HARTFORD MUTUAL FUNDS INC/CT, 485APOS, 2000-08-10

HARTFORD MUTUAL FUNDS INC/CT
485APOS, 2000-08-10

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<PAGE> 1

As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 10, 2000

File No. 333-02381
File No. 811-07589

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM N-1A

REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 /X/
---

Pre-Effective Amendment No. / /
------- ---

Post-Effective Amendment No. 16 /X/

------ ---

and/or

REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE
INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940 /X/
---

Amendment No. 18 /X/

----------- ---

THE HARTFORD MUTUAL FUNDS, INC.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)

P. O. Box 2999, Hartford, Connecticut 06104-2999
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)

Registrant's Telephone Number including Area Code: (860) 297-6443

Kevin J. Carr, Esquire
Investment Law Unit
The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc.
55 Farmington Avenue
Hartford, Connecticut 06105
(Name and Address of Agent for Service)

Approximate Date of Proposed Public Offering: Upon this amendment to the
Registration Statement being declared effective.

It is proposed that this filing will become effective (check appropriate box)

immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b) of Rule 485
---
on (Date) pursuant to paragraph (b) of Rule 485
---
60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(1) of Rule 485
---
on (Date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(1) of Rule 485
---
75 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(2) of Rule 485
---
X on October 27, 2000 pursuant to paragraph (a)(2) of Rule 485
---

If appropriate, check the following box:

This post-effective amendment designates a new effective date
--- for a previously filed post-effective amendment

<PAGE> 2

This post-effective amendment includes four new prospectuses and a new statement
of additional information relating to four new series (Funds) of shares being
registered herewith. Each of the four series relates to one of the following
Funds: The Hartford Global Communications Fund, The Hartford Global Financial
Services Fund, The Hartford U.S. Growth Fund and The Hartford Large Cap Focus
Fund. This amendment is to register four classes of shares of each of the four
new series. The registrant currently has fourteen other series of shares (each
with four classes) registered under the Securities Act of 1933 which are offered
through two other prospectuses and one other statement of additional information
(all dated May 1, 2000) not included in this post-effective amendment. This
post-effective amendment is not intended to update or amend the two prospectuses
and the statement of additional information not included herein.

<PAGE> 3

THE HARTFORD MUTUAL FUNDS, INC.

CLASS A, CLASS B AND CLASS C SHARES

PROSPECTUS

OCTOBER 31, 2000

<TABLE>
<S> <C>
AS WITH ALL MUTUAL FUNDS, THE LARGE CAP FOCUS FUND
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
HAS NOT APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED
THESE SECURITIES OR PASSED UPON
THE ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS.
ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY
IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
</TABLE>

THE HARTFORD MUTUAL FUNDS, INC.
P.O. BOX 219054
KANSAS CITY, MO 64121-9054
<PAGE> 4

[THIS PAGE IS INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]
<PAGE> 5

INTRODUCTION
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Hartford Mutual Funds, Inc. is a family of eighteen mutual funds, each with
its own investment strategy and risk/reward profile. This prospectus relates to
the Class A, B and C shares of the Large Cap Focus Fund. The Large Cap Focus
Fund is a non-diversified fund. Information about the fund including risk
factors, can be found on the pages following this introduction.

The investment manager of the fund is Hartford Investment Financial Services
Company ("HIFSCO"). The day-to-day portfolio management of the fund is provided
by an investment sub-adviser -- Wellington Management Company, LLP ("Wellington
Management"). Information regarding HIFSCO and Wellington Management is included
under "Management of the Fund" in this prospectus.

Mutual funds are not bank deposits and are not insured or guaranteed by the
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. Because
you could lose money by investing in the fund, be sure to read all risk
disclosures carefully before investing.

CONTENTS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<TABLE>
<S> <C>
A summary of the fund's goals, The Hartford Large Cap Focus Fund 2
strategies, risks, performance and
expenses.
Description of other investment Other investment strategies and investment risks 4
strategies and investment risks.
Investment manager and management Management of the fund 5
fee information.
Information on your account. About your account 6
Choosing a share class 6
How sales charges are calculated 6
Sales charge reductions and waivers 7
Opening an account 8
Buying shares 9
Selling shares 10
Selling shares in writing 11
Transaction policies 12
Further information on the fund. Additional share classes 15
Financial highlights 15
Appendix 17
For more information back
cover
</TABLE>

THE HARTFORD MUTUAL FUNDS, INC. 1
<PAGE> 6

THE HARTFORD LARGE CAP FOCUS FUND
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

INVESTMENT GOAL. The Hartford Large Cap Focus Fund seeks long-term capital
appreciation.

INVESTMENT STRATEGY. The fund invests primarily in equity securities of a
relatively small number of very large capitalization companies. The fund will
typically hold stocks of 20-30 companies. Individual holdings typically
constitute 3-5% of the fund's total assets and may constitute up to 10%. The
fund may invest up to 20% of its total assets in the securities of foreign
issuers and non-dollar securities. The fund also may, from time to time, sell
securities short in amounts up to [20]% of its total assets.

Wellington Management uses a two phase investment strategy. Using what is
sometimes called a "top down" approach, Wellington Management analyzes the
general economic and investment environment by evaluating such things as
economic conditions, U.S. fiscal and monetary policy, demographic trends and
investor sentiment. Through this process Wellington Management tries to
anticipate trends and changes in various markets and in the overall economy to
identify industries and sectors that will outperform the U.S. economy.

The "top down" analysis is followed by what is often called a "bottom up"
approach, which is the use of fundamental (qualitative) analysis to select
specific securities from industries and sectors identified in the top down
analysis. Fundamental analysis involves the assessment of company-specific
factors such as business environment, management quality, balance sheet, income
statement, revenues, anticipated earnings and other related measures or
indicators of value.

The key characteristics of growth companies in which the fund typically invests
include:

- Accelerating earnings and earnings per share growth

- A strong balance sheet combined with a high return on equity
- Unrecognized or undervalued assets
- A strong management team
- A leadership position within an industry

- Sustainable or increasing dividends

- Positive investor sentiment

The fund will consider selling a security when:

- Downside risk equals upside potential

- Decreasing trend of earnings growth is exhibited

- Excessive valuations are reached

Annual portfolio turnover is expected to be in excess of 100%.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MAIN RISKS. As with most equity funds, the value of your investment in the fund
may go down in response to overall stock market movements and trends. You could
lose money as a result of your investment.

The fund's focus on very large capitalization companies significantly influences
its performance. Large capitalization stocks as a group can fall out of favor
with the market causing the fund to perform more poorly than funds that focus on
medium or small capitalization stocks. In addition, because the fund may take
larger positions in individual issuers than most mutual funds the fund may have
greater market fluctuation and price volatility than a fund that maintains a
more broadly diversified portfolio. An investment in the fund therefore entails
substantial market risk.

Wellington Management's strategy of combining top down and bottom up approaches
also has a significant impact on the fund's performance. If the strategy does
not produce the desired results, the fund could underperform its peers or lose
money. In particular, the fund's success in achieving its goal is highly
dependent on Wellington Management's successful reliance on the top down, bottom
up strategy and fundamental analysis of the prospects of particular companies.
Therefore, an investment in the fund also entails substantial financial risk
related to such companies.

Foreign investments may be more risky than domestic investments. Investments in
foreign securities may be affected by fluctuations in currency exchange rates,
incomplete or inaccurate financial information on companies, social upheavals
and political actions ranging from tax law changes to governmental collapse.

To the extent that the fund sells short securities that it does not hold in its
portfolio, it must borrow or acquire such securities before the execution date
of the sale. If borrowed, it must acquire the security to replace it with the
lender. There is a risk that the market price at which the fund must acquire the
security is greater than the price for which is sold it short. This would
represent a loss to the fund. In addition, if the fund borrows the security to
complete the short sale, it must pass on any dividends or interest accrued on
the security to the lender and, in many cases, pay the lender a fee.

2 THE HARTFORD MUTUAL FUNDS, INC.
<PAGE> 7
THE HARTFORD LARGE CAP FOCUS FUND
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PAST PERFORMANCE. Because the fund has been in operation for less than one year
no performance history has been provided.

YOUR EXPENSES. This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if
you buy and hold shares of the fund.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
-----------------------------
CLASS A CLASS B CLASS C
-----------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
SHAREHOLDER FEES
(fees paid directly from your investment)
Maximum sales charge (load) 5.50% 5.00% 2.00%
Maximum load imposed on purchases as a
percentage of offering price 5.50% None 1.00%
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) None 5.00% 1.00%
Exchange fees None None None

ANNUAL OPERATING EXPENSES
(expenses that are deducted from the fund's
assets)
Management fees 1.00% 1.00% 1.00%
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees(1) 0.35% 1.00% 1.00%
Other expenses 0.39% 0.39% 0.37%
Total operating expenses 1.74% 2.39% 2.37%
Fee waiver 0.09% 0.04% 0.02%
Net expenses(1)(2) 1.65% 2.35% 2.35%
</TABLE>

(1) Although the Rule 12b-1 fee for Class A shares is 0.35% of average net
assets, the fund's distributor has contractually agreed to reduce the fee to
0.30% through at least February 28, 2002. This waiver may be discontinued at
any time thereafter.

(2) HIFSCO has contractually agreed to limit the total operating expenses of the
Class A, Class B and Class C shares of the fund, exclusive of taxes,
interest, brokerage commissions and extraordinary expenses, to 1.65%, 2.35%
and 2.35%, respectively, through at least February 28, 2002. This policy may
be discontinued at any time thereafter.

EXAMPLE. These examples are intended to help you compare the cost of investing
in the fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The example
assumes that you invest $10,000 in the fund for the time periods indicated. The
example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year, that the
fund's operating expenses remain the same and that you reinvest all dividends
and distributions. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on
these assumptions your costs would be:

You would pay the following expenses if you redeemed your shares at the end of
each period:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXPENSES (WITH REDEMPTION) CLASS A CLASS B CLASS C
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Year 1 $ 710 $ 741 $ 438
Year 3 $1,064 $1,050 $ 838
Year 5 $1,441 $1,485 $1,364
Year 10 $2,494 $2,748 $2,802
</TABLE>

You would pay the following expenses if you did not redeem your shares:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXPENSES (WITHOUT REDEMPTION) CLASS A CLASS B CLASS C
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Year 1 $ 710 $ 241 $ 338
Year 3 $1,064 $ 750 $ 838
Year 5 $1,441 $1,285 $1,364
Year 10 $2,494 $2,748 $2,802
</TABLE>

SUB-ADVISER
Wellington Management

PORTFOLIO MANAGER
Rand L. Alexander
- Senior Vice President of Wellington Management
- Joined Wellington Management in 1990
- Investment professional since 1976

THE HARTFORD MUTUAL FUNDS, INC. 3
<PAGE> 8

OTHER INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND INVESTMENT RISKS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

INVESTMENT RISKS GENERALLY

There is no assurance that the fund will achieve its investment objective or
objectives, and investors should not consider the fund alone to be a complete
investment program. As with all mutual funds, there is a risk that an investor
could lose money by investing in the fund.

The different types of securities, investments, and investment techniques used
by the fund all have attendant risks of varying degrees. For example, with
respect to equity securities, there can be no assurance of capital appreciation
and an investment in any stock is subject to the risk that the stock market as a
whole may decline, thereby depressing the stock's price (market risk), or the
risk that the price of a particular issuer's stock may decline due to its
financial results (financial risk). With respect to debt securities, there
exists the risk that the issuer of a security may not be able to meet its
obligations on interest or principal payments at the time required by the
instrument (credit risk, a type of financial risk). In addition, the value of
debt instruments and other income-bearing securities generally rises and falls
inversely with prevailing current interest rates (interest rate risk, a type of
market risk). As described below, an investment in the fund entails special
additional risks as a result of its ability to invest a substantial portion of
their assets in foreign investments, or short sales of securities.

USE OF MONEY MARKET INVESTMENTS FOR TEMPORARY DEFENSIVE PURPOSES

From time to time, as part of its primary investment strategy, the fund may
invest some or all of its assets in high quality money market securities for
temporary defensive purposes in response to adverse market, economic or
political conditions. To the extent that the fund is in a defensive position,
the fund may lose the benefit of upswings and limit its ability to meet its
investment objective.

USE OF OPTIONS, FUTURES AND OTHER DERIVATIVES

The fund may purchase and sell options, enter into futures contracts or utilize
other derivative contracts and derivative securities with respect to stocks,
bonds, groups of securities (such as financial indices), foreign currencies or
interest rates. These techniques, which are incidental to the fund's primary
strategies, permit it to gain exposure to a particular security, group of
securities, interest rate or index, and thereby have the potential to earn
returns that are similar to those which would be earned by direct investments in
those securities or instruments.

These techniques are also used to manage risk by hedging the fund's portfolio
investments. Hedging techniques may not always be available to the fund; and it
may not always be feasible for a fund to use hedging techniques even when they
are available.

Derivatives have risks, however. If the issuer of the derivative instrument does
not pay the amount due, the fund could lose money on the instrument. In
addition, the underlying security or investment on which the derivative is
based, and the derivative itself, may not perform the way the manager expected.
As a result, the use of these techniques may result in losses to the fund or
increase volatility in a fund's performance.

FOREIGN INVESTMENTS

Investments in the securities of foreign issuers or investments in non-dollar
securities involve significant risks that are not typically associated with
investing in U.S. dollar-denominated securities or securities of domestic
issuers. Such investments may be affected by changes in currency rates, changes
in foreign or U.S. laws or restrictions applicable to such investments and in
exchange control regulations. Some foreign stock markets (and other securities
markets) may have substantially less volume than, for example, the New York
Stock Exchange (or other domestic markets) and securities of some foreign
issuers may be less liquid than securities of comparable domestic issuers.
Commissions and dealer mark-ups on transactions in foreign investments may be
higher than for similar transactions in the United States In addition, clearance
and settlement procedures may be different in foreign countries and, in certain
markets, on certain occasions, such procedures have been unable to keep pace
with the volume of securities transactions, thus making it difficult to conduct
such transactions. The inability of the fund to make intended investments due to
settlement problems could cause it to miss attractive investment opportunities.
Inability to dispose of portfolio securities or other investments due to
settlement problems could result either in losses to the fund due to subsequent
declines in value of the portfolio investment or, if the fund has entered into a
contract to sell the investment, could result in possible liability to the
purchaser.

Foreign issuers are not generally subject to uniform accounting, auditing and
financial reporting standards comparable to those applicable to domestic
companies, and there may be less publicly available information about a foreign
issuer than about a domestic one. In addition, there is generally less
government regulation

4 THE HARTFORD MUTUAL FUNDS, INC.
<PAGE> 9

of stock exchanges, brokers, and listed and unlisted issuers in foreign
countries than in the United States.

Furthermore, with respect to certain foreign countries, there is a possibility
of expropriation or confiscatory taxation, imposition of withholding taxes on
dividend or interest payments, limitations on the removal of cash or other
assets of the fund, or political or social instability or diplomatic
developments which could affect investments in those countries. Individual
foreign economies also may differ favorably or unfavorably from the U.S. economy
in such respects as growth of gross national product, rate of inflation, capital
reinvestment, resource self-sufficiency and balance of payments position.

SHORT SALES

[to come]

ABOUT THE FUND'S INVESTMENT GOAL

The fund's investment goal may be changed without approval of the shareholders
of the fund. The fund may not be able to achieve its goal.

