daoldiges I'd done some homework prior to seeing what many consider Leo McCary's best film (himself included) and have to say I was rather disappointed. Yes, the story is timeless and for audiences seeing 50 years in the future it will still be relevant. I don't think that in itself is a mark of quality. As for the performances I feel as though Bondi is trying a bit too hard here and it feels a bit contrived to me. It wasn't as though I didn't feel anything towards the films conclusion, its just that I kind of feel it wasn't earned.

sly311 Watched it again this morning, although by chance--TCM had no 'description available' so had I not recognized the film I might have passed it by. Every time I watch I am saddened by the shallowness and callousness of the adult children who can't seem to get over their own 'importance' to lend a hand to their aging parents who at the sunset of their lives are in a real bind. The ending breaks my heart each time I see it. Great movie. Still relevant and still has a lesson to teach whether it be playing bridge or iPhoning. Self-centeredness crosses all time and barriers. Beautiful acting and story line. Who stays together for 50 years anymore?

charlywiles I'd heard of this film for years and always wanted to see it. I got my chance on TCM tonight and I wasn't disappointed. What a wonderful, heartbreaking little film. It's definitely a tearjerker, but the film is also filled with delightful humor, especially in the scene where the doctor calls on Victor Moore. Come to think of it, I was laughing so hard that I found myself crying during this scene as well. Both Moore and Beulah Bondi are a delight as the elderly couple and their scenes together at the end, at the hotel, are perfection. Another highlight is the scene where Thomas Mitchell must tell his mother (Bondi) that they may have to put her in a home and she turns the tables on him by making him think it was her idea. It's just wonderfully and touchingly acted by two terrific performers playing mother and son. The script, direction and fine acting from the cast all come together to make this picture a gem that is still relevant today. Be sure to catch this movie if you can - you'll be glad that you did.

Jackson Booth-Millard This black and white film is one I found listed in the book 1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die, it had good ratings and was obviously included in this reference, I hoped for something good, directed by Loe McCarey (Duck Soup, The Awful Truth, An Affair to Remember). Basically elderly couple Barkley "Bark" (Victor Moore) and Lucy Cooper (Beulah Bondi) lose their home after the bank forecloses on the mortgage, they now need a place to live, and they turn to their five adult children. However none of the children will take both them in and they are forced to live separately, this arrangement was supposed to be temporary for three months or until something more permanent can be arranged by the children. Lucy, aka "Ma", goes to live with her son George (Thomas Mitchell), but she always seems to in the way of him and especially his wife Anita Cooper (Fay Bainter) when she is trying to teach her bridge class. Barkley, aka "Pa", goes to live with his daughter Cora Payne (Elisabeth Risdon), but she obviously resents his very presence and arranges for him to go and live with another of his children in California. While all this is going on Lucy and Barkley do their best to maintain their dignity, in the end the couple are parted when Barkley leaves to find a job in California, he says he will send for Lucy, each make a heartfelt statement and reaffirm their lifelong love, but it seems this is almost certainly their final moment together as the train departs. Also starring Porter Hall as Harvey Chase, Barbara Read as Rhoda Cooper and Maurice Moscovitch as Max Rubens. The leading stars as the old and retired married couple who are chucked out their home and slowly broken up are likable, you believe their affection for each other with dances together and stuff, I have to admit I did find myself laughing all that much, there is supposed to be lightness with the sad stuff going on, it is certainly more tearjerking than funny, but that's not a bad thing, I didn't fully get into perhaps, but it is a worthwhile enough comedy drama. Good!