We all have our favorite actors and actresses. But it isn't that I am a huge fan of Ethel Barrymore. It's just that it seems as if she can do no wrong. I know. That's silly. But despite the quality of the script, Barrymore was always a joy to watch.
And make no mistake. The depiction about how college students behave is pretty low quality. Because of this part of the film, it would be easy to dismiss this film. But on the other hand, I always give films a few extra points when they are somewhat unique. And make no mistake...this film is unique.
The cast is interesting. Aside from Ethel Barrymore, the other primary oldster is Cecil Kellaway, who has a key role, but not a very impressive one. Carolyn Jones is Caroln Jones...and oddball actress in an oddball role. The reincarnated (?) son/college student is played by Stuart Whitman; I've never been very impressed with him...and still am not. Jesse White would seem more at home in a Maytag commercial instead of a college. Edd Byrnes (Kookie, Kookie, lend me your comb) has a small role. Jack Larson is one of the college students; sadly he was typecast in his Jimmy Olsen role from the "Superman" series; in the right kind of role (and this is one) he was pretty decent.
The ending isn't a happy one, but rather a sentimental one.
I doubt this will be a favorite movie of many, but it is so different that it is worth watching...at least once...if for no other reason that to see for one last time (it was her last film) Ethel Barrymore.
And make no mistake. The depiction about how college students behave is pretty low quality. Because of this part of the film, it would be easy to dismiss this film. But on the other hand, I always give films a few extra points when they are somewhat unique. And make no mistake...this film is unique.
The cast is interesting. Aside from Ethel Barrymore, the other primary oldster is Cecil Kellaway, who has a key role, but not a very impressive one. Carolyn Jones is Caroln Jones...and oddball actress in an oddball role. The reincarnated (?) son/college student is played by Stuart Whitman; I've never been very impressed with him...and still am not. Jesse White would seem more at home in a Maytag commercial instead of a college. Edd Byrnes (Kookie, Kookie, lend me your comb) has a small role. Jack Larson is one of the college students; sadly he was typecast in his Jimmy Olsen role from the "Superman" series; in the right kind of role (and this is one) he was pretty decent.
The ending isn't a happy one, but rather a sentimental one.
I doubt this will be a favorite movie of many, but it is so different that it is worth watching...at least once...if for no other reason that to see for one last time (it was her last film) Ethel Barrymore.