TAX CONSEQUENCES OF PORTFOLIO TRADING PRACTICES

At times the fund may engage in short-term trading, which could produce higher
brokerage expenses for the fund and higher taxable distributions to the fund's
shareholders. The fund is not managed to achieve a particular tax result for
shareholders. Shareholders should consult their own tax adviser for individual
tax advice.

ADDITIONAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RISKS

The fund may invest in various securities and engage in various investment
techniques which are not the principal focus of the fund and therefore are not
described in this prospectus. These securities and techniques, together with
their risks are discussed in the funds' Statement of Additional Information
which may be obtained free of charge by contacting the fund (see back cover for
address and phone number).

TERMS USED IN THIS PROSPECTUS

Equity Securities: Equity Securities include common stock, preferred stock,
securities convertible into common stock and warrants or rights to acquire
common stock.

Foreign Issuers: (1) Companies organized outside the United States, (2)
companies whose securities are principally traded outside the United States, and
(3) foreign governments and agencies or instrumentalities of foreign
governments.

Non-Dollar Securities: Securities denominated or quoted in foreign currency or
paying income in foreign currency.

THE HARTFORD MUTUAL FUNDS, INC. 5
<PAGE> 10

MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

THE INVESTMENT MANAGER

Hartford Investment Financial Services Company ("HIFSCO") is the investment
manager to the fund. HIFSCO is a majority-owned indirect subsidiary of The
Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. ("The Hartford"), a Connecticut
financial services company with over $165 billion in assets. As of December 31,
1999 HIFSCO had over $6 billion in assets under management. HIFSCO is
responsible for the management of the fund and supervises the activities of the
investment sub-adviser described below. HIFSCO is principally located at 200
Hopmeadow Street, Simsbury, Connecticut 06070.

THE INVESTMENT SUB-ADVISER

Wellington Management Company, LLP ("Wellington Management") is the investment
sub-adviser to the Large Cap Focus Fund. Wellington Management, a Massachusetts
limited liability partnership, is a professional investment counseling firm that
provides services to investment companies, employee benefit plans, endowments,
foundations and other institutions and individuals. Wellington Management and
its predecessor organizations have provided investment advisory services since
1928. As of December 31, 1999 Wellington Management had investment management
authority over approximately $235 billion in assets. Wellington Management is
principally located at 75 State Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109.

MANAGEMENT FEES

The fund pays a monthly management fee to HIFSCO based on a stated percentage of
the fund's average daily net asset value as follows:

LARGE CAP FOCUS FUND

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NET ASSET VALUE ANNUAL RATE
--------------- -----------
<S> <C>
First $500,000,000 1.00%
Next $500,000,000 0.95%
Amount Over $1 Billion 0.90%
</TABLE>

6 THE HARTFORD MUTUAL FUNDS, INC.
<PAGE> 11

ABOUT YOUR ACCOUNT
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CHOOSING A SHARE CLASS

Each share class has its own cost structure, allowing you to choose the one that
best meets your needs. Your financial representative can help you decide. For
actual past expenses of each share class, see the fund-by-fund information
earlier in this prospectus.

Each class has adopted a Rule 12b-1 plan which allows the class to pay
distribution fees for the sale and distribution of its shares and for providing
services to shareholders. Because these fees are paid out of a fund's assets on
an ongoing basis, over time these fees will increase the cost of your investment
and may cost you more than paying other types of sales charges.

Generally, purchase requests which, when combined with current holdings, for
Class B shares in excess of $500,000 or Class C shares in excess of $1,000,000,
will be processed as purchases of Class A shares.

CLASS A

- Front-end sales charges, as described at right.

- Distribution and service (12b-1) fees of 0.35% (currently 0.30% due to
contractual waiver by the distributor through at least April 30, 2001).

CLASS B

- No front-end sales charge; all your money goes to work for you right away.

- Distribution and service (12b-1) fees of 1.00%.

- A deferred sales charge, as described on the following page.

- Automatic conversion to Class A shares after eight years, thus reducing future
annual expenses.

CLASS C

- 1% front-end sales charge.

- Distribution and service (12b-1) fees of 1.00%.

- A 1.00% contingent deferred sales charge on shares sold within one year of
purchase.

- No automatic conversion to Class A shares, so annual expenses continue at the
Class C level throughout the life of your investment.
HOW SALES CHARGES ARE CALCULATED

CLASS A sales charges and commissions paid to dealers for the Large Cap Focus
Fund are listed below. The offering price includes the front end sales load.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DEALER
AS A % OF AS A % COMMISSION AS
OFFERING OF NET PERCENTAGE OF
YOUR INVESTMENT PRICE INVESTMENT OFFERING PRICE
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Less than $50,000 5.50% 5.82% 4.75%
$ 50,000 -- $99,999 4.50% 4.71% 4.00%
$100,000 -- $249,999 3.50% 3.63% 3.00%
$250,000 -- $499,999 2.50% 2.56% 2.00%
$500,000 -- $999,999 2.00% 2.04% 1.75%
$1 million or more(1) 0% 0% 0%
</TABLE>

(1) Investments of $1 million or more in Class A shares may be made with no
front-end sales charge. However, there is a contingent deferred sales charge
(CDSC) of 1% on any shares sold within 18 months of purchase. For purposes
of this CDSC, all purchases made during a calendar month are counted as
having been made on the first day of that month. The CDSC is based on the
lesser of the original purchase cost or the current market value of the
shares being sold, and is not charged on shares you acquired by reinvesting
your dividends and distributions. To keep your CDSC as low as possible, each
time you place a request to sell shares we will first sell any shares in
your account that are not subject to a CDSC.

The distributor may pay up to the entire amount of the sales commission to
particular broker-dealers. The distributor may pay dealers of record commissions
on purchases over $1 million an amount of up to 1.0% of the first $4 million,
plus 0.50% of the next $6 million, plus 0.25% of share purchases over $10
million. This commission schedule may also apply to certain sales of Class A
shares made to investors which qualify under any of the last four categories
listed under "Waivers for Certain Investors".

CLASS B shares are offered at their net asset value per share, without any
initial sales charge. However, you may be charged a contingent deferred sales
charge (CDSC) on shares you sell within a certain time after you bought them, as
described in the tables below. There is no CDSC on shares acquired through
reinvestment of dividends. The CDSC is based on the original purchase cost or
the current market value of

THE HARTFORD MUTUAL FUNDS, INC. 7
<PAGE> 12

the shares being sold, whichever is less. The CDSCs are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEARS AFTER
PURCHASE CDSC
<S> <C>
1st year 5.00%
2nd year 4.00%
3rd year 3.00%
4th year 3.00%
5th year 2.00%
6th year 1.00%
After 6 years None
</TABLE>

CLASS C sales charges for all funds, regardless of the amount that is being
purchased are as follows:

<S> <C> <C>
FRONT-END SALES CHARGE

<CAPTION>
DEALER
COMMISSION
AS A % OF AS A % OF AS PERCENTAGE
OFFERING NET OF OFFERING
PRICE INVESTMENT PRICE
<S> <C> <C>
1.01%
1.00% 1.00%
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEARS AFTER
PURCHASE CDSC
<S> <C>
1st year 1.00%
After 1 year None
</TABLE>

For purposes of Class B and Class C CDSCs, all purchases made during a calendar
month are counted as having been made on the first day of that month. To
determine whether a CDSC applies the fund redeems shares in the following order:
(1) shares acquired through reinvestment of dividends and capital gains
distributions, (2) Class B shares held for over 6 years or Class C shares held
over 1 year, (3) shares representing an increase over the original purchase
cost, and (4) Class B shares held the longest during the six-year period.

Although the funds do not charge a transaction fee, you may be charged a fee by
brokers for the purchase or sale of the funds' shares through that broker. This
transaction fee is separate from any sales charge that the funds may apply.

The distributor may pay commissions to dealers of up to 4% of the purchase price
of Class B shares purchased through dealers and up to 2% of the purchase price
of Class C shares purchased through dealers.

SALES CHARGE REDUCTIONS AND WAIVERS

REDUCING YOUR CLASS A SALES CHARGES There are several ways you can combine
multiple purchases of Class A shares of the funds to take advantage of the
breakpoints in the sales charge schedule. The first three ways can be combined
in any manner:

- ACCUMULATION PRIVILEGE -- lets you add the value of any shares of the funds
you or members of your family already own to the amount of your next Class A
investment for purposes of calculating the sales charge. In addition, if you
are a natural person who owns certain annuities or variable life insurance
products that are issued by affiliates of The Hartford, the current account
value of your contract or policy will be included. The eligible annuity and
life insurance products are discussed in the funds' Statement of Additional
Information. Participants in retirement plans receive breakpoints at the plan
level. You must notify your broker, and your broker must notify the funds,
that you are eligible for this privilege each time you make a purchase.

- LETTER OF INTENTION -- lets you purchase Class A shares of a fund over a
13-month period and receive the same sales charge as if all shares had been
purchased at once.

- COMBINATION PRIVILEGE -- lets you combine Class A shares of multiple funds for
purposes of calculating the sales charge.

CDSC WAIVERS As long as the transfer agent is notified at the time you sell,
the CDSC for each share class will generally be waived in the following cases:

- to make Systematic Withdrawal Plan payments that are limited annually to no
more than 12% of the value of the account at the time the plan is initiated,

- because of shareholder death or disability,

- because of the death or disability of the grantor of a living trust,

- under reorganization, liquidation, merger or acquisition transactions
involving other investment companies, and

- for retirement plans under the following circumstances:

(1) to return excess contributions,

(2) hardship withdrawals as defined in the plan,

(3) under a Qualified Domestic Relations Order as defined in the Internal
Revenue Code,

(4) to meet minimum distribution requirements under the Internal Revenue
Code,

(5) to make "substantially equal payments" as described in Section 72(t) of
the Internal Revenue Code, and

(6) after separation from service.

REINSTATEMENT PRIVILEGE If you sell shares of a fund, you may reinvest some or
all of the proceeds in the same share class of any fund within 180 days without
a sales charge, as long as the transfer agent is notified before you invest. If
you paid a CDSC when you sold your shares, you will be credited with the amount
of the CDSC. All accounts involved must have the same registration.

8 THE HARTFORD MUTUAL FUNDS, INC.
<PAGE> 13

WAIVERS FOR CERTAIN INVESTORS Class A shares may be offered without front-end
sales charges to the following individuals and institutions:

- selling brokers and their employees and sales representatives,

- financial representatives utilizing fund shares in fee-based investment
products under a signed agreement with the funds,

- present or former officers, directors and employees (and their families) of
the funds, The Hartford, Wellington Management, the transfer agent, and their
affiliates,

- individuals purchasing shares with the proceeds from shares redeemed from
another fund complex within the last 60 days on which an initial or contingent
deferred sales charge was paid (1% CDSC applies if redeemed within 18 months),

- participants in certain retirement plans not administered by Hartford Life
Insurance Company or an affiliate with at least 100 eligible employees or if
the total amount invested is $500,000 or more (1% CDSC applies if redeemed
within 18 months),

- participants in retirement plans where Hartford Life Insurance Company or an
affiliate is the plan administrator, and

- one or more members of a group (including spouses and dependent children) of
at least 100 persons engaged, or previously engaged in a common business,
profession, civic or charitable endeavor or other activity (1% CDSC applies if
redeemed within 18 months).

The 1% CDSCs indicated above also may be waived where the distributor does not
compensate the broker for the sale.

CLASS C shares may be purchased without a front-end sales charge when purchased
through a broker-dealer that has entered into an agreement with the distributor
to waive this charge.

ADDITIONAL COMPENSATION TO BROKERS In addition to the commissions described
above, the distributor pays additional compensation to dealers based on a number
of factors described in the fund's statement of additional information. This
additional compensation is not paid by you.

OPENING AN ACCOUNT

NOTE FOR RETIREMENT PLAN PARTICIPANTS AND INVESTORS WHOSE SHARES ARE HELD BY
FINANCIAL REPRESENTATIVES.

If you hold your shares through a retirement plan or if your shares are held
with a financial representative you will need to make transactions through the
retirement plan administrator or your financial representative. Some of the
services and programs described in this prospectus may not be available or may
differ in such circumstances. In addition, some of the funds offered in this
prospectus may not be available in your retirement plan. You should check with
your retirement plan administrator or financial representative for further
details.

1 Read this prospectus carefully.

2 Determine how much you want to invest. The minimum initial investment for each
fund is as follows:

- non-retirement accounts: $500

- retirement accounts: $250

- Automatic Investment Plans $25 to open; you must invest at least $25 a
month

- subsequent investments: $25

Minimum investment amounts may be waived for present or former officers,
directors and employees and their families of The Hartford, Wellington
Management and their affiliates.

3 Complete the appropriate parts of the account application including any
privileges desired. By applying for privileges now, you can avoid the delay
and inconvenience of having to file an additional application if you want to
add privileges later. If you have questions and you hold the shares through a
financial representative or retirement plan, please contact your financial
representative or plan administrator. If you hold the shares directly with the
fund, please call the transfer agent at the number shown below.

4 Make your initial investment selection. You, your financial representative or
plan administrator can initiate any purchase, exchange or sale of shares.

<TABLE>
<S> <C>
ADDRESS: PHONE NUMBER:
THE HARTFORD MUTUAL FUNDS, INC. 1-888-843-7824
P.O. BOX 219054
KANSAS CITY, MO 64121-9054 OR CONTACT YOUR FINANCIAL REPRESENTATIVE OR PLAN
ADMINISTRATOR FOR INSTRUCTIONS AND ASSISTANCE.
</TABLE>

THE HARTFORD MUTUAL FUNDS, INC. 9
<PAGE> 14

BUYING SHARES

<TABLE>
<C> <C> <S> <C> <C>
OPENING AN ACCOUNT ADDING TO AN ACCOUNT

BY CHECK
- Make out a check for the investment amount, - Make out a check for the investment amount,
CHECK ICON payable to "The Hartford Mutual Funds, Inc." payable to "The Hartford Mutual Funds, Inc."
- Deliver the check and your completed - Fill out the detachable investment slip from
application to your financial representative, an account statement. If no slip is available,
plan administrator or mail to the address include a note specifying the fund name, your
listed below. share class, your account number and the
name(s) in which the account is registered.
- Deliver the check and your investment slip or
note to your financial representative, plan
administrator or mail to the address listed
below.
BY EXCHANGE
- Call your financial representative, plan - Call your financial representative, plan
EXCHANGE ICON administrator or the transfer agent at the administrator or the transfer agent at the
number below to request an exchange. The number below to request an exchange. The
minimum exchange amount is $500 per fund. minimum exchange amount is $500 per fund.
BY WIRE
- Deliver your completed application to your - Instruct your bank to wire the amount of your
WIRE ICON financial representative, or mail it to the investment to:
address below. State Street Bank and Trust Company
Account # 9905-205-2
- Obtain your account number by calling your Routing # 011000028
financial representative or the phone number
below. Specify the fund name, your choice of share
class, the new account number and the name(s)
- Instruct your bank to wire the amount of your in which the account is registered. Your bank
investment to: may charge a fee to wire funds.
State Street Bank and Trust Company
Account # 9905-205-2
Routing # 011000028
Specify the fund name, your share class, your
account number and the name(s) in which the
account is registered. Your bank may charge a
fee to wire funds.
BY PHONE
- See "By Wire" and "By Exchange" - Verify that your bank or credit union is a
PHONE ICON member of the Automated Clearing House (ACH)
system.
- Complete the "Telephone Exchanges and
Telephone Redemption" and "Bank Account or
Credit Union Information" sections on your
account application.
- Call the transfer agent at the number below to
verify that these features are in place on
your account.
- Tell the transfer agent representative the
fund name, your share class, your account
number, the name(s) in which the account is
registered and the amount of your investment.
To open or add to an account using the Automatic Investment Plan,
see "Additional Investor Services".
</TABLE>

10 THE HARTFORD MUTUAL FUNDS, INC.
<PAGE> 15

SELLING SHARES

BY LETTER

- Write a letter of instruction or complete a power of
LETTER ICON attorney indicating the fund name, your share class, your
account number, the name(s) in which the account is
registered and the dollar value or number of shares you wish
to sell.
- Include all signatures and any additional documents that may
be required (see next page).
- Mail the materials to the address below or to your plan
administrator.
- A check will be mailed to the name(s) and address in which
the account is registered, or otherwise according to your
letter of instruction.

