I am only writing this to you because, I have seen this film inside and outside of movie theaters about 25 times.
I first saw it when I was 12 upon it's release in '73. Back in the 70's, you had theaters that showed double features. Paper Chase usually played as the 2nd film on a double bill. So, I have racked up a lot of viewing on it.
With that said, when I first saw the film, I thought Hart was a smug jerk, but in reality, he is not. He's quiet and studious, and perhaps, another actor could have given him an extra dimension, but he's actually pretty cool. He helps Kevin find a tutor and promises and arrives, though late, to Kevin's birthday party.
He might have been a bit smug with the girl, but he gets his desserts when she, temporarily, dumps him. He had that coming, I'll grant you. She dumps him, and the experience humbles him. Also, don't forget, he takes the girl for granted a bit because she's Kingsfield's daughter, and he is so obsessed with Kingsfield.
So, I can see your point, and I shared it when I saw it the first couple of times, but the more I see it and get more out of it, the more Hart is a decent guy.
I was the same when I saw the movie MASH as a preteen. I though Hawkeye and Trapper, in the movie mind you, not the tv series, were too cynical and unlikable but the older I grew and the more I saw it, I can see where they're coming from.
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