Overview
An elderly man's journey across America reveals the beauty of life and the bonds of family.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Slow
- Intensity
- Moderate
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- Mild
- warm
- wistful
- witty
- lazy afternoon
- reflective evening
What critics said
Critics broadly admired Art Carney's original, deeply humane performance and the film's believable character-based comedy, while some found its pace muted and its social commentary overextended.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Harry and his cat Tonto leave New York after the demolition of his home and encounter family, strangers, and changing landscapes across the United States.
Harry's Upper West Side building is torn down to make way for a parking garage, initiating the journey.
Harry continues forming friendships, exploring unfamiliar places, and challenging assumptions about what old age permits.
The film builds comedy from believable people and conversationally eccentric interactions rather than gag-driven set pieces.
Films like Harry and Tonto, and why
The Straight Story
warm, character-driven road movie centered on aging, family reconnection, and eccentric encounters
About Schmidt
bittersweet cross-country journey using humor and humane observation to explore aging and family bonds
Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore
new hollywood comedy drama blending social observation, generational tension, and a wandering outsider's encounters
Local Hero
nostalgic, gently comic travel narrative about an older protagonist and changing American life
Movie Details
- Director
- Paul Mazursky
- Release Date
- 1974-08-12
- Runtime
- 115 min
- Rating
- 7.1 / 10 (101)
Cast
- Art Carney
- Ellen Burstyn
- Geraldine Fitzgerald
- Chief Dan George
- Larry Hagman
- Philip Bruns
- Herbert Berghof
- Josh Mostel
- Melanie Mayron
- Avon Long
Common questions
- What is Harry and Tonto about?
- After eviction from his lifelong New York home, an elderly widower and his cherished cat discover unexpected companionship and renewal on an expansive American journey.
- What is Harry and Tonto like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Harry and Tonto as slow, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is Harry and Tonto violent?
- Only mildly. Ember rates the violence in Harry and Tonto as mild.
- What did critics think of Harry and Tonto?
- Critics broadly admired Art Carney's original, deeply humane performance and the film's believable character-based comedy, while some found its pace muted and its social commentary overextended.
- Which films are like Harry and Tonto?
- Films with a similar feel include The Straight Story, About Schmidt, Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore, and Local Hero.
- How long is Harry and Tonto?
- Harry and Tonto runs 115 minutes.