BY PHONE

- Restricted to sales of up to $50,000 in any 7-day period.
PHONE ICON
- To place your order with a representative, call the transfer
agent at the number below between 8 A.M. and 6 P.M. Eastern
Time on most business days. Generally, orders received after
4 P.M. Eastern Time will receive the next business day's
offering price.
- For automated service 24 hours a day using your touch-tone
phone, call the number below.

BY WIRE OR ELECTRONIC FUNDS TRANSFER (EFT)

- Fill out the "Telephone Exchanges and Telephone Redemption"
WIRE ICON and "Bank Account or Credit Union Information" sections of
your new account application.
- Call the transfer agent to verify that the telephone
redemption privilege is in place on an account, or to
request the forms to add it to an existing account.
- Amounts of $1,000 or more will be wired on the next business
day. Your bank may charge a fee for this service.
- Amounts of less than $1,000 may be sent by EFT or by check.
Funds from EFT transactions are generally available by the
second business day. Your bank may charge a fee for this
service.
- Phone requests are limited to amounts up to $50,000 in a
7-day period.

BY EXCHANGE

- Obtain a current prospectus for the fund into which you are
ARROW ICON exchanging by calling your financial representative or the
transfer agent at the number below.
- Call your financial representative or the transfer agent to
request an exchange.

BY CHECK -- APPLIES TO MONEY MARKET FUND (CLASS A SHARES ONLY)

- Fill out the checkwriting section of the application.
CHECK ICON
- Request checkwriting on your account application.
- Verify that the shares to be sold were purchased more than
15 days earlier or were purchased by wire.
- Write a check for any amount over $100.

To sell shares through a systematic withdrawal plan, see "Additional Investor
Services".
</TABLE>

THE HARTFORD MUTUAL FUNDS, INC. 11
<PAGE> 16

SELLING SHARES IN WRITING

<TABLE>
<C> <C> <S>
BY LETTER
In certain circumstances, you will need to make your request to sell shares in
writing. You may need to include additional items with your request, as shown
in the table below. You may also need to include a signature guarantee, which
protects you against fraudulent orders. You will need a signature guarantee
if:

- your address of record has changed within the past 30 days
LETTER ICON
- you are selling more than $50,000 worth of shares
- you are requesting payment other than by a check mailed to
the address of record and payable to the registered owner(s)
Please note that a notary public CANNOT provide a signature guarantee. Please
check with a representative of your bank or other financial institution about
obtaining a signature guarantee.
REQUIREMENTS FOR WRITTEN REQUESTS BY SELLER
OWNERS OF INDIVIDUAL, JOINT, SOLE PROPRIETORSHIP, UGMA/UTMA (CUSTODIAL
ACCOUNTS FOR MINORS) OR GENERAL PARTNER ACCOUNTS.

- Letter of instruction.
- On the letter, the signatures and titles of all persons
authorized to sign for the account, exactly as the account
is registered.
- Signature guarantee if applicable (see above).
OWNERS OF CORPORATE OR ASSOCIATION ACCOUNTS.

- Letter of instruction.
- Corporate resolution, certified within the past twelve
months.
- On the letter and the resolution, the signature of the
person(s) authorized to sign for the account.
- Signature guarantee if applicable (see above).
OWNERS OR TRUSTEES OF TRUST ACCOUNTS.

- Letter of instruction.
- On the letter, the signature(s) of the trustee(s).
- Provide a copy of the trust document certified within the
past twelve months.
- Signature guarantee if applicable (see above).
JOINT TENANCY SHAREHOLDERS WHOSE CO-TENANTS ARE DECEASED.

- Letter of instruction signed by surviving tenant.
- Copy of death certificate.
- Signature guarantee if applicable (see above).
EXECUTORS OF SHAREHOLDER ESTATES.

- Letter of instruction signed by executor.
- Copy of order appointing executor, certified within the past
twelve months.
- Signature guarantee if applicable (see above).
ADMINISTRATORS, CONSERVATORS, GUARDIANS AND OTHER SELLERS OR ACCOUNT TYPES
NOT LISTED ABOVE.

- Call 1-888-843-7824 for instructions.
</TABLE>

12 THE HARTFORD MUTUAL FUNDS, INC.
<PAGE> 17

TRANSACTION POLICIES
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

VALUATION OF SHARES

The net asset value per share (NAV) for each class of the fund's shares is
determined each business day at the close of regular trading on the New York
Stock Exchange ("NYSE") (typically 4 p.m. Eastern Time). The fund uses market
prices in valuing portfolio securities, but may use fair-value estimates, as
determined by HIFSCO under the direction of the Board of Directors, if reliable
market prices are unavailable. Fair value pricing may be used by the fund when
current market values are unavailable or when an event occurs after the close of
the exchange on which the fund's portfolio securities are principally traded
that is likely to have changed the value of the securities. The use of fair
value pricing by a fund may cause the net asset value of its shares to differ
significantly from the net asset value that would be calculated using current
market values. Debt securities with remaining maturities of 60 days or less are
valued at amortized cost.

Trading on many foreign securities markets is completed at various times before
or after the close of the NYSE or on days the NYSE is not open for business.
Consequently, the calculation of the fund's NAV may take place at a time that is
different than when prices are determined for certain securities of foreign
issuers and non-dollar securities. As a result, events affecting the values of
foreign portfolio securities that occur after the close of the NYSE will not be
reflected in the fund's calculation of NAV.

BUY AND SELL PRICES

When you buy shares, you pay the NAV plus any applicable sales charges. When you
sell shares, you receive the NAV less any applicable sales charges.

EXECUTION OF REQUESTS

The fund is open on those days when the New York Stock Exchange is open,
typically Monday through Friday. Buy and sell requests are executed at the next
NAV to be calculated after your request is received, if your order is complete
(has all required information), by the transfer agent or authorized
broker-dealers and third-party administrators.

At times of peak activity, it may be difficult to place requests by phone.
During these times, consider sending your request in writing.

In unusual circumstances, the fund may temporarily suspend the processing of
sell requests, or may postpone payment of redemption proceeds for up to three
business days or longer, as allowed by federal securities laws.

TELEPHONE TRANSACTIONS

For your protection, telephone requests may be recorded in order to verify their
accuracy. Also for your protection, telephone transactions are not permitted on
accounts whose names or addresses have changed within the past 30 days. Proceeds
from telephone transactions can only be mailed to the address of record.

EXCHANGES

You may exchange shares of the fund for shares of the same class of any other
Hartford Mutual Fund. The registration for both accounts involved must be
identical. You may be subject to tax liability or sales charges as a result of
your exchange.

RIGHT TO REJECT PURCHASE ORDERS/MARKET TIMING

Purchases and exchanges should be made for investment purposes only. The fund
reserves the right to reject or restrict any specific purchase request or to
modify or terminate your exchange privileges if it determines that you exchange
shares more than twice out of the same fund in a 90-day period (excluding
automatic programs).

CERTIFICATED SHARES

Shares are electronically recorded and therefore share certificates are not
issued.

SMALL ACCOUNTS (NON-RETIREMENT ONLY)

If you draw down a non-retirement account so that its total value is less than
$1,000, you may be asked to purchase more shares within 30 days. If you do not
take action within this time, your fund may close out your account and mail you
the proceeds. You will not be charged a CDSC if your account is closed for this
reason, and your account will not be closed if its drop in value is due to fund
performance or the effects of sales charges.

SALES IN ADVANCE OF PURCHASE PAYMENTS

When you place a request to sell shares for which the purchase money has not yet
been collected, the request will be executed in a timely fashion, but the fund
will not release the proceeds to you until your purchase payment clears. This
may take up to 15 business days after the purchase.

THE HARTFORD MUTUAL FUNDS, INC. 13
<PAGE> 18

SPECIAL REDEMPTIONS

Although it would not normally do so, the fund has the right to pay the
redemption price of shares of the fund in whole or in part in portfolio
securities. When the shareholder sells portfolio securities received in this
fashion, he would incur a brokerage charge. Any such securities would be valued
for the purposes of making such payment at the same value as used in determining
net asset value. The fund, however, always redeems shares solely in cash up to
the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of the net asset value of the fund during any 90
day period for any one account.

PAYMENT REQUIREMENTS

All of your purchases must be made in U.S. dollars and checks must be drawn on
U.S. banks and made payable to The Hartford Mutual Funds, Inc., or in the case
of a retirement account, to the custodian or trustee. You may not purchase
shares with a third party check.

If your check does not clear, your purchase will be canceled and you will be
liable for any losses or fees that the funds or HIFSCO has incurred.

Certain broker-dealers and financial institutions may enter confirmed purchase
orders with the fund on behalf of customers, by phone or other electronic means,
with payment to follow within the customary settlement period (generally within
three business days). If payment is not received by that time, the order will be
canceled and the broker-dealer or financial institution will be held liable for
the resulting fees or losses.

DIVIDENDS AND ACCOUNT POLICIES

ACCOUNT STATEMENTS In general, you will receive account statements as follows:

- after every transaction (except a dividend or distribution reinvestment) that
affects your account balances

- after any changes of name or address of the registered owner(s)

- in all other circumstances, every quarter

Every year you should also receive, if applicable, a Form 1099 tax information
statement.

If you are a participant in an employer-sponsored retirement plan you will
receive statements from your plan administrator.

DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS The fund intends to distribute substantially all of
its net income and capital gains to shareholders at least once a year. Normally,
dividends from net investment income of the Large Cap Focus Fund will be
declared and paid annually. Unless shareholders specify otherwise, all dividends
and distributions will be automatically reinvested in additional full or
fractional shares of the fund.

TAXABILITY OF DIVIDENDS Dividends and distributions you receive from a fund,
whether reinvested or taken as cash, are generally considered taxable.
Distributions from the fund's long-term capital gains are taxable as capital
gains; distributions from short-term capital gains and income are generally
taxable as ordinary income. Some dividends paid in January may be taxable as if
they had been paid the previous December. Tax rates may vary depending on how
long the fund investment is held. See your application for distribution options.

The Form 1099 that is mailed to you every January details your dividends and
distributions and their federal tax category, although you should verify your
tax liability with your tax professional.

TAXABILITY OF TRANSACTIONS Unless your shares are held in a qualified
retirement account, any time you sell or exchange shares, it is considered a
taxable event for you. Depending on the purchase price and the sale price of the
shares you sell or exchange, you may have a gain or a loss on the transaction.
You are responsible for any tax liabilities generated by your transactions.
ADDITIONAL INVESTOR SERVICES

ELECTRONIC TRANSFERS THROUGH AUTOMATED CLEARING HOUSE ("ACH") allow you to
initiate a purchase or redemption for as little as $100 or as much as $50,000
between your bank account and fund account using the ACH network. Sales charges
and initial purchase minimums apply.

AUTOMATIC INVESTMENT PLAN (AIP) lets you set up regular investments from your
paycheck or bank account to the fund of your choice. You determine the frequency
and amount of your investments, and you can terminate your program at any time.
To establish:

- Complete the appropriate parts of your account application.

- If you are using AIP to open an account, make out a check ($25 minimum) for
your first investment amount payable to "The Hartford Mutual Funds, Inc."
Deliver your check and application to your financial representative or the
transfer agent.

14 THE HARTFORD MUTUAL FUNDS, INC.
<PAGE> 19

SYSTEMATIC WITHDRAWAL PLAN This plan may be used for routine bill payments or
periodic withdrawals from your account. To establish:

- Make sure you have at least $5,000 worth of shares in your account and that
the amount per transaction is $50 or more.

- Make sure you are not planning to invest more money in this account (buying
shares during a period when you are also selling shares of the fund is not
advantageous to you, because of sales charges).

- SPECIFY THE PAYEE(S). The payee may be yourself or any other party, and there
is no limit to the number of payees you may have, as long as they are all on
the same payment schedule. A signature guarantee is required if the payee is
someone other than the registered owner.

- Determine the schedule: monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, annually or in
certain selected months.

- FILL OUT THE RELEVANT PART OF THE ACCOUNT APPLICATION. To add a systematic
withdrawal plan to an existing account, contact your financial representative
or the transfer agent.

DOLLAR COST AVERAGING PROGRAMS (DCA) let you set up monthly or quarterly
exchanges from one Hartford Mutual Fund to the same class of shares of another
fund. To establish:

- Fill out the relevant part of the account application.

- Be sure that the amount is for $100 or more.

- Be sure that the accounts involved have identical registrations.

AUTOMATIC DIVIDEND DIVERSIFICATION (ADD) lets you automatically reinvest
dividends and capital gains distributions paid by one Hartford Mutual Fund into
the same class of another fund. To establish:

- Fill out the relevant portion of the account application.

- Be sure that the accounts involved have identical registrations.

RETIREMENT PLANS The Hartford Mutual Funds, Inc. offer a range of retirement
plans, including traditional and Roth IRAs, SIMPLE plans, SEPs and 401(k) plans.
Using these plans, you can invest in any fund offered by The Hartford Mutual
Funds, Inc. with a low minimum investment of $250. To find out more, call
1-888-843-7824.

THE HARTFORD MUTUAL FUNDS, INC. 15
<PAGE> 20

ADDITIONAL SHARE CLASSES
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Each fund also offers Class Y shares by a separate prospectus. Class Y shares
are available only to the following types of institutional investors: (i)
employee benefit or retirement plans which have (a) at least $10 million in plan
assets, or (b) 750 or more employees eligible to participate at the time of
purchase; (ii) banks and insurance companies or other large institutional
investors; (iii) investment companies; and (iv) employee benefit or retirement
plans of The Hartford, Wellington Management or broker-dealer wholesalers and
their affiliates.

Class Y shares are available to eligible institutional investors at net asset
value without the imposition of an initial or deferred sales charge and are not
subject to ongoing distribution fees imposed under a plan adopted pursuant to
Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. The minimum initial investment in Class Y shares
is $1,000,000, but this requirement may be waived at the discretion of the
fund's officers. The differences in class expenses may affect performance.

The Systematic Withdrawal Plan, Dollar Cost Averaging Plan, Automatic Dividend
Diversification Plan and Automatic Investment Plan are not available for Class Y
shares.

If you are considering a purchase of Class Y shares of a fund, please call the
Transfer Agent at 1-888-843-7824 to obtain information about eligibility.

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

The fund began operations on October , 2000. As a result, it has no financial
history for prior fiscal years.

16 THE HARTFORD MUTUAL FUNDS, INC.
<PAGE> 21

APPENDIX
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SUBSCRIPTION PERIOD

The distributor will solicit subscriptions for Class A, Class B and Class C
shares of the Fund during a subscription period beginning January 2, 2001 and
ending February 2, 2001. If you subscribe for Fund shares during this period
(the "subscription period"), they will be issued to you at a net asset value of
$10.00 per share as of February 6, 2001 (the "closing date"). The Fund and the
distributor reserve the right to extend the subscription period beyond February
2, 2001, in which event, the closing date will be two business days subsequent
to the end of the subscription period.

