Age-Old Friends (1989 TV Movie) User Reviews

Acting as it was meant to be

[goumba · 9/10 · 22 September 1999]

Very touching warm film about two elderly men supporting each other both mentally and physically in their later years. One of the better films I have ever seen produced by HBO. Vincent Gardenia and Hume Cronyn are absolutely brilliant. Both actors won and deserved Emmy's for their performances. If you wanted to become an actor, watch this film and learn from two pros.

A must-see for anyone with elderly family members

[janice515 · 9/10 · 29 May 2006]

Cronyn and Gardenia give sparkling and Emmy-winning performances. This movie presents a personal perspective of the aging process. Faced with contrasting experiences of "getting old" - Cronyn with a keen mind and frail body vs. Gardenia with the onset of senility and a healthy body - the two friends are friendly adversaries of the aging process. They provide mutual support to each other and their families as they "Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night." The portrayal of the nursing home experience is fairly accurate. I highly recommend that families view it together before they are forced to make difficult decisions about the welfare of their aging relatives.

It's Hello, Whiskey!

[SilentBob37 · 16 June 2003]

The line is "What would you say to another drop of whiskey?" "Hello, whiskey!" This movie was awesome. We watched it in our health class in 12th grade to discuss aging, and my friends and I still quote lines from the movie. Mr. Cronyn passed away today, and I will always remember him as this great character.

Veteran actors at the top of their game.

[Dave-430 · 9/10 · 14 November 2000]

Hume Cronyn and Vincent Gardenia pull off brilliant acting performances in this little great movie. The dialogue is excellent and the chemistry between the main characters is rare. It was my first encounter with Cronyn, and I've been a fan ever since. "Hello another drop of Whiskey!"

Gardenia in a different light

[Chazzzzz · 9/10 · 1 November 1999]

My first encounter with Vincent Gardenia was in All In The Family, as he played the ditsy neighbor who cooked. Imagine my surprise when he put in a splendid effort in a serious way! The cast and story were superb. One of HBO's best! A Solid 9.