Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Mild
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- None
- nostalgic
- wistful
- witty
- nostalgic movie night
- coming of age double feature
What critics said
Critics generally found the sequel a conventional and less distinctive continuation that lacked the artistry and narrative connection of its predecessor.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Hermie graduates from high school, enters college, and gradually settles into a more mature relationship with Julie while his friend Benjie leaves for war.
The plot moves through graduation, fraternity hazing, academic cheating, sex scandals, and college life as stages in Hermie's development.
The characters graduate in 1944, and Benjie's departure for war places ordinary college and friendship experiences against wartime uncertainty.
Hermie and Oscy continue into college but grow apart as Hermie matures through his relationship with Julie and their lives diverge.
Films like Class of '44, and why
Summer of '42
shared nostalgic coming-of-age perspective, male friendship, and episodic adolescent misadventures
American Graffiti
shared college-age transition, male friendship, sexual confusion, and comic social discomfort
The Last Picture Show
shared nostalgic youth ensemble, rites of passage, and bittersweet movement into adulthood
Movie Details
- Director
- Paul Bogart
- Release Date
- 1973-04-10
- Runtime
- 95 min
- Rating
- 6.5 / 10 (7)
Cast
- Gary Grimes
- Jerry Houser
- Oliver Conant
- Deborah Winters
- William Atherton
- Sam Bottoms
- Murray Westgate
- James Forrest
- John Kerr
- Marian Waldman
Where to watch in United States
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Class of '44 about?
- A nostalgic sequel follows three 1944 graduates through wartime separation, college misadventures, and the difficult evolution of youthful friendship.
- What is Class of '44 like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Class of '44 as measured, its intensity as mild and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is Class of '44 violent?
- No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in Class of '44.
- What did critics think of Class of '44?
- Critics generally found the sequel a conventional and less distinctive continuation that lacked the artistry and narrative connection of its predecessor.
- Which films are like Class of '44?
- Films with a similar feel include Summer of '42, American Graffiti, and The Last Picture Show.
- How long is Class of '44?
- Class of '44 runs 95 minutes.
- Where can I watch Class of '44?
- In United States, Class of '44 is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Fandango At Home.
