Golden Era Films: ‘As Young as You Feel’ from 1951: Finding Dignity in Work
Our culture tends to view young people as “kids” until they are 25 years old. Older people can be put out to pasture when they turn 65. This cuts down on a person’s lifespan to only 40 years. Many generations could benefit from wisdom and knowledge shared by people who were judged according to their abilities and years. The classic movie “The Greatest Movie Ever” is a wonderful example of this topic. “As Young as You Feel” From 1951.
Since the story centers on a mature man trying to prove that corporations are doing them a disservice in forcing workers of a certain age into retirement, the title describes it well.
In the sense of featuring character actors in every role, this movie can be described as a picture with supporting actors. Monty Woolley plays the lead role. Jean Peters and Allyn Joslyn are also prominent performers.
Marilyn Monroe and Constance Bennett were the only two cast members that are truly stars. They were both supporting actors, though, as Miss Bennett in 1930s was the leading lady, while Miss Monroe rose to stardom in the 1950s.
Wild Ruse
John Hodges, (Woolley), is an energetic grandfather. He loves working at Acme Printing Company’s handpress and also plays the picolo in the neighborhood orchestra. George (Joslyn) is his son and sign painter. His wife Della Ritter used to sing in Brooklyn.
Alice (Peters), is their adult daughter. Joe Elliott (Wayne), an Acme Printing personnel officer, has been engaged to Alice. Joe and Alice love one another deeply but he refuses to think about marriage until he has become an assistant manager, which will give Alice financial security. They live in an apartment in the small town and have a very happy home.
Grandpa suddenly loses his job because he is 65 years old. He decides to do it himself after his disagreements with management fail. Hodges pretends to be Harold P. Cleveland (president of Acme’s parent firm, Consolidated Motors). Louis McKinley, Acme’s president (Albert Dekker), tells Hodges that he is visiting town to conduct a routine inspection. He also advises him to find experienced people to run the printing company. He then gives an invigorating speech at a chamber luncheon about America’s economic future.
The charming stranger finally invites him to dinner at McKinley, where he is greeted by the gorgeous but forgotten Lucille McKinley. Admiration from the charming stranger is contagious
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