The Crazy World of Julius Vrooder

In the psychiatric unit of a California Veterans Hospital, delusional (and possibly schizophrenic) young ex-soldier fresh from Vietnam wins over a pretty and fearless nurse with his unconventional charm, perplexing genius, and adorable smile. An odd project to come from very-conventional director Arthur Hiller (to say nothing of executive producer Hugh Hefner!). However, the film does have a formula agenda at heart, and the streak of sentimentality is detectable right down the line. The man's hideaway world off the hospital grounds is a terrific addition, yet the unpointed satirical asides with the Water & Power and Telephone Companies trying to figure out who is stealing their services is curiously lax. Hiller doesn't get preachy, yet he's a stalwart purveyor of Tastefulness--and his unruffled movie is so staid, it's in constant danger of turning into the cinematic equivalent of cottage cheese. Leads Timothy Bottoms (easily working his winsome boyishness) and Barbara Seagull/Hershey (easily working her youthful luminousness) are very nice to watch, but the script could've stood some additional layers. "Julius Vrooder" is likable enough, but piffle doesn't stay fresh for very long. ** from ****

I first saw this movie in 1976 while serving in the U.S. Navy. I have never forgotten the title or how much I enjoyed it. I literally fell in love with the character "Zanni" played by Barbara Hershey (at that time her screen name was Barbara Seagull). In my eyes, it has always been a great romantic comedy. In the past 20+ years since I have seen it, much has happened in my life which has often brought my thoughts back to that movie including working at a V.A. hospital. I have recommended many times that if people ever have the opportunity to see it, they would not be disappointed.

Timothy Bottoms reminds me of what acting is all about in this one.... Real, grounded, free, earthy, wild. Emotional.

The movie (music, pacing) is of its time - so be prepared for 1974 cinematography. All the actors hit their characters on point.

Even with its period nature, the storyline itself is also earthy, grounded, and free... It blasts expected barriers and keeps you guessing as it delves into and twists around the main character's mentality, his fellow patients' PTSD, the doctors and people of his time ... and love.

I saw this movie while in the U.S. Navy in the 70's. I only saw it one time. I loved it. My memory (now 25 years old) is seeing Vrooder sliding on the floor under the beds as he visits his friends in the VA ward. And also the elaborate underground home he built for himself. The love story was very touching and I recall he had to make a hard decision in the end.

For many years after seeing this movie I fondly remembered the movie and wondered when I would see it again. There was a period of about 15 years that I couldn't remember the title. In the past couple of years I have recalled the title and happy to find the movie listed in many movie databases. Unfortunately, I have not seen that this movie was ever marketed on video or reappeared in theatres.

I still wonder today if I will ever have the opportunity to see this movie again.

Too many loose ends in this for me to enjoy, but at bottom - it was just boring. Who's going to believe a well-adjusted doctor is going to get involved with a guy with as many mental challenges as the lead actor? Then, all the contrived scenes such as his radio-cpnotrolled start of the tape machine... just couldn't pass the sniff test