Harry and Tonto (1974) follows widowed retiree Harry Coombes (Art Carney) and his faithful cat, Tonto, on a cross-country journey. As the pair travel from NYC to LA—stopping in Chicago—they encounter interesting characters and experiences that challenge Harry’s perspectives on life, love, and aging.

In this medium shot, Tonto cleans himself on the back dashboard of Harry’s car. The 1970s Chicago skyline is visible in the background.

Harry and Tonto filmed for 2.5 weeks in Chicago before cast and crew headed west to the Grand Canyon, Las Vegas, and finally Los Angeles (Greeley Daily Tribune, 24 Oct 1973).

During production, Art Carney grew quite fond of the cat who played Tonto, a 4-year-old stray off the streets of LA. “The cat’s in love with Art,” said his trainer, Betty Schumacher in a 1974 interview with the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. 

In fact, after Harry and Tonto wrapped, Carney tried to buy the cat actor. But alas, he was not for sale.

Watch the full movie below or here on Vimeo. 

⚠️ Warning for sensitive viewers: the cat dies in the film.