If you subscribe for shares, your financial representative will inform you of
the closing date. Payment for subscribed shares will be due within three days of
the closing date. [You may send money with your subscription, however, you must
purchase shares of the same class in the Money Market Fund and exchange such
shares for shares of the Fund as of the closing date.] The minimum investment
via subscription is $[10,000] [per class].

If you subscribe for shares, you will not have any rights as a shareholder until
payment for the shares is received by the Fund's transfer agent and issuance of
your shares is recorded by the transfer agent. The distributor and the Fund
reserve the right to terminate the subscription offering without notice and to
refuse any subscription order in whole or in part for any reason.

The distributor will not offer or sell any class of Fund shares from the closing
date until March 1, 2001. During this "closed" period the investment manager and
investment sub-adviser will invest the proceeds of the subscription offering in
accordance with the Fund's investment objective and policies. During this
"closed" period, shareholders may redeem shares purchased through subscription,
but may not purchase additional shares (except for reinvestment of dividends).
Beginning on or about March 1, 2001, the Fund will commence a continuous public
offering of all classes of its shares.

THE HARTFORD MUTUAL FUNDS, INC. 17
<PAGE> 22

FOR MORE INFORMATION
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Two documents are available that offer further information on the fund:

ANNUAL/SEMIANNUAL REPORT
TO SHAREHOLDERS

Additional information on the fund is contained in the financial statements and
portfolio holdings in the fund's annual and semi-annual report. In the fund's
annual report you will also find a discussion of the market conditions and
investment strategies that significantly affected performance during the last
fiscal year, and the auditor's report.

STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
(SAI)

The SAI contains more detailed information on all aspects of the fund.

A current SAI and annual report have been filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission and are incorporated by reference into (which means they are legally
a part of) this prospectus.

To request a free copy of the current annual/semiannual report and/or the SAI or
for shareholder inquiries, please contact the fund at:

BY MAIL:

The Hartford Mutual Funds, Inc.
P.O. Box 219054
Kansas City, MO 64121-9054

BY PHONE:

1-888-843-7824

ON THE INTERNET:

invest.hartfordlife.com

Or you may view or obtain these documents from the SEC:

IN PERSON:

at the SEC's Public Reference Room in Washington, DC

Information on the operation of the SEC's public reference room may be obtained
by calling 1-202-942-8090.

BY MAIL:

Public Reference Section
Securities and Exchange Commission
Washington, DC 20549-6009
(duplicating fee required)

ON THE INTERNET OR BY E-MAIL:

Internet: www.sec.gov

E-Mail: [email protected]

Requests which are made by e-mail require the payment of a duplicating fee to
the SEC to obtain a document.
SEC FILE NUMBER: 811-07589
<PAGE> 23

THE HARTFORD MUTUAL FUNDS, INC.

CLASS Y SHARES

PROSPECTUS

OCTOBER 31, 2000

THE HARTFORD MUTUAL FUNDS, INC.
P.O. BOX 219054
KANSAS CITY, MO 64121-9054
<PAGE> 24

[THIS PAGE IS INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]
<PAGE> 25

INTRODUCTION
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Hartford Mutual Funds, Inc. is a family of eighteen mutual funds, each with
its own investment strategy and risk/reward profile. This prospectus relates to
the Class Y shares of the Large Cap Focus Fund. The Large Cap Focus Fund is a
non-diversified fund. Information about the fund, including risk factors, can be
found on the pages following this introduction.

CONTENTS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<TABLE>
<S> <C>
A summary of the fund's goals, The Hartford Large Cap Focus Fund 2
strategies, risks, performance and
expenses.

Description of other investment Other investment strategies and investment risks 4
strategies and investment risks.

Investment manager and management Management of the fund 6
fee information.

Information on your About your account 7
account. Class Y investor requirements 7
Opening an account 7
Buying shares 8
Selling shares 9
Selling shares in writing 9
Transaction policies 10

Further information on the fund. Additional share classes 12
Financial highlights 12
For more information back cover
</TABLE>

THE HARTFORD MUTUAL FUNDS, INC. 1
<PAGE> 26

THE HARTFORD LARGE CAP FOCUS FUND
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

INVESTMENT GOAL. The Hartford Large Cap Focus Fund seeks long-term capital
appreciation.

The key characteristics of growth companies in which the fund typically invests
include:

- Accelerating earnings and earnings per share growth

- A strong balance sheet combined with a high return on equity

- Unrecognized or undervalued assets

- A strong management team

- A leadership position within an industry

- Sustainable or increasing dividends

- Positive investor sentiment

The fund will consider selling a security when:

- Downside risk equals upside potential

- Decreasing trend of earnings growth is exhibited

- Excessive valuations are reached

Annual portfolio turnover is expected to be in excess of 100%.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2 THE HARTFORD MUTUAL FUNDS, INC.
<PAGE> 27

THE HARTFORD LARGE CAP FOCUS FUND
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SUB-ADVISER
Wellington Management
PORTFOLIO MANAGER

Rand L. Alexander
- Senior Vice President of
Wellington Management
- Joined Wellington Management
in 1990
- Investment professional
since 1976

PAST PERFORMANCE. Because the fund has been in operation
for less than one year no performance history has been
provided.

YOUR EXPENSES. This table describes the fees and expenses
that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the fund.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS Y
<S> <C>
SHAREHOLDER FEES
(fees paid directly from your investment)
Maximum sales charge (load) as a percentage of offering
price None
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) None
Exchange fees None
ANNUAL OPERATING EXPENSES
(expenses that are deducted from the fund's assets)
Management fees 1.00%
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees 0.35%
Other expenses 0.41%
Total operating expenses 1.76%
Fee waiver 0.11%
Net expenses(1) 1.65%
</TABLE>

(1) HIFSCO has contractually agreed to limit the total
operating expenses of the fund, exclusive of taxes,
interest, brokerage commissions and extraordinary
expenses, to not more than 1.00%, through at least
February 28, 2002. This policy may be discontinued at
any time thereafter.

EXAMPLE. These examples are intended to help you compare
the cost of investing in the fund with the cost of
investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes that
you invest $10,000 in the fund for the time periods
indicated. The example also assumes that your investment
has a 5% return each year, that the fund's operating
expenses remain the same and that you reinvest all
dividends and distributions. Although your actual costs
may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your
costs would be:

You would pay the following expenses if you redeemed your
shares at the end of each period:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXPENSES (WITH OR WITHOUT REDEMPTION) CLASS Y
<S> <C>
Year 1 $ 123
Year 3 $ 387
Year 5 $ 672
Year 10 $1,482
</TABLE>

THE HARTFORD MUTUAL FUNDS, INC. 3
<PAGE> 28

OTHER INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND INVESTMENT RISKS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

INVESTMENT RISKS GENERALLY

There is no assurance that the fund will achieve its investment objective or
objectives, and investors should not consider any the fund alone to be a
complete investment program. As with all mutual funds, there is a risk that an
investor could lose money by investing in the fund.

USE OF MONEY MARKET INVESTMENTS
FOR TEMPORARY DEFENSIVE PURPOSES

USE OF OPTIONS, FUTURES AND
OTHER DERIVATIVES

The fund may purchase and sell options, enter into futures contracts or utilize
other derivative contracts and derivative securities with respect to stocks,
bonds, groups of securities (such as financial indices), foreign currencies or
interest rates. These techniques, which are incidental to the fund's primary
strategy, permit it to gain exposure to a particular security, group of
securities, interest rate or index, and thereby have the potential to earn
returns that are similar to those which would be earned by direct investments in
those securities or instruments.

These techniques are also used to manage risk by hedging the fund's portfolio
investments. Hedging techniques may not always be available to the fund; and it
may not always be feasible for the fund to use hedging techniques even when they
are available.

FOREIGN INVESTMENTS

Investments in the securities of foreign issuers or investments in non-dollar
securities involve significant risks that are not typically associated with
investing in U.S. dollar-denominated securities or securities of domestic
issuers. Such investments may be affected by changes in currency rates, changes
in foreign or U.S. laws or restrictions applicable to such investments and in
exchange control regulations. Some foreign stock markets (and other securities
markets) may have substantially less volume than, for example, the New York
Stock Exchange (or other domestic markets) and securities of some foreign
issuers may be less liquid than securities of comparable domestic issuers.
Commissions and dealer mark-ups on transactions in foreign investments may be
higher than for similar transactions in the United States. In addition,
clearance and settlement procedures may be different in foreign countries and,
in certain markets, on certain occasions, such procedures have been unable to
keep pace with the volume of securities transactions, thus making it difficult
to conduct such transactions. The inability of the fund to make intended
investments due to settlement problems could cause it to miss attractive
investment opportunities. Inability to dispose of portfolio securities or other
investments due to settlement problems could result either in losses to the fund
due to subsequent declines in value of the portfolio investment or, if the fund
has entered into a contract to sell the investment, could result in possible
liability to the purchaser.

4 THE HARTFORD MUTUAL FUNDS, INC.
<PAGE> 29

about a foreign issuer than about a domestic one. In addition, there is
generally less government regulation of stock exchanges, brokers, and listed and
unlisted issuers in foreign countries than in the United States. Furthermore,
with respect to certain foreign countries, there is a possibility of
expropriation or confiscatory taxation, imposition of withholding taxes on
dividend or interest payments, limitations on the removal of cash or other
assets of the fund, or political or social instability or diplomatic
developments which could affect investments in those countries. Individual
foreign economies also may differ favorably or unfavorably from the U.S. economy
in such respects as growth of gross national product, rate of inflation, capital
reinvestment, resource self-sufficiency and balance of payments position.

SHORT SALES

[to come]

ABOUT THE FUND'S INVESTMENT GOAL

The fund's investment goal may be changed without approval of the shareholders
of the fund. The fund may not be able to achieve its goal.

TAX CONSEQUENCES OF PORTFOLIO
TRADING PRACTICES

ADDITIONAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
AND RISKS

The fund may invest in various securities and engage in various investment
techniques which are not the principal focus of the fund and therefore are not
described in this prospectus. These securities and techniques, together with
their risks are discussed in the fund's Statement of Additional Information
which may be obtained free of charge by contacting the fund (see back cover for
address and phone number).

TERMS USED IN THIS PROSPECTUS

Equity Securities: Equity Securities include common stock, preferred stock,
securities convertible into common stock and warrants or rights to acquire
common stock.

Non-Dollar Securities: Securities denominated or quoted in foreign currency or
paying income in foreign currency.

THE HARTFORD MUTUAL FUNDS, INC. 5
<PAGE> 30

MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

THE INVESTMENT MANAGER

Hartford Investment Financial Services Company ("HIFSCO") is the investment
manager to the fund. HIFSCO is a wholly-owned indirect subsidiary of The
Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. ("The Hartford"), a Connecticut
financial services company with over $165 billion in assets. As of December 31,
1999 HIFSCO had over $6 billion in assets under management. HIFSCO is
responsible for the management of the fund and supervises the activities of the
investment sub-adviser described below. HIFSCO is principally located at 200
Hopmeadow Street, Simsbury, Connecticut 06089.

THE INVESTMENT SUB-ADVISER

MANAGEMENT FEES

The fund pays a monthly management fee to HIFSCO based on a stated percentage of
the fund's average daily net asset value as follows:

LARGE CAP FOCUS FUND

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NET ASSET VALUE ANNUAL RATE
--------------- -----------
<S> <C>
First $500,000,000 1.00%
Next $500,000,000 0.95%
Amount Over $1 Billion 0.90%
</TABLE>

6 THE HARTFORD MUTUAL FUNDS, INC.
<PAGE> 31

ABOUT YOUR ACCOUNT
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CLASS Y SHARE INVESTOR REQUIREMENTS

In order to buy Class Y shares you must qualify as one of the following types of
institutional investors: (i) employee benefit or retirement plans which have (a)
at least $10 million in plan assets, or (b) 750 or more employees eligible to
participate at the time of purchase; (ii) banks and insurance companies or other
large institutional investors; (iii) investment companies; and (iv) employee
benefit or retirement plans of The Hartford, Wellington Management or
broker-dealer wholesalers and their affiliates.

OPENING AN ACCOUNT

Please note that if you are purchasing shares through your employer's tax
qualified retirement plan, you may need to call the administrator of the plan
for details on purchases, redemptions and other account activity.

(1) Read this prospectus carefully.

(2) Determine how much you want to invest. The minimum initial investment for
each fund is $1 million although this minimum may be waived at the
discretion of the funds' officers.

(3) Complete the appropriate parts of the account application including any
privileges desired. By applying for privileges now, you can avoid the delay
and inconvenience of having to file an additional application if you want to
add privileges later. If you have questions, please contact your financial
representative or call the transfer agent at the number shown below.

(4) Make your initial investment selection.

<TABLE>
<S> <C>
ADDRESS: PHONE NUMBER:
THE HARTFORD MUTUAL FUNDS, INC. 1-888-843-7824
P.O. BOX 219054
KANSAS CITY, MO 64121-9054 OR CONTACT YOUR FINANCIAL REPRESENTATIVE FOR INSTRUCTIONS
AND ASSISTANCE.
</TABLE>

THE HARTFORD MUTUAL FUNDS, INC. 7
<PAGE> 32

BUYING SHARES

<TABLE>
<C> <S> <C>
OPENING AN ACCOUNT ADDING TO AN ACCOUNT

BY CHECK
[CHECK ICON] - Make out a check for the investment amount, - Make out a check for the investment amount,
payable to "The Hartford Mutual Funds, Inc." payable to "The Hartford Mutual Funds, Inc."
- Deliver the check and your completed - Fill out the detachable investment slip from
application to your financial representative, an account statement. If no slip is available,
or mail to the address listed below. include a note specifying the fund name, your
share class, your account number and the
name(s) in which the account is registered.
- Deliver the check and your investment slip or
note to your financial representative, or mail
to the address listed below.
BY EXCHANGE
[ARROW ICON] - Call your financial representative, plan - Call your financial representative, plan
administrator or the transfer agent at the administrator or the transfer agent at the
number below to request an exchange. The number below to request an exchange. The
minimum exchange amount is $500 per fund. minimum exchange amount is $500 per fund.
BY WIRE
[WIRE ICON] - Deliver your completed application to your - Instruct your bank to wire the amount of your
financial representative, or mail it to the investment to:
address below. State Street Bank and Trust Company
Account # 9905-205-2
- Obtain your account number by calling your Routing # 011000028
financial representative or the phone number
below. Specify the fund name, your share class, your
account number and the name(s) in which the
- Instruct your bank to wire the amount of your account is registered. Your bank may charge a
investment to: fee to wire funds.
State Street Bank and Trust Company
Account # 9905-205-2
Routing # 011000028
Specify the fund name, your share class, your
account number and the name(s) in which the
account is registered. Your bank may charge a
fee to wire funds.
BY PHONE
[PHONE ICON] - See "By Wire" and "By Exchange" - Verify that your bank or credit union is a
member of the Automated Clearing House (ACH)
system.
- Complete the "Telephone Exchanges and
Telephone Redemption" and "Bank Account or
Credit Union Information" sections on your
account application.
- Call the transfer agent at the number below to
verify that these features are in place on
your account.
- Tell the transfer agent representative the
fund name, your share class, your account
number, the name(s) in which the account is
registered and the amount of your investment.
</TABLE>

8 THE HARTFORD MUTUAL FUNDS, INC.
<PAGE> 33

SELLING SHARES

BY LETTER

- Write a letter of instruction or complete a power of
[LETTER ICON] attorney indicating the fund name, your share class, your
account number, the name(s) in which the account is
registered and the dollar value or number of shares you
wish to sell.
- Include all signatures and any additional documents that
may be required (see next page).
- Mail the materials to the address below.
- A check will be mailed to the name(s) and address in which
the account is registered, or otherwise according to your
letter of instruction.

