His defection forced Mel Brooks to quickly recast the trademark role with Kenneth Mars.Plot SynopsisThe film opens with a close-up, disembodied image of Benjamin Braddock""s face (Dustin Hoffman) [a 29 year-old convincingly playing a 21 year-old - Hoffman""s second feature film appearance, and his first major film role]." His mother feared Jesse was crazy, certain that he needed professional help from a psychiatrist, although his father thought he was a drug-user who needed more discipline: "What that boy needs is a goddamn kick in the butt.Her strict and autocratic teacher Joseph (Michel Piccoli) ried to trick and distract her by spilling his drink, in order to each everyone a lesson on focus and concentration:"You took your eyes up.Angered and shocked by Black""s betrayal, Harry vowed to kill Black ("I hope he finds me, because when he does, I""m gonna be ready.