Bobby (1973 film)

Bobby is a 1973 American drama film written, produced, and directed by Steven Spielberg. It was Spielberg's second theatrical feature film following Duel (1971), though it predates Jaws (1975), the film that cemented his international fame. The film is a coming-of-age story set in 1948 and centers on a young boy named Bobby (played by Brandon de Wilde) who comes to learn about the responsibilities and hardships of adulthood while working on a horse ranch. The film explores themes of maturity, loss of innocence, and the difficulties faced by individuals navigating a changing world. While not as widely known or critically acclaimed as some of Spielberg's later work, Bobby is considered a significant early film in his career, showcasing his budding directorial talent and his ability to craft compelling character-driven narratives.