BY PHONE

[PHONE ICON] - Restricted to sales of up to $50,000 in any 7-day period.
- For automated service 24 hours a day using your touch-tone
phone, call the number shown below.
- To place your order with a representative, call the
transfer agent at the number below between 8 A.M. and 6
P.M. Eastern Time on most business days. Generally, orders
received after 4 P.M. Eastern Time will receive the next
business day's offering price.

BY WIRE OR ELECTRONIC FUNDS TRANSFER (EFT)

- Fill out the "Telephone Exchanges and Telephone
[WIRE ICON] Redemption" and "Bank Account or Credit Union Information"
sections of your new account application.
- Call the transfer agent to verify that the telephone
redemption privilege is in place on an account, or to
request the forms to add it to an existing account.
- Amounts of $1,000 or more will be wired on the next
business day. Your bank may charge a fee for this service.
- Amounts of less than $1,000 may be sent by EFT or by
check. Funds from EFT transactions are generally available
by the second business day. Your bank may charge a fee for
this service.
- Phone requests are limited to amounts up to $50,000 in a
7-day period.

BY EXCHANGE

- Obtain a current prospectus for the fund into which you
[ARROW ICON] are exchanging by calling your financial representative or
the transfer agent at the number below.
- Call your financial representative or the transfer agent
to request an exchange.
</TABLE>

SELLING SHARES IN WRITING

<TABLE>
<C> <S>
In certain circumstances, you will need to make your request to sell shares
in writing. You may need to include additional items with your request, as
shown in the table below. You may also need to include a signature
guarantee, which protects you against fraudulent orders. You will need a
signature guarantee if:
- your address of record has changed within the past 30 days
[LETTER ICON]
- you are selling more than $50,000 worth of shares
- you are requesting payment other than by a check mailed to
the address of record and payable to the registered
owner(s)
Please note that a notary public CANNOT provide a signature guarantee.
Please check with a representative of your bank or other financial
institution about obtaining a signature guarantee.
</TABLE>

THE HARTFORD MUTUAL FUNDS, INC. 9
<PAGE> 34

TRANSACTION POLICIES
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

VALUATION OF SHARES

The net asset value per share (NAV) for the fund and Y Class shares is
determined each business day at the close of regular trading on the New York
Stock Exchange ("NYSE") (typically 4 p.m. Eastern Time). The fund uses market
prices in valuing portfolio securities, but may use fair-value estimates, as
determined by HIFSCO under the direction of the Board of Directors, if reliable
market prices are unavailable. Fair value pricing may be used by the fund when
current market values are unavailable or when an event occurs after the close of
the exchange on which the fund's portfolio securities are principally traded
that is likely to have changed the value of the securities. The use of fair
value pricing by the fund may cause the net asset value of its shares to differ
significantly from the net asset value that would be calculated using current
market values. Debt securities with remaining maturities of 60 days or less are
valued at amortized cost.

BUY AND SELL PRICES

When you buy shares, you pay the NAV. When you sell shares, you receive the NAV.

EXECUTION OF REQUESTS

The fund is open on those days when the New York Stock Exchange is open,
typically Monday through Friday. Buy and sell requests are executed at the next
NAV to be calculated after your request is received by the transfer agent or
authorized broker-dealers and third-party administrators.

At times of peak activity, it may be difficult to place requests by phone.
During these times, consider sending your request in writing.

Although the fund does not charge a transaction fee, you may be charged a fee by
brokers for the purchase or sale of the funds' shares. This transaction fee is
separate from any sales charge that the fund may apply.

TELEPHONE TRANSACTIONS

EXCHANGES

RIGHT TO REJECT PURCHASE ORDERS/
MARKET TIMING

CERTIFICATED SHARES

Shares are electronically recorded and therefore share certificates are not
issued.

SALES IN ADVANCE OF
PURCHASE PAYMENTS

SPECIAL REDEMPTIONS

Although it would not normally do so, the fund has the right to pay the
redemption price of shares of the fund in whole or in part in portfolio
securities. When the

shareholder sells portfolio securities received in this fashion, he would incur
a brokerage charge. Any such securities would be valued for the purposes of
making such payment at the same value as used in determining net asset value.
The fund, however, always redeems shares solely in cash up to the lesser of
$250,000 or 1%

10 THE HARTFORD MUTUAL FUNDS, INC.
<PAGE> 35

of the net asset value of the fund during any 90 day period for any one account.

PAYMENT REQUIREMENTS

If your check does not clear, your purchase will be canceled and will be liable
for any losses or fees that the funds or HIFSCO has incurred.

DIVIDENDS AND ACCOUNT POLICIES

ACCOUNT STATEMENTS In general, you will receive account statements as follows:

- after every transaction (except a dividend or distribution reinvestment) that
affects your account balances

- after any changes of name or address of the registered owner(s)

- in all other circumstances, every quarter

Every year you should also receive, if applicable, a Form 1099 tax information
statement.

If you are a participant in an employer-sponsored retirement plan you will
receive statements from your plan administrator.

DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS The fund intends to distribute substantially all of
its net income and capital gains to shareholders at least once a year. Normally,
dividends from net investment income of the fund will be declared and paid
annually. Unless shareholders specify otherwise, all dividends and distributions
will be automatically reinvested in additional full or fractional shares of the
fund.

TAXABILITY OF DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS Dividends and distributions you
receive from the fund, whether reinvested or taken as cash, are generally
considered taxable. Distributions from the fund's long-term capital gains are
taxable as capital gains; distributions from short-term capital gains and income
are generally taxable as ordinary income. Some distributions paid in January may
be taxable as if they had been paid the previous December. Tax rates may vary
depending on how long the fund investment is held. See your application for
distribution options.

The Form 1099 that is mailed to you every January details your dividends and
distributions and their federal tax category, although you should verify your
tax liability with your tax professional.

ADDITIONAL INVESTOR SERVICES

If you are a participant in a tax qualified retirement plan, check with your
plan administrator for additional investor services.

THE HARTFORD MUTUAL FUNDS, INC. 11
<PAGE> 36

ADDITIONAL SHARE CLASSES
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

In addition to Class Y shares, each fund also offers Class A, Class B and Class
C shares. Class A, Class B and Class C shares are available to individual
investors. Class A, Class B and Class C shares generally have operating expenses
similar to Class Y shares, except for certain sales charges and distribution and
transfer agent fees. Such expenses may affect performance. Please call the
Transfer Agent at 1-888-843-7824 for additional information on the purchase of
Class A, Class B or Class C shares.

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

The fund began operations on October , 2000. As a result, it has no
financial history for prior fiscal years.

12 THE HARTFORD MUTUAL FUNDS, INC.
<PAGE> 37

FOR MORE INFORMATION
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Two documents are available that offer further information on the fund:

ANNUAL/SEMIANNUAL REPORT
TO SHAREHOLDERS

STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
(SAI)

The SAI contains more detailed information on all aspects of the fund.

A current SAI and annual report have been filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission and are incorporated by reference into (which means are legally a
part of) this prospectus.

To request a free copy of the current annual/ semiannual report and/or the SAI
or for shareholder inquiries, please contact the fund at:

BY MAIL:

The Hartford Mutual Funds, Inc.
P.O. Box 219054
Kansas City, MO 64121-9054

BY PHONE:

1-888-843-7824

ON THE INTERNET:

invest.hartfordlife.com

Or you may view or obtain these documents from the SEC:

IN PERSON:

at the SEC's Public Reference Room in Washington, DC

Information on the operation of the SEC's public reference room may be obtained
by calling 1-202-942-8090.

BY MAIL:

Public Reference Section
Securities and Exchange Commission
Washington, DC 20549-6009
(duplicating fee required)

ON THE INTERNET OR BY E-MAIL:

Internet:

www.sec.gov

E-Mail:

[email protected]

Requests which are made by e-mail require the payment of a duplicating fee to
the SEC to obtain a document.

SEC FILE NUMBER: 811-07589
<PAGE> 38

THE HARTFORD MUTUAL FUNDS, INC.

CLASS A, CLASS B AND CLASS C SHARES

PROSPECTUS

OCTOBER 31, 2000

<TABLE>
<S> <C>
AS WITH ALL MUTUAL FUNDS, THE GLOBAL COMMUNICATIONS FUND
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION GLOBAL FINANCIAL SERVICES FUND
HAS NOT APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED U.S. GROWTH FUND
THESE SECURITIES OR PASSED UPON
THE ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS.
ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY
IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
</TABLE>

THE HARTFORD MUTUAL FUNDS, INC.
P.O. BOX 219054
KANSAS CITY, MO 64121-9054
<PAGE> 39

[THIS PAGE IS INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]
<PAGE> 40

INTRODUCTION
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Hartford Mutual Funds, Inc. is a family of eighteen mutual funds, each with
its own investment strategy and risk/reward profile. This prospectus relates to
the Class A, B and C shares of the Global Communications Fund, Global Financial
Services Fund and U.S. Growth Fund. The U.S. Growth Fund is a diversified fund.
The Global Communications Fund and Global Financial Services Fund are
non-diversified funds, which are sometimes known as "sector funds." Information
on each fund, including risk factors for investing in non-diversified versus
diversified funds, can be found on the pages following this introduction.

The investment manager to each fund is Hartford Investment Financial Services
Company ("HIFSCO"). The day-to-day portfolio management of the funds is provided
by an investment sub-adviser -- Wellington Management Company, LLP ("Wellington
Management"). Information regarding HIFSCO and Wellington Management is included
under "Management of the Funds" in this prospectus.

Mutual funds are not bank deposits and are not insured or guaranteed by the
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. Because
you could lose money by investing in these funds, be sure to read all risk
disclosures carefully before investing.

CONTENTS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
A summary of each fund's goals, The Hartford Global Communications Fund 2
strategies, risks, performance and The Hartford Global Financial Services Fund 4
expenses. The Hartford U.S. Growth Fund 6
Description of other investment Other investment strategies and investment risks 8
strategies and investment risks.
Investment manager and management Management of the funds 10
fee information.
Information on your account. About your account 11
Choosing a share class 11
How sales charges are calculated 11
Sales charge reductions and waivers 12
Opening an account 13
Buying shares 14
Selling shares 15
Selling shares in writing 16
Transaction policies 17
Further information on the funds. Additional share classes 20
Financial highlights 20
For more information back cover
</TABLE>

THE HARTFORD MUTUAL FUNDS, INC. 1
<PAGE> 41

THE HARTFORD GLOBAL COMMUNICATIONS FUND
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

INVESTMENT GOAL. The Hartford Global Communications Fund seeks long-term
capital appreciation.

INVESTMENT STRATEGY. Under normal circumstances, the fund invests at least 80%
of its total assets in equity securities of telecommunications companies
worldwide. The fund takes a broad approach to investing in the
telecommunications industry. It may invest in companies that: manufacture and
distribute telecommunications equipment; companies that provide traditional
local and long-distance telephone service and equipment; companies that provide
cellular, paging and local and wide area product networks or equipment;
companies that provide satellite, microwave and cable television or equipment;
and companies developing new telecommunications technologies.

The fund's investment process focuses on stock selection through fundamental
(qualitative) analysis. Fundamental analysis involves assessment of company-
specific factors such as business environment, management quality, balance
sheet, income statement, revenues, anticipated earnings and other related
measures and indicators of value. Wellington Management uses its in-depth
knowledge of the telecommunications industry to select companies with the
following attributes:

- The current market price of its stock is at the low end of its historical
relative valuation range

- A positive change in operating results is anticipated but not yet
reflected in the price of its stock

- Unrecognized or undervalued assets

- Management that demonstrates that it can convert the above factors into
shareholder value

The fund will consider selling a security when:

- Its target price is achieved

- Expectations of future earnings/returns of its issuer are reduced due to
fundamental changes in the issuer's business prospects

- Equity securities of other comparable issuers in the industry are
available at more attractive prices

The fund's portfolio is heavily concentrated in the telecommunications industry
and not considered diversified. Although the fund does not invest more than 10%
of its total assets in the securities of a single issuer, it often holds
relatively large positions in the securities of particular issuers. Except for
temporary defensive purposes, the fund remains substantially fully invested. The
fund may invest in securities of companies of any size capitalization. Annual
portfolio turnover is expected to be less than 100%.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Equity securities of small or mid-sized companies may be more risky than those
of larger companies. These companies may be young and have more limited
operating or business history. Because these businesses frequently rely on
narrower product lines and niche markets, they can suffer from isolated business
setbacks.

The fund's investments are concentrated in the telecommunications industry. This
means that the fund may have greater market fluctuation and price volatility
than a fund that maintains a more broadly diversified portfolio by investing
across a variety of industries. Financial, business and economic factors
affecting the telecommunications industry are likely to have a substantial
impact on the fund. Because market conditions, interest rates, economic,
regulatory and financial developments are likely to have similar effect on many
companies in the industry, they are likely to have a greater impact on a fund of
this kind than on a broadly diversified fund. Similarly, because the fund may
take larger positions in individual issuers than most mutual funds, it is
subject to greater financial risk.

Fierce competition in many sectors of the telecommunications industry may cause
companies to significantly reduce the prices of their products, which can reduce
the companies' profitability. Should this occur throughout the industry, the
value of the fund's investment portfolio could decline substantially. In
addition, companies in this industry can suffer significant adverse effects from
obsolescence of existing equipment, short product cycles and new market
entrants. Such effects could reduce such companies' profitability and the market
value of their securities. Finally, companies in this industry, particularly
telephone operating companies, are often subject to government regulation of
rates of return and services that can be offered. Overall, the fund's returns
may be more volatile than those of a fund that is not subject to these risk
factors.

Foreign investments may be more risky than domestic investments. Investments in
securities of foreign issuers and non-dollar securities may be affected by
fluctuations in currency exchange rates, incomplete or inaccurate financial
information on companies, social upheavals and political actions ranging from
tax law changes to governmental collapse.

Wellington Management's investment strategy will significantly influence the
fund's performance. If Wellington's strategy for selecting individual securities
does not produce the desired results, the fund could underperform its peers or
lose money.

2 THE HARTFORD MUTUAL FUNDS, INC.
<PAGE> 42

THE HARTFORD GLOBAL COMMUNICATIONS FUND
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SUB-ADVISER
The fund is managed by
Wellington Management using a
team of its global industry
analysts that specialize in the
telecommunications industry.

PAST PERFORMANCE. Because the fund has been in operation
for less than one year no performance history has been
provided.

YOUR EXPENSES. This table describes the fees and expenses
that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the fund.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS A CLASS B CLASS C
<S> <C> <C> <C>
SHAREHOLDER FEES
(fees paid directly from your investment)
Maximum sales charge (load) 5.50% 5.00% 2.00%
Maximum load imposed on purchases as a
percentage of offering price 5.50% None 1.00%
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) None 5.00% 1.00%
Exchange fees None None None
ANNUAL OPERATING EXPENSES
(expenses that are deducted from the fund's
assets)
Management fees 1.00% 1.00% 1.00%
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees(1) 0.35% 1.00% 1.00%
Other expenses 0.41% 0.41% 0.38%
Total operating expenses 1.76% 2.41% 2.38%
Fee waiver 0.11% 0.06% 0.03%
Net expenses(1)(2) 1.65% 2.35% 2.35%
</TABLE>

(1) Although the Rule 12b-1 fee for Class A shares is
0.35% of average net assets, the Fund's distributor
has contractually agreed to reduce the fee to 0.30%
through at least February 28, 2002. This waiver may be
discontinued at any time thereafter.

