and his family. That doesn't work out, so Harry and Tonto hit the road for Chicago, where his daughter lives. On the way, he picks up a young lady hitchhiker on the way to a commune in Colorado. Harry and his daughter in Chicago realize they can't live together, so Harry hits the road again for Los Angeles, where his son lives. On the way, Harry turns his car over to his grandson from New York (who has been sent to make sure Harry is OK) and the young lady hitch-hiker he met earlier. They head together for the commune in Colorado, and Harry continues his journey west with Tonto. He is given a ride by a young lady, who turns out to be a hooker. She gives Harry a brief taste of love, and drops him off in Las Vegas. Harry is arrested for peeing on the street, and meets an Indian prisoner in jail who cures him of bursitis. He proceeds on to L.A., where his down on his luck son (Larry Hagman) lives. Harry realizes he can't live with his son, but helps him with money. Harry rents an apartment on the beach in Santa Monica, but sadly his beloved cat Tonto dies of old age (kleenex moment). The film ends with Harry strolling on the beach, chasing after a young kitten who looks like Tonto, and helps a child build a sand castle.

This is a very good film about aging that holds up well, even though it was made in 1974. The elderly are often the "invisible people" among us in this youth culture. Well folks, unless you die early, you will be old one day too. The elderly, with their life experience, do have much to contribute. If you like this film, also definitely take a look at "About Schmidt" starring Jack Nicholson. Both of these films are available on Netflix (DVD or streaming) and are sometimes seen on TV.