Hair

Main Plot

"Hair," directed by Milos Forman, is a musical drama set in the late 1960s that follows Claude, a young man from Oklahoma who travels to New York City before heading off to fight in the Vietnam War. In the city, he encounters a group of free-spirited hippies led by Berger. The group introduces Claude to their countercultural lifestyle, which includes anti-war protests, drug use, and free love. As Claude becomes more deeply involved with his new friends, he begins to question his own beliefs and the path laid out for him. The film explores themes of individuality, societal norms, and the impact of the Vietnam War on American youth. Through a series of musical numbers, "Hair" captures the spirit of the 1960s counterculture movement and the generational conflict of the era.

Characters

• John Savage plays Claude Bukowski, a young man from Oklahoma who befriends a group of hippies in New York City, leading to life-changing experiences and a draft notice for the Vietnam War.
• Treat Williams plays George Berger, the charismatic leader of a group of hippies who befriends a young man named Claude and helps him navigate the counterculture movement.
• Beverly D'Angelo plays Sheila Franklin, a wealthy debutante who becomes romantically involved with the protagonist, Claude, and is drawn into the counterculture movement.

Ending Explained

In the conclusion of Milos Forman's film "Hair," Claude Bukowski, a young man from Oklahoma, has been drafted into the U.S. Army and is preparing to be deployed to Vietnam. His friends from the hippie group, led by George Berger, devise a plan to give Claude one last day of freedom. Berger switches places with Claude by donning his uniform and taking his place at the military base, allowing Claude to spend time with Sheila, a woman he loves. However, the plan goes awry when the base is unexpectedly called to deploy immediately. Berger, still in Claude's uniform, is sent to Vietnam in Claude's place. The film ends with a poignant scene at Berger's grave in Arlington National Cemetery, where Claude, Sheila, and their friends mourn his loss. This tragic twist underscores the senselessness of war and the deep bonds of friendship, leaving a lasting impact on the characters and the audience.