(2) HIFSCO has contractually agreed to limit the total
operating expenses of the Class A, Class B and Class C
shares of the Fund, exclusive of taxes, interest,
brokerage commissions and extraordinary expenses, to
1.65%, 2.35% and 2.35%, respectively, through at least
February 28, 2002. This policy may be discontinued at
any time thereafter.

EXAMPLE. These examples are intended to help you compare
the cost of investing in the fund with the cost of
investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes that
you invest $10,000 in the fund for the time periods
indicated. The example also assumes that your investment
has a 5% return each year, that the fund's operating
expenses remain the same and that you reinvest all
dividends and distributions. Although your actual costs
may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your
costs would be:

You would pay the following expenses if you redeemed your
shares at the end of each period:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXPENSES (WITH REDEMPTION) CLASS A CLASS B CLASS C
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Year 1 $ 710 $ 741 $ 438
Year 3 $1,068 $1,054 $ 840
Year 5 $1,449 $1,494 $1,368
Year 10 $2,513 $2,767 $2,811
</TABLE>

You would pay the following expenses if you did not redeem
your shares:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXPENSES (WITHOUT REDEMPTION) CLASS A CLASS B CLASS C
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Year 1 $ 710 $ 241 $ 338
Year 3 $1,068 $ 754 $ 840
Year 5 $1,449 $1,294 $1,368
Year 10 $2,513 $2,767 $2,811
</TABLE>

THE HARTFORD MUTUAL FUNDS, INC. 3
<PAGE> 43

THE HARTFORD GLOBAL FINANCIAL SERVICES FUND
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

INVESTMENT GOAL. The Hartford Global Financial Services Fund seeks long-term
capital appreciation.

Because the financial services industry requires large pools of accumulated
capital and stable economic, legal and political institutions, the vast majority
of the world's market value in financial services stocks is located in North
America and western Europe. Therefore the fund invests most of its assets in
companies located in these two geographical regions. Wellington Management uses
its in-depth knowledge of the financial services industry to assess the
competitive situation and consolidation dynamics in each region.

The fund's investment process focuses on stock selection through fundamental
(qualitative) analysis. Fundamental analysis involves the assessment of
company-specific factors such as business environment, management quality,
balance sheet, income statement, revenues, anticipated earnings and other
related measures or indicators of value. Wellington Management uses this
"bottom-up" approach to identify stocks with a favorable risk/reward profile.

A stock is considered to have a strong risk/reward profile if its issuer
exhibits one or more of the following attributes:

- Management focuses on rewarding shareholders

- Market expectations of future earnings are too low

- Market value does not reflect the fact that earnings are understated due
to conservative accounting

- Market value does not reflect the true value of the issuer's component
businesses and there is some reason to believe that this disparity will
not persist

- It is an outstanding company but the stock is available at an average
price because of the market's temporary indifference to quality

- Its strength in a distinct product or geographic area makes it attractive
to potential acquirers

The fund will consider selling a security when:

- Its issuer's management has reverted to traditional attitudes towards
shareholder value

- Market expectations of future earnings are too high

- It can sell the security of an outstanding company at a significant
premium due to the market's temporary overemphasis on quality

- Market value exceeds the true value of the issuer's component businesses

- Market value does not reflect the fact that earnings are overstated due
to aggressive accounting

- Market value does not reflect the risk of potential problems in an
important business component

- Equity securities of other comparable issuers in the industry are
available at more attractive prices

The fund's portfolio is heavily concentrated in the financial services industry
and is not considered diversified. Although the fund does not invest more than
10% of its total assets in the securities of a single issuer, it often holds
relatively large positions in the securities of particular issuers. Except for
temporary defensive purposes, the fund remains substantially fully invested. The
fund may invest in securities of companies of any size capitalization. Annual
portfolio turnover is expected to be less than 100%.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Each sector of the financial services industry is subject to extensive
government regulation which can limit the amounts and types of loans and other
financial commitments that companies can make, the interest rates and fees that
they can charge, and the manner in which they distribute their products.
Profitability can be largely dependent on the availability and cost of capital
and can fluctuate significantly when interest rates change. Credit losses
resulting from financial difficulties of borrowers can negatively affect lending
institutions. Insurance companies can be subject to severe price competition.
The financial services industry generally is undergoing rapid change as existing
distinctions between financial service sectors diminish. For example, recent
mergers have combined insurance, finance and securities brokerage under single
ownership. Likewise, some primarily retail companies have expanded into the
securities brokerage and insurance sectors.

4 THE HARTFORD MUTUAL FUNDS, INC.
<PAGE> 44

THE HARTFORD GLOBAL FINANCIAL SERVICES FUND
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SUB-ADVISER
The fund is managed by
Wellington Management using a
team of its global industry
analysts that specialize in the
financial services industry.

PAST PERFORMANCE. Because the fund has been in operation
for less than one year no performance history has been
provided.

YOUR EXPENSES. This table describes the fees and expenses
that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the fund.

(1) Although the Rule 12b-1 fee for Class A shares is
0.35% of average net assets, the fund's distributor
has contractually agreed to reduce the fee to 0.30%
through at least February 28, 2002. This waiver may be
discontinued at any time thereafter.

(2) HIFSCO has contractually agreed to limit the total
operating expenses of the Class A, Class B and Class C
shares of the fund, exclusive of taxes, interest,
brokerage commissions and extraordinary expenses, to
1.65%, 2.35% and 2.35%, respectively, through at least
February 28, 2002. This policy may be discontinued at
any time thereafter.

EXAMPLE. These examples are intended to help you compare
the cost of investing in the fund with the cost of
investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes that
you invest $10,000 in the fund for the time periods
indicated. The example also assumes that your investment
has a 5% return each year, that the fund's operating
expenses remain the same and that you reinvest all
dividends and distributions. Although your actual costs
may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your
costs would be:

You would pay the following expenses if you redeemed your
shares at the end of each period:

You would pay the following expenses if you did not redeem
your shares:

THE HARTFORD MUTUAL FUNDS, INC. 5
<PAGE> 45

THE HARTFORD U.S. GROWTH FUND
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

INVESTMENT GOAL. The Hartford U.S. Growth Fund seeks maximum long-term capital
appreciation.

INVESTMENT STRATEGY. Under normal circumstances, the fund invests at least 80%
of its total assets in large capitalization and blue chip equity securities
representing all major sectors of the U.S. economy. The fund's holdings
emphasize securities of growth oriented companies with market capitalizations in
excess of $10 billion. The fund may invest up to [20]% of its total assets in
the securities of foreign issuers and non-dollar securities.

Wellington Management uses a two-phase investment strategy. Using what is
sometimes called a "top down" approach, Wellington Management analyzes the
general economic and investment environment by evaluating such things as
economic conditions, U.S. fiscal and monetary policy, demographic trends and
investor sentiment. Through this process Wellington Management tries to
anticipate trends and changes in various markets and in the overall economy to
identify industries and sectors that will outperform the U.S. economy.

The key characteristics of growth companies favored by the fund include:

- Accelerating earnings and earnings per share growth

- A strong balance sheet combined with a high return on equity

- Unrecognized or undervalued assets

- A strong management team

- A leadership position within an industry

The fund will consider selling a security when:

- Confidence in management is lost

- Expectations of future earnings/returns of its issuer are reduced due to
fundamental changes in the issuer's business prospects

- Equity securities of other issuers in the industry are available at more
attractive prices

Annual portfolio turnover is expected to be less than 100%.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The fund's focus on large capitalization growth companies significantly
influences its performance. Large capitalization stocks as a group can fall out
of favor with the market causing the fund to perform more poorly than funds that
focus on medium or small capitalization stocks. Likewise, the securities of
growth oriented companies can fall out of favor with the market with the same
results. An investment in the fund entails substantial market risk.

Wellington Management's strategy of combining top down and bottom up approaches
also has a significant impact on the fund's performance. If the strategy does
not produce the desired results, the fund could underperform its peers or lose
money. In particular, the fund's success in achieving its goal is highly
dependent on Wellington Management's successful reliance on fundamental analysis
of the prospects of particular companies. Therefore, an investment in the fund
also entails significant financial risk related to such companies.

6 THE HARTFORD MUTUAL FUNDS, INC.
<PAGE> 46

THE HARTFORD U.S. GROWTH FUND
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SUB-ADVISER
Wellington Management
PORTFOLIO MANAGER
Andrew J. Shilling
- Vice President of
Wellington Management
- Joined Wellington
Management in 1994
- Investment professional
since 1990

PAST PERFORMANCE. Because the fund has been in operation
for less than one year no performance history has been
provided.

YOUR EXPENSES. This table describes the fees and expenses
that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the fund.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS A CLASS B CLASS C
<S> <C> <C> <C>
SHAREHOLDER FEES
(fees paid directly from your investment)
Maximum sales charge (load) 5.50% 5.00% 2.00%
Maximum load imposed on purchases as a
percentage of offering price 5.50% None 1.00%
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) None 5.00% 1.00%
Exchange fees None None None
ANNUAL OPERATING EXPENSES
(expenses that are deducted from the fund's
assets)
Management fees 0.85% 0.85% 0.85%
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees(1) 0.35% 1.00% 1.00%
Other expenses 0.35% 0.35% 0.32%
Total operating expenses 1.55% 2.20% 2.17%
Fee waiver 0.10% 0.05% 0.02%
Net expenses(1)(2) 1.45% 2.15% 2.15%
</TABLE>

EXAMPLE. These examples are intended to help you compare
the cost of investing in the fund with the cost of
investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes that
you invest $10,000 in the fund for the time periods
indicated. The example also assumes that your investment
has a 5% return each year, that the fund's operating
expenses remain the same and that you reinvest all
dividends and distributions. Although your actual costs
may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your
costs would be:

You would pay the following expenses if you redeemed your
shares at the end of each period:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXPENSES (WITH REDEMPTION) CLASS A CLASS B CLASS C
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Year 1 $ 690 $ 720 $ 418
Year 3 $1,007 $ 990 $ 777
Year 5 $1,345 $1,386 $1,262
Year 10 $2,296 $2,551 $2,597
</TABLE>

You would pay the following expenses if you did not redeem
your shares:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXPENSES (WITHOUT REDEMPTION) CLASS A CLASS B CLASS C
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Year 1 $ 690 $ 220 $ 318
Year 3 $1,007 $ 690 $ 777
Year 5 $1,345 $1,186 $1,262
Year 10 $2,296 $2,551 $2,597
</TABLE>

THE HARTFORD MUTUAL FUNDS, INC. 7
<PAGE> 47

OTHER INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND INVESTMENT RISKS

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

INVESTMENT RISKS GENERALLY

There is no assurance that a fund will achieve its investment objective or
objectives, and investors should not consider any one fund alone to be a
complete investment program. As with all mutual funds, there is a risk that an
investor could lose money by investing in a fund.

The different types of securities, investments, and investment techniques used
by each fund all have attendant risks of varying degrees. For example, with
respect to equity securities, there can be no assurance of capital appreciation
and an investment in any stock is subject to the risk that the stock market as a
whole may decline, thereby depressing the stock's price (market risk), or the
risk that the price of a particular issuer's stock may decline due to its
financial results (financial risk). With respect to debt securities, there
exists the risk that the issuer of a security may not be able to meet its
obligations on interest or principal payments at the time required by the
instrument (credit risk, a type of financial risk). In addition, the value of
debt instruments and other income-bearing securities generally rises and falls
inversely with prevailing current interest rates (interest rate risk, a type of
market risk). As described below, an investment in certain of the funds entails
special additional risks as a result of their ability to invest a substantial
portion of their assets in foreign investments, or securities of issuers in the
same industry.

USE OF MONEY MARKET INVESTMENTS FOR TEMPORARY DEFENSIVE PURPOSES

From time to time, as part of its primary investment strategy, each fund may
invest some or all of its assets in high quality money market securities for
temporary defensive purposes in response to adverse market, economic or
political conditions. To the extent a fund is in a defensive position, the fund
may lose the benefit of upswings and limit its ability to meet its investment
objective.

USE OF OPTIONS, FUTURES AND OTHER DERIVATIVES

Each fund may purchase and sell options, enter into futures contracts or utilize
other derivative contracts and derivative securities with respect to stocks,
bonds, groups of securities (such as financial indices), foreign currencies or
interest rates. These techniques, which are incidental to each fund's primary
strategies, permit a fund to gain exposure to a particular security, group of
securities, interest rate or index, and thereby have the potential to earn
returns that are similar to those which would be earned by direct investments in
those securities or instruments.

These techniques are also used to manage risk by hedging a fund's portfolio
investments. Hedging techniques may not always be available to the funds; and it
may not always be feasible for a fund to use hedging techniques even when they
are available.

Derivatives have risks, however. If the issuer of the derivative instrument does
not pay the amount due, a fund could lose money on the instrument. In addition,
the underlying security or investment on which the derivative is based, and the
derivative itself, may not perform the way the manager expected. As a result,
the use of these techniques may result in losses to a fund or increase
volatility in a fund's performance.

FOREIGN INVESTMENTS

Investments in the securities of foreign issuers or investments in non-dollar
securities involve significant risks that are not typically associated with
investing in U.S. dollar-denominated securities or securities of domestic
issuers. Such investments may be affected by changes in currency rates, changes
in foreign or U.S. laws or restrictions applicable to such investments and in
exchange control regulations. Some foreign stock markets (and other securities
markets) may have substantially less volume than, for example, the New York
Stock Exchange (or other domestic markets) and securities of some foreign
issuers may be less liquid than securities of comparable domestic issuers.
Commissions and dealer mark-ups on transactions in foreign investments may be
higher than for similar transactions in the United States In addition, clearance
and settlement procedures may be different in foreign countries and, in certain
markets, on certain occasions, such procedures have been unable to keep pace
with the volume of securities transactions, thus making it difficult to conduct
such transactions. The inability of a Fund to make intended investments due to
settlement problems could cause it to miss attractive investment opportunities.
Inability to dispose of portfolio securities or other investments due to
settlement problems could result either in losses to a Fund due to subsequent
declines in value of the portfolio investment or, if the Fund has entered into a
contract to sell the investment, could result in possible liability to the
purchaser.

8 THE HARTFORD MUTUAL FUNDS, INC.
<PAGE> 48

THE FINANCIAL SERVICES INDUSTRY

The financial services industry is subject to extensive government regulation,
can be subject to relatively rapid change due to increasingly blurred
distinctions between service segments and can be significantly affected by
availability and cost of capital, changes in interest rates and price
competition. In addition, various segments of this industry are subject to risks
specific to their businesses.

The banking industry will be significantly affected by the recent adoption of
federal legislation that has diminished the separation between commercial and
investment banking businesses and changed the laws governing capitalization and
the savings and loan industry. While providing diversification, this legislation
could expose banks to well-financed competitors, particularly as the historical
distinctions between banks and other financial institutions erode. Increased
competition can also result from the broadening of regional and national
interstate banking powers, which has already reduced the number of publicly
traded banks. In addition, general economic conditions greatly impact banks that
face exposure to credit losses and banks can be significantly affected by
interest rate changes.

The brokerage and investment management industry (and certain segments of the
life insurance industry) is significantly affected by changes in government
regulations, brokerage commission structure, large capital requirements and a
very competitive environment. The performance of companies in the brokerage and
investment management businesses can be closely tied to the performance of the
securities markets and can suffer substantially during market declines. Revenues
can also depend on overall market activity.

