"Old age ain't for sissies", the legendary Bette Davis once said, and here, the equally legendary Katharine Hepburn takes on the same viewpoint, even though at one point, she's ready to throw the towel in. The actress, legendary for taking winter morning swims in freezing water, celebrated being in films for over 50 years by starring in this dark comedy where an ailing elderly woman happens to witness a hit man (Nick Nolte) on duty and stalks him in order to convince him to do her in to unveil her of her ailments. She's sick of being tired, sick of being old, and definitely sick of being sick. But she suddenly gets a new lease on life when she finds herself being needed for what she sees as her old age purpose. That purpose? Aiding unwitting members of the senior community by killing them off "gently" simply to unveil them of their woes. They are all in agreement, some of them choosing their own deaths or allowing it to be a surprise. But of course, Katie isn't a murderer at heart, even if her intentions are good, and when things get a little too awry, she's desperate to get out.
Anthony Harvey, whose direction of "The Lion in Winter" helped bring Kate her third Oscar, wasn't so lucky here, and this film has had a precarious release history. Its initial release only lasted a week, and re-edited, it wasn't a success, either. Of the supporting actors, Elizabeth Wilson, William Duell, Paula Trueman and Truman Gaige stand out, with Wilson stealing every scene she is in as the most determined member of the group who desires to go out in a blaze of glory. This certainly is not a film for people who are sensitive to death, especially when it concerns their elderly family members. You won't think of the song "When Irish Eyes are Smiling" in the same way again after seeing this movie.
Anthony Harvey, whose direction of "The Lion in Winter" helped bring Kate her third Oscar, wasn't so lucky here, and this film has had a precarious release history. Its initial release only lasted a week, and re-edited, it wasn't a success, either. Of the supporting actors, Elizabeth Wilson, William Duell, Paula Trueman and Truman Gaige stand out, with Wilson stealing every scene she is in as the most determined member of the group who desires to go out in a blaze of glory. This certainly is not a film for people who are sensitive to death, especially when it concerns their elderly family members. You won't think of the song "When Irish Eyes are Smiling" in the same way again after seeing this movie.