Poster of Harry and Tonto

Harry and Tonto

Adventure, Comedy, Drama

Director: Paul Mazursky

Release Date: August 12, 1974

Where to Watch

I am not going to objectively review Harry and Tonto because it keeps putting a cat in ridiculous situations and THEN THE CAT DIES after having to endure his irresponsible, pardon me, eccentric & spontaneous human dragging it to all sorts of noisy & uncomfortable situations. Basically an old guy decides to embrace and change his life instead of being taken care of, which would be fine if he didn’t constantly unintentionally torture his cat!!! Refuses to temporarily let go of cat to get on airplane so has to go on a road trip. He starts on a bus then realizes the cat doesn’t like buses-he actually tries to force a grown cat to use the toilet. I’m surprised Tonto didn’t fall in. Then he keeps letting strangers hold his cat. Cat is on a leash except in a strange place when he nearly loses him. (I know-in a cemetery, symbolism. I don’t care!) When he finally finds a reliable form of transportation, he gives it to a relative & hitches a ride in a convertible. He feeds the cat milk! I found Irreversible more enjoyable to watch because at least they were acting. The cat actually had to be held awkwardly and endure noisy streets and casinos. I know that I was focusing on the wrong things, but that dude was an awful human for his cat. Horrifying!

Stay In The Know

Join my mailing list to get updates about recent reviews, upcoming speaking engagements, and film news.