The insurance industry can be significantly affected by interest rates, general
economic conditions, and price and marketing competition. Property and casualty
insurance profits can be affected by weather catastrophes and other natural
disasters. Life and health insurance profits can be affected by mortality and
morbidity rates. Insurance companies can be adversely affected by inadequacy of
reserves and cash flows, the inability of reinsurance carriers to pay claims,
liability for coverage of environmental clean-up costs from past years, and as
yet unidentified liabilities. Also, insurance companies are subject to extensive
government regulation, including the imposition of maximum rate levels, and can
be adversely affected by proposed or potential tax law changes. For example,
possible changes in government regulations affecting the health care system
could have a dramatic impact on the health insurance industry in the future.

The residential finance and mortgage industry can be significantly affected by
changes in government regulation, interest rate movements, home mortgage demand,
refinancing activity, and residential delinquency trends. The residential real
estate finance industry has changed rapidly over the last decade. Regulatory
changes at federally insured institutions (in response to high failure rates)
have mandated higher capital ratios and more prudent lending. Reduced capacity
among insured institutions has created growth opportunities for uninsured
companies and secondary market products to fulfill unmet demand for home
finance. Change continues in the origination, packaging, selling, holding and
insuring of home finance products.

ABOUT EACH FUND'S INVESTMENT GOAL

Each fund's investment goal may be changed without approval of the shareholders
of the fund. A fund may not be able to achieve its goal.

TAX CONSEQUENCES OF PORTFOLIO TRADING PRACTICES

At times each fund may engage in short-term trading, which could produce higher
brokerage expenses for a fund and higher taxable distributions to the fund's
shareholders. The funds are not managed to achieve a particular tax result for
shareholders. Shareholders should consult their own tax adviser for individual
tax advice.

ADDITIONAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RISKS

Each fund may invest in various securities and engage in various investment
techniques which are not the principal focus of the fund and therefore are not
described in this prospectus. These securities and techniques, together with
their risks are discussed in the funds' Statement of Additional Information
which may be obtained free of charge by contacting the fund (see back cover for
address and phone number).

THE HARTFORD MUTUAL FUNDS, INC. 9
<PAGE> 49

TERMS USED IN THIS PROSPECTUS

Equity Securities: Equity Securities include common stock, preferred stock,
securities convertible into common stock and warrants or rights to acquire
common stock.

Non-Dollar Securities: Securities denominated or quoted in foreign currency or
paying income in foreign currency.

MANAGEMENT OF THE FUNDS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

THE INVESTMENT MANAGER

Hartford Investment Financial Services Company ("HIFSCO") is the investment
manager to each fund. HIFSCO is a wholly-owned indirect subsidiary of The
Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. ("The Hartford"), a Connecticut
financial services company with over $165 billion in assets. As of December 31,
1999 HIFSCO had over $6 billion in assets under management. HIFSCO is
responsible for the management of each fund and supervises the activities of the
investment sub-adviser described below. HIFSCO is principally located at 200
Hopmeadow Street, Simsbury, Connecticut 06089.

THE INVESTMENT SUB-ADVISER

Wellington Management Company, LLP ("Wellington Management") is the investment
sub-adviser to the Global Communications Fund, Global Financial Services Fund
and U.S. Growth Fund. Wellington Management, a Massachusetts limited liability
partnership, is a professional investment counseling firm that provides services
to investment companies, employee benefit plans, endowments, foundations and
other institutions and individuals. Wellington Management and its predecessor
organizations have provided investment advisory services since 1928. As of
December 31, 1999 Wellington Management had investment management authority over
approximately $235 billion in assets. Wellington Management is principally
located at 75 State Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109.

MANAGEMENT FEES

Each fund pays a monthly management fee to HIFSCO based on a stated percentage
of the fund's average daily net asset value as follows:

U.S. GROWTH FUND

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NET ASSET VALUE ANNUAL RATE
--------------- -----------
<S> <C>
First $500,000,000 0.85%
Next $500,000,000 0.75%
Amount Over $1 Billion 0.70%
</TABLE>

GLOBAL COMMUNICATIONS FUND AND GLOBAL FINANCIAL SERVICES FUND

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NET ASSET VALUE ANNUAL RATE
--------------- -----------
<S> <C>
First $500,000,000 1.00%
Next $500,000,000 0.95%
Amount Over $1 Billion 0.90%
</TABLE>

10 THE HARTFORD MUTUAL FUNDS, INC.
<PAGE> 50

ABOUT YOUR ACCOUNT
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CHOOSING A SHARE CLASS

CLASS A

- Front-end sales charges, as described at right.

- Distribution and service (12b-1) fees of 0.35% (currently 0.30% due to
contractual waiver by the distributor through at least April 30, 2001).

CLASS B

- No front-end sales charge; all your money goes to work for you right away.

- Distribution and service (12b-1) fees of 1.00%.

- A deferred sales charge, as described on the following page.

- Automatic conversion to Class A shares after eight years, thus reducing future
annual expenses.

CLASS C

- 1% front-end sales charge.

- Distribution and service (12b-1) fees of 1.00%.

- A 1.00% contingent deferred sales charge on shares sold within one year of
purchase.

- No automatic conversion to Class A shares, so annual expenses continue at the
Class C level throughout the life of your investment.
HOW SALES CHARGES ARE CALCULATED

CLASS A sales charges and commissions paid to dealers for the Global
Communications Fund, Global Financial Services Fund and U.S. Growth Fund are
listed below. The offering price includes the front end sales load.

THE HARTFORD MUTUAL FUNDS, INC. 11
<PAGE> 51

the shares being sold, whichever is less. The CDSCs are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEARS AFTER
PURCHASE CDSC
<S> <C>
1st year 5.00%
2nd year 4.00%
3rd year 3.00%
4th year 3.00%
5th year 2.00%
6th year 1.00%
After 6 years None
</TABLE>

CLASS C sales charges for all funds, regardless of the amount that is being
purchased are as follows:

<S> <C> <C>
FRONT-END SALES CHARGE

<CAPTION>
DEALER
COMMISSION
AS A % OF AS A % OF AS PERCENTAGE
OFFERING NET OF OFFERING
PRICE INVESTMENT PRICE
<S> <C> <C>
1.01%
1.00% 1.00%
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEARS AFTER
PURCHASE CDSC
<S> <C>
1st year 1.00%
After 1 year None
</TABLE>

SALES CHARGE REDUCTIONS AND WAIVERS

- LETTER OF INTENTION -- lets you purchase Class A shares of a fund over a
13-month period and receive the same sales charge as if all shares had been
purchased at once.

- COMBINATION PRIVILEGE -- lets you combine Class A shares of multiple funds for
purposes of calculating the sales charge.

CDSC WAIVERS As long as the transfer agent is notified at the time you sell,
the CDSC for each share class will generally be waived in the following cases:

- to make Systematic Withdrawal Plan payments that are limited annually to no
more than 12% of the value of the account at the time the plan is initiated,

- because of shareholder death or disability,

- because of the death or disability of the grantor of a living trust,

- under reorganization, liquidation, merger or acquisition transactions
involving other investment companies, and

- for retirement plans under the following circumstances:

(1) to return excess contributions,

(2) hardship withdrawals as defined in the plan,

(3) under a Qualified Domestic Relations Order as defined in the Internal
Revenue Code,

(4) to meet minimum distribution requirements under the Internal Revenue
Code,

(5) to make "substantially equal payments" as described in Section 72(t) of
the Internal Revenue Code, and

(6) after separation from service.

12 THE HARTFORD MUTUAL FUNDS, INC.
<PAGE> 52

WAIVERS FOR CERTAIN INVESTORS Class A shares may be offered without front-end
sales charges to the following individuals and institutions:

- selling brokers and their employees and sales representatives,

- financial representatives utilizing fund shares in fee-based investment
products under a signed agreement with the funds,

- present or former officers, directors and employees (and their families) of
the funds, The Hartford, Wellington Management, the transfer agent, and their
affiliates,

- participants in retirement plans where Hartford Life Insurance Company or an
affiliate is the plan administrator, and

The 1% CDSCs indicated above also may be waived where the distributor does not
compensate the broker for the sale.

CLASS C shares may be purchased without a front-end sales charge when purchased
through a broker-dealer that has entered into an agreement with the distributor
to waive this charge.

OPENING AN ACCOUNT

NOTE FOR RETIREMENT PLAN PARTICIPANTS AND INVESTORS WHOSE SHARES ARE HELD BY
FINANCIAL REPRESENTATIVES.

1 Read this prospectus carefully.

2 Determine how much you want to invest. The minimum initial investment for each
fund is as follows:

- non-retirement accounts: $500

- retirement accounts: $250

- Automatic Investment Plans $25 to open; you must invest at least $25 a
month

- subsequent investments: $25

Minimum investment amounts may be waived for present or former officers,
directors and employees and their families of The Hartford, Wellington
Management and their affiliates.

4 Make your initial investment selection. You, your financial representative or

plan administrator can initiate any purchase, exchange or sale of shares.

THE HARTFORD MUTUAL FUNDS, INC. 13
<PAGE> 53

BUYING SHARES

<TABLE>
<C> <C> <S> <C> <C>
OPENING AN ACCOUNT ADDING TO AN ACCOUNT

BY CHECK
- Make out a check for the investment amount, - Make out a check for the investment amount,
CHECK ICON payable to "The Hartford Mutual Funds, Inc." payable to "The Hartford Mutual Funds, Inc."
- Deliver the check and your completed - Fill out the detachable investment slip from
application to your financial representative, an account statement. If no slip is available,
plan administrator or mail to the address include a note specifying the fund name, your
listed below. share class, your account number and the
name(s) in which the account is registered.
- Deliver the check and your investment slip or
note to your financial representative, plan
administrator or mail to the address listed
below.
BY EXCHANGE
- Call your financial representative, plan - Call your financial representative, plan
EXCHANGE ICON administrator or the transfer agent at the administrator or the transfer agent at the
number below to request an exchange. The number below to request an exchange. The
minimum exchange amount is $500 per fund. minimum exchange amount is $500 per fund.
BY WIRE
- Deliver your completed application to your - Instruct your bank to wire the amount of your
WIRE ICON financial representative, or mail it to the investment to:
address below. State Street Bank and Trust Company
Account # 9905-205-2
- Obtain your account number by calling your Routing # 011000028
financial representative or the phone number
below. Specify the fund name, your choice of share
class, the new account number and the name(s)
- Instruct your bank to wire the amount of your in which the account is registered. Your bank
investment to: may charge a fee to wire funds.
State Street Bank and Trust Company
Account # 9905-205-2
Routing # 011000028
Specify the fund name, your share class, your
account number and the name(s) in which the
account is registered. Your bank may charge a
fee to wire funds.
BY PHONE
- See "By Wire" and "By Exchange" - Verify that your bank or credit union is a
PHONE ICON member of the Automated Clearing House (ACH)
system.
-
Complete the "Telephone Exchanges and
Telephone Redemption" and "Bank Account or
Credit Union Information" sections on your
account application.
- Call the transfer agent at the number below to
verify that these features are in place on
your account.
- Tell the transfer agent representative the
fund name, your share class, your account
number, the name(s) in which the account is
registered and the amount of your investment.
To open or add to an account using the Automatic Investment Plan,
see "Additional Investor Services".
</TABLE>

14 THE HARTFORD MUTUAL FUNDS, INC.
<PAGE> 54

SELLING SHARES

BY LETTER

BY PHONE

- Restricted to sales of up to $50,000 in any 7-day period.
PHONE ICON
- To place your order with a representative, call the transfer
agent at the number below between 8 A.M. and 6 P.M. Eastern
Time on most business days. Generally, orders received after
- 4 P.M. Eastern Time will receive the next business day's
offering price.
For automated service 24 hours a day using your touch-tone
phone, call the number below.

BY WIRE OR ELECTRONIC FUNDS TRANSFER (EFT)

- Fill out the "Telephone Exchanges and Telephone Redemption"
WIRE ICON and "Bank Account or Credit Union Information" sections of
your new account application.
-
Call the transfer agent to verify that the telephone
redemption privilege is in place on an account, or to
- request the forms to add it to an existing account.
Amounts of $1,000 or more will be wired on the next business
day. Your bank may charge a fee for this service.
- Amounts of less than $1,000 may be sent by EFT or by check.
Funds from EFT transactions are generally available by the
second business day. Your bank may charge a fee for this
service.
- Phone requests are limited to amounts up to $50,000 in a
7-day period.

BY EXCHANGE

- Obtain a current prospectus for the fund into which you are
ARROW ICON exchanging by calling your financial representative or the
transfer agent at the number below.
-
Call your financial representative or the transfer agent to
request an exchange.

BY CHECK -- APPLIES TO MONEY MARKET FUND (CLASS A SHARES ONLY)

To sell shares through a systematic withdrawal plan, see "Additional Investor
Services".
</TABLE>

THE HARTFORD MUTUAL FUNDS, INC. 15
<PAGE> 55

SELLING SHARES IN WRITING

- Letter of instruction signed by surviving tenant.
- Copy of death certificate.
- Signature guarantee if applicable (see above).
EXECUTORS OF SHAREHOLDER ESTATES.

- Call 1-888-843-7824 for instructions.
</TABLE>

16 THE HARTFORD MUTUAL FUNDS, INC.
<PAGE> 56

TRANSACTION POLICIES
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

VALUATION OF SHARES

The net asset value per share (NAV) for each fund and class is determined each
business day at the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange
("NYSE") (typically 4 p.m. Eastern Time). The funds use market prices in valuing
portfolio securities, but may use fair-value estimates, as determined by HIFSCO
under the direction of the Board of Directors, if reliable market prices are
unavailable. Fair value pricing may be used by a fund when current market values
are unavailable or when an event occurs after the close of the exchange on which
the fund's portfolio securities are principally traded that is likely to have
changed the value of the securities. The use of fair value pricing by a fund may
cause the net asset value of its shares to differ significantly from the net
asset value that would be calculated using current market values. Debt
securities with remaining maturities of 60 days or less are valued at amortized
cost.

Trading on many foreign securities markets is completed at various times before
or after the close of the NYSE or on days the NYSE is not open for business.
Consequently, the calculation of a fund's NAV may take place at a time that is
different than when prices are determined for certain securities of foreign
issuers and non-dollar securities. As a result, events affecting the values of
foreign portfolio securities that occur after the close of the NYSE will not be
reflected in a fund's calculation of NAV.

BUY AND SELL PRICES

When you buy shares, you pay the NAV plus any applicable sales charges. When you
sell shares, you receive the NAV less any applicable sales charges.

EXECUTION OF REQUESTS

Each fund is open on those days when the New York Stock Exchange is open,
typically Monday through Friday. Buy and sell requests are executed at the next
NAV to be calculated after your request is received, if your order is complete
(has all required information), by the transfer agent or authorized
broker-dealers and third-party administrators.

At times of peak activity, it may be difficult to place requests by phone.
During these times, consider sending your request in writing.

In unusual circumstances, any fund may temporarily suspend the processing of
sell requests, or may postpone payment of redemption proceeds for up to three
business days or longer, as allowed by federal securities laws.
TELEPHONE TRANSACTIONS

EXCHANGES

You may exchange shares of one fund for shares of the same class of any other.
The registration for both accounts involved must be identical. You may be
subject to tax liability or sales charges as a result of your exchange.

