Make Way for Tomorrow (1937)

Bark and his wife Lucy lose their home to foreclosure and as none of their adult children have room for both, the elderly couple separates. Adjusting to fit into these new families Bark and Lucy struggle with loneliness and acceptance in their new roles.

Though Make Way for Tomorrow debuted in the 1930s, the film has as much validity today in 2010. Truly, this film is a gut-check for the modern world. The young too easily dismiss older folks, and the old too easily dismiss the young. As Bark and Lucy cling to the hope of reuniting, their children replace the joy of having them stay with the bitterness of the inconvenience. It’s a disgusting, sobering display, but having Bark and Lucy get one last hurrah is undeniably wonderful.

As I see it, Make Way for Tomorrow is a quiet poignant B&W drama that examines the disposability of our elders. It is a masterful social commentary.