In 1933, Lionel Barrymore made a great film called "Sweepings". In it, he played an elderly man who spent his entire life building an empire. Yet, sadly, as his children aged, they showed less and less concern about the family business and more about their own petty desires. Also in 1933, tiny Chesterfield Studios brought out a very similar and lower budgeted movie called "Forgotten"...and it's equally effective and well made.
When the film begins, Papa Strauss is so proud because he's just become an American citizen. He's a very decent and hardworking guy and it's easy to like him. The story then jumps ahead 17 years and Strauss is now much older and has built a large and successful company. At the urging of his three children, he decides reluctantly to retire and take it easy. What he doesn't realize is that both his weak sons married god-awful women and the plan really is to not only push him out of the company but their lives. He's too nice and doesn't fight back as they slowly move him into obsolescence. When his daughter discovers that not only have they gotten out of the company but moved him into an old folks' home, she brings him home and gives him a purpose...to begin an all-new business. What's next? See the film.
Like "Sweepings" this is an excellent film about the depersonalization of the elderly. Both are difficult to watch at times, though "Sweepings" is a little more hopeless and grim to watch. With "Forgotten" there is a more upbeat, funny and ironic ending...though it still makes a strong statement about respect and love for the elderly. Well worth seeing and I particularly liked Lee Kohlmar in the lead
When the film begins, Papa Strauss is so proud because he's just become an American citizen. He's a very decent and hardworking guy and it's easy to like him. The story then jumps ahead 17 years and Strauss is now much older and has built a large and successful company. At the urging of his three children, he decides reluctantly to retire and take it easy. What he doesn't realize is that both his weak sons married god-awful women and the plan really is to not only push him out of the company but their lives. He's too nice and doesn't fight back as they slowly move him into obsolescence. When his daughter discovers that not only have they gotten out of the company but moved him into an old folks' home, she brings him home and gives him a purpose...to begin an all-new business. What's next? See the film.
Like "Sweepings" this is an excellent film about the depersonalization of the elderly. Both are difficult to watch at times, though "Sweepings" is a little more hopeless and grim to watch. With "Forgotten" there is a more upbeat, funny and ironic ending...though it still makes a strong statement about respect and love for the elderly. Well worth seeing and I particularly liked Lee Kohlmar in the lead