RIGHT TO REJECT PURCHASE ORDERS/ MARKET TIMING

Purchases and exchanges should be made for investment purposes only. The Funds
reserve the right to reject or restrict any specific purchase request or to
modify or terminate your exchange privileges if a fund determines that you
exchange shares more than twice out of the same fund in a 90-day period
(excluding automatic programs).

CERTIFICATED SHARES

Shares are electronically recorded and therefore share certificates are not
issued.

SMALL ACCOUNTS (NON-RETIREMENT ONLY)

SALES IN ADVANCE OF PURCHASE PAYMENTS

THE HARTFORD MUTUAL FUNDS, INC. 17
<PAGE> 57

SPECIAL REDEMPTIONS

Although it would not normally do so, each fund has the right to pay the
redemption price of shares of the fund in whole or in part in portfolio
securities. When the shareholder sells portfolio securities received in this
fashion, he would incur a brokerage charge. Any such securities would be valued
for the purposes of making such payment at the same value as used in determining
net asset value. The funds, however, always redeem shares solely in cash up to
the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of the net asset value of the applicable fund
during any 90 day period for any one account.

PAYMENT REQUIREMENTS

If your check does not clear, your purchase will be canceled and you will be
liable for any losses or fees that the funds or HIFSCO has incurred.

Certain broker-dealers and financial institutions may enter confirmed purchase
orders with the funds on behalf of customers, by phone or other electronic
means, with payment to follow within the customary settlement period (generally
within three business days). If payment is not received by that time, the order
will be canceled and the broker-dealer or financial institution will be held
liable for the resulting fees or losses.
DIVIDENDS AND ACCOUNT POLICIES

ACCOUNT STATEMENTS In general, you will receive account statements as follows:

- after every transaction (except a dividend or distribution reinvestment) that
affects your account balances
- after any changes of name or address of the registered owner(s)

- in all other circumstances, every quarter

Every year you should also receive, if applicable, a Form 1099 tax information
statement.

If you are a participant in an employer-sponsored retirement plan you will
receive statements from your plan administrator.

DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS Each fund intends to distribute substantially all
of its net income and capital gains to shareholders at least once a year.
Normally, dividends from net investment income of the Global Communications
Fund, Global Financial Services Fund, and U.S. Growth Fund will be declared and
paid annually. Unless shareholders specify otherwise, all dividends and
distributions will be automatically reinvested in additional full or fractional
shares of each fund.

TAXABILITY OF DIVIDENDS Dividends and distributions you receive from a fund,
whether reinvested or taken as cash, are generally considered taxable.
Distributions from a fund's long-term capital gains are taxable as capital
gains; distributions from short-term capital gains and income are generally
taxable as ordinary income. Some dividends paid in January may be taxable as if
they had been paid the previous December. Tax rates may vary depending on how
long a fund investment is held. See your application for distribution options.

The Form 1099 that is mailed to you every January details your dividends and
distributions and their federal tax category, although you should verify your
tax liability with your tax professional.

AUTOMATIC INVESTMENT PLAN (AIP) lets you set up regular investments from your
paycheck or bank account to the fund(s) of your choice. You determine the
frequency and amount of your investments, and you can terminate your program at
any time. To establish:

- Complete the appropriate parts of your account application.

18 THE HARTFORD MUTUAL FUNDS, INC.
<PAGE> 58

SYSTEMATIC WITHDRAWAL PLAN This plan may be used for routine bill payments or
periodic withdrawals from your account. To establish:

- Make sure you have at least $5,000 worth of shares in your account and that
the amount per transaction is $50 or more per fund.

- Make sure you are not planning to invest more money in this account (buying
shares during a period when you are also selling shares of the same fund is
not advantageous to you, because of sales charges).

- Determine the schedule: monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, annually or in
certain selected months.

- FILL OUT THE RELEVANT PART OF THE ACCOUNT APPLICATION. To add a systematic
withdrawal plan to an existing account, contact your financial representative
or the transfer agent.

DOLLAR COST AVERAGING PROGRAMS (DCA) let you set up monthly or quarterly
exchanges from one fund to the same class of shares of another fund. To
establish:

- Fill out the relevant part of the account application.

- Be sure that the amount is for $100 or more.

- Be sure that the accounts involved have identical registrations.

AUTOMATIC DIVIDEND DIVERSIFICATION (ADD) lets you automatically reinvest
dividends and capital gains distributions paid by one fund into the same class
of another fund. To establish:

- Fill out the relevant portion of the account application.

- Be sure that the accounts involved have identical registrations.

THE HARTFORD MUTUAL FUNDS, INC. 19
<PAGE> 59

ADDITIONAL SHARE CLASSES
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Systematic Withdrawal Plan, Dollar Cost Averaging Plan, Automatic Dividend
Diversification Plan and Automatic Investment Plan are not available for Class Y
shares.

If you are considering a purchase of Class Y shares of a fund, please call the
Transfer Agent at 1-888-843-7824 to obtain information about eligibility.

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

The Global Communications Fund, Global Financial Services Fund and U.S. Growth
Fund began operations on October , 2000. As a result, they have no financial
history for prior fiscal years.

20 THE HARTFORD MUTUAL FUNDS, INC.
<PAGE> 60

FOR MORE INFORMATION
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Two documents are available that offer further information on the funds:

ANNUAL/SEMIANNUAL REPORT
TO SHAREHOLDERS

Additional information on each fund is contained in the financial statements and
portfolio holdings in the fund's annual and semi-annual report. In the fund's
annual report you will also find a discussion of the market conditions and
investment strategies that significantly affected performance during the last
fiscal year, and the auditor's report.

STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
(SAI)

The SAI contains more detailed information on all aspects of the funds.

A current SAI and annual report have been filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission and are incorporated by reference into (which means they are legally
a part of) this prospectus.

To request a free copy of the current annual/semiannual report and/or the SAI or
for shareholder inquiries, please contact the funds at:

BY MAIL:

The Hartford Mutual Funds, Inc.
P.O. Box 219054
Kansas City, MO 64121-9054

BY PHONE:

1-888-843-7824

ON THE INTERNET:

invest.hartfordlife.com

Or you may view or obtain these documents from the SEC:

IN PERSON:

at the SEC's Public Reference Room in Washington, DC

Information on the operation of the SEC's public reference room may be obtained
by calling 1-202-942-8090.

BY MAIL:

Public Reference Section
Securities and Exchange Commission
Washington, DC 20549-6009
(duplicating fee required)

ON THE INTERNET OR BY E-MAIL:

Internet: www.sec.gov

E-Mail: [email protected]

Requests which are made by e-mail require the payment of a duplicating fee to
the SEC to obtain a document.
SEC FILE NUMBER: 811-07589
<PAGE> 61

THE HARTFORD MUTUAL FUNDS, INC.

CLASS Y SHARES

PROSPECTUS

OCTOBER 31, 2000

THE HARTFORD MUTUAL FUNDS, INC.
P.O. BOX 219054
KANSAS CITY, MO 64121-9054
<PAGE> 62

[THIS PAGE IS INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]
<PAGE> 63

INTRODUCTION
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Hartford Mutual Funds, Inc. is a family of eighteen mutual funds, each with
its own investment strategy and risk/reward profile. This prospectus relates to
the Class Y shares of the Global Communications Fund, Global Financial Services
Fund and U.S. Growth Fund. The U.S. Growth Fund is a diversified fund. The
Global Communications Fund and Global Financial Services Fund are
non-diversified funds, which are sometimes known as "sector funds." Information
on each fund, including risk factors for investing in non-diversified versus
diversified funds, can be found on the pages following this introduction.

Mutual funds are not bank deposits and are not insured or guaranteed by the
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. Because
you could lose money by investing in these funds, be sure to read all risk
disclosures carefully before investing.

CONTENTS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Description of other investment Other investment strategies and investment risks 8
strategies and investment risks.

Investment manager and management Management of the funds 11
fee information.

Information on your About your account 12
account. Class Y investor requirements 12
Opening an account 12
Buying shares 13
Selling shares 14
Selling shares in writing 14
Transaction policies 15

Further information on the funds. Additional share classes 17
Financial highlights 17
For more information back cover
</TABLE>

THE HARTFORD MUTUAL FUNDS, INC. 1
<PAGE> 64

THE HARTFORD GLOBAL COMMUNICATIONS FUND
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

INVESTMENT GOAL. The Hartford Global Communications Fund seeks long-term
capital appreciation.

- The current market price of its stock is at the low end of its historical
relative valuation range

- A positive change in operating results is anticipated but not yet
reflected in the price of its stock

- Unrecognized or undervalued assets

- Management that demonstrates that it can convert the above factors into
shareholder value

The fund will consider selling a security when:

- Its target price is achieved

- Expectations of future earnings/returns of its issuer are reduced due to
fundamental changes in the issuer's business prospects

- Equity securities of other comparable issuers in the industry are
available at more attractive prices

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Wellington Management's investment strategy will significantly influence the
fund's performance. If the Wellington's strategy for selecting individual
securities does not produce the desired results, the fund could underperform its
peers or lose money.

2 THE HARTFORD MUTUAL FUNDS, INC.
<PAGE> 65

THE HARTFORD GLOBAL COMMUNICATIONS FUND
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SUB-ADVISER
The fund is managed by
Wellington Management using a
team of its global industry
analysts that specialize in the
telecommunications industry.

PAST PERFORMANCE. Because the fund has been in operation
for less than one year no performance history has been
provided.

YOUR EXPENSES. This table describes the fees and expenses
that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the fund.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS Y
<S> <C>
SHAREHOLDER FEES
(fees paid directly from your investment)
Maximum sales charge (load) as a percentage of offering
price None
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) None
Exchange fees None
ANNUAL OPERATING EXPENSES
(expenses that are deducted from the fund's assets)
Management fees 1.00%
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees None
Other expenses 0.24%
Total operating expenses 1.24%
Fee waiver 0.04%
Net expenses(1) 1.20%
</TABLE>

(1) HIFSCO has contractually agreed to limit the total
operating expenses of the fund, exclusive of taxes,
interest, brokerage commissions and extraordinary
expenses, to not more than 1.00% through at least
February 28, 2002. This policy may be discontinued at
any time thereafter.

EXAMPLE. These examples are intended to help you compare
the cost of investing in the fund with the cost of
investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes that
you invest $10,000 in the fund for the time periods
indicated. The example also assumes that your investment
has a 5% return each year, that the fund's operating
expenses remain the same and that you reinvest all
dividends and distributions. Although your actual costs
may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your
costs would be:

You would pay the following expenses if you redeemed your
shares at the end of each period:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXPENSES (WITH OR WITHOUT REDEMPTION) CLASS Y
<S> <C>
Year 1 $ 123
Year 3 $ 392
Year 5 $ 681
Year 10 $1,503
</TABLE>

THE HARTFORD MUTUAL FUNDS, INC. 3
<PAGE> 66

THE HARTFORD GLOBAL FINANCIAL SERVICES FUND
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

INVESTMENT GOAL. The Hartford Global Financial Services Fund seeks long-term
capital appreciation.

INVESTMENT STRATEGY. Under normal circumstances, the fund invests at least 80%
of its total assets in equity securities of financial services companies
worldwide. The fund takes a broad approach to investing in the financial
services industry. It may invest in banks, savings and loan associations (and
other thrifts), mortgage banking companies, insurance companies, securities
brokers, asset management companies, leasing companies and consumer and
industrial finance companies.
Because the financial services industry requires large pools of accumulated
capital and stable economic, legal and political institutions, the vast majority
of the world's market value in financial services stocks is located in North
America and western Europe. Therefore the fund invests most of its assets in
companies located in these two geographical regions. Wellington Management uses
its in-depth knowledge of the financial services industry to assess the
competitive situation and consolidation dynamics in each region.
The fund's investment process focuses on stock selection through fundamental
(qualitative) analysis. Fundamental analysis involves the assessment of
company-specific factors such as business environment, management quality,
balance sheet, income statement, revenues, anticipated earnings and other
related measures or indicators of value. Wellington Management uses this
"bottom-up" approach to identify stocks with a favorable risk/reward profile.
A stock is considered to have a strong risk/reward profile if its issuer
exhibits one or more of the following attributes:

- Management focuses on rewarding shareholders

- Market expectations of future earnings are too low

- Market value does not reflect the fact that earnings are understated due
to conservative accounting

- Market value does not reflect the true value of the issuer's component
businesses and there is some reason to believe that this disparity will
not persist

- It is an outstanding company but the stock is available at an average
price because of the market's temporary indifference to quality

- Its strength in a distinct product or geographic area makes it attractive
to potential acquirers
The fund will consider selling a security when:

- Its issuer's management has reverted to traditional attitudes towards
shareholder value

- Market expectations of future earnings are too high

- It can sell the security of an outstanding company at a significant
premium due to the market's temporary overemphasis on quality

- Market value exceeds the true value of the issuer's component businesses

- Market value does not reflect the fact that earnings are overstated due
to aggressive accounting

- Market value does not reflect the risk of potential problems in an
important business component

- Equity securities of other comparable issuers in the industry are
available at more attractive prices
The fund's portfolio is heavily concentrated in the financial services industry
and is not considered diversified. Although the fund does not invest more than
10% of its total assets in the securities of a single issuer, it often holds
relatively large positions in the securities of particular issuers. Except for
temporary defensive purposes, the fund remains substantially fully invested. The
fund may invest in securities of companies of any size capitalization. Annual
portfolio turnover is expected to be less than 100%.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MAIN RISKS. As with most equity funds, the value of your investment in the fund
may go down in response to overall stock market movements and trends. Because
the fund may invest in small, medium and large companies, its performance may be
more volatile than that of a fund that invests primarily in larger companies.
You could lose money as a result of your investment.
Equity securities of small or mid-sized companies may be more risky than those
of larger companies. These companies may be young and have more limited
operating or business history. Because these businesses frequently rely on
narrower product lines and niche markets, they can suffer from isolated business
setbacks.
The fund's investments are concentrated in the financial services industry. This
means that the fund may have greater market fluctuation and price volatility
than a fund that maintains a more broadly diversified portfolio by investing
across a variety of industries. Financial, business and economic factors
affecting the financial services industry are likely to have a substantial
impact on the fund. Because market conditions, interest rates, economic,
regulatory and financial developments are likely to have similar effect on many
companies in the industry, they are likely to have a greater impact on a fund of
this kind than on a broadly diversified fund. Similarly, because the Fund may
take larger positions in individual issuers than most mutual funds, it is
subject to greater financial risk.
Each sector of the financial services industry is subject to extensive
government regulation which can limit the amounts and types of loans and other
financial commitments that companies can make, the interest rates and fees that
they can charge, and the manner in which they distribute their products.
Profitability can be largely dependent on the availability and cost of capital
and can fluctuate significantly when interest rates change. Credit losses
resulting from financial difficulties of borrowers can negatively affect lending
institutions. Insurance companies can be subject to severe price competition.
The financial services industry generally is undergoing rapid change as existing
distinctions between financial service sectors diminish. For example, recent
mergers have combined insurance, finance and securities brokerage under single
ownership. Likewise, some primarily retail companies have expanded into the
securities brokerage and insurance sectors.
Foreign investments may be more risky than domestic investments. Investments in
securities of foreign issuers and non-dollar securities may be affected by
fluctuations in currency exchange rates, incomplete or inaccurate financial
information on companies, social upheavals and political actions ranging from
tax law changes to governmental collapse.
Wellington Management's management strategy will significantly influence the
fund's performance. If the Wellington's strategy for selecting individual
securities does not produce the desired results, the fund could underperform its
peers or lose money.

4 THE HARTFORD MUTUAL FUNDS, INC.
<PAGE> 67