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Comedy Cult Classic

At Harrad College, free love is part of the curriculum—tension, jealousy, and discovery included.

THE HARRAD EXPERIMENT

Harrad College... where free, liberated relations between coed students are encouraged!

1973 · 1h 35m · R · Comedy / Drama / Romance · IMDB TMDB

At fictional Harrad College students learn about sexuality and experiment with each other. Deals with the concept of free love during the height of the sexual revolution which took place in the United States, an Ivy League college incorporates a course on sexual relations into its curriculum.

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Vault Note

From the vault: when your syllabus includes partner swaps and group sessions, expect more than just pop quizzes.

Programmer's Pick

Swinging from Ivy League decorum to group therapy sessions, The Harrad Experiment lets its students—and its audience—navigate awkward pairings and free love with all the earnestness and cringe of the early '70s. With James Whitmore and Tippi Hedren presiding over the social experiment, this is sexual revolution with a syllabus.

— SassyFlix Programmer
Quick Answer
What is The Harrad Experiment about?

The Harrad Experiment is a 1973 American comedy-drama-romance film directed by Ted Post about students at an experimental college exploring sexuality and relationships under the guidance of progressive professors.

Synopsis

Harrad College was created as an experiment in pre-marital sex, which is overseen by Professor Philip Tenhausen and his wife Margaret. The school pairs male and female students for a month, who are then free to change partners once a month if they choose to do so. Shy Sheila is initially paired with a cocky boy named Stanley, and the outgoing and sexy Beth is matched up with an awkward boy named Harry. These seemingly unfortunate pairings create tension and jealousy among the students, whose reactions are discussed in group sessions led by the professor and his wife.
Details & Specs
Director
Ted Post
Writers
Michael Werner, Ted Cassidy, Robert H. Rimmer
Release
1973
Runtime
1h 35m
Country
United States of America
Language
English

Why Cult

Sexual Revolution Campus

Set at a college where free love isn't just encouraged—it's part of the coursework, reflecting the era's changing attitudes.

Awkward Pairings

Watch as shy and outgoing students are matched with their polar opposites, sparking tension, jealousy, and self-discovery.

Faculty Couple Guides

James Whitmore and Tippi Hedren play the married professors steering this unconventional experiment in relationships.

1970s Social Commentary

A time capsule of changing values, the film tackles free love and sexual education at the height of the sexual revolution.

Trailer

Questions from the Vault

What is The Harrad Experiment about? +

The Harrad Experiment follows students at an experimental college where sexuality and relationships are openly explored under the supervision of progressive professors.

When was The Harrad Experiment released? +

The Harrad Experiment was released in 1973.

Who directed The Harrad Experiment? +

The Harrad Experiment was directed by Ted Post.

How long is The Harrad Experiment? +

The Harrad Experiment has a runtime of 95 minutes.

What genre is The Harrad Experiment? +

The Harrad Experiment is a comedy, drama, and romance film.