The 1972 film was produced by M. J. Frankovich, released by Columbia Pictures, directed by Milton Katselas and adapted for the screen by Gershe.

The two become attracted to each other and combine the divided apartment into one, but Don's mother tries to end the romance, fearing that Jill will break her son's heart.

[2][3][4] In the bohemian San Francisco of the early 1970s, 19-year-old Jill Tanner returns to her apartment one day to discover her new neighbor, 20-year-old aspiring songwriter Don Baker, peering through a window.

Don explains that his frequent phone conversations with Florence revolve around a pact they made, allowing him to live independently for two months without her interference.

Together, they explore a bohemian clothing store on Union Street, and receive assistance from the owner, Roy, in choosing free-spirited and liberating fashion pieces.

While talking to Don, Jill shares her upcoming audition with theater director Ralph Santore, who has romantic interests.

At their apartments, Don shares the story of Florence's children's books featuring the character "Donnie Dark," a young blind superhero.

Jill empathizes with Don's disappointment in love and suggests they open the door connecting their apartments as a gesture of friendship.

Their moment is interrupted when Florence arrives unexpectedly, appalled by the living conditions and Jill's presence in her underwear.

Don questions the need for a nude scene in her upcoming play, and Ralph inadvertently offends Florence, who hails from a wealthy background.

Florence then shares the inspiration behind the "Donnie Dark" books as her way of helping him confront his fears, and she must now do the same for herself, albeit with sadness.

"[7] Gene Siskel of the Chicago Tribune gave the film three stars out of four and wrote that "one of the attractive aspects of Butterflies Are Free is that each of the three characters is incomplete and flawed.

"[8] Gary Arnold of The Washington Post stated "While the material is essentially shallow and often insufferable in its sentimental opportunism, Gershe and Katselas demonstrate some theatrical talent and mechanical aptitude ...