Story
Directed by Leo McCarey, this 1937 drama film tells the poignant story of an elderly couple, Barkley "Bark" Cooper and Lucy Cooper, who are forced to separate after losing their home during the Great Depression. The film hauntingly portrays the couple’s struggle to maintain their dignity and love for each other as their grown children refuse to take both parents in, resulting in each parent having to live with a different child. This separation highlights the emotional toll and loneliness that aging parents often face.The cast includes Victor Moore and Beulah Bondi, who deliver heartfelt performances as Bark and Lucy Cooper. Their portrayals of the aging couple tug at the viewers’ heartstrings and add substantial depth to the narrative. Bondi, in particular, was known for her roles as motherly figures in many films of that era. Supporting cast members further enrich the movie by showcasing the varying degrees of selfishness and indifference of the children toward their parents.Leo McCarey, primarily known for his work in comedies such as "Duck Soup" and later "The Awful Truth," considered this film one of his personal favorites and his most significant work. In contrast to his comedy background, McCarey’s direction in this film is deeply empathetic and humanistic, addressing themes of familial responsibility and societal attitudes toward the elderly. Although the film did not receive any major awards at the time, its enduring legacy has earned it critical acclaim in later years, with notable directors like Orson Welles and Yasujiro Ozu praising its emotional power.