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Film Review of As Young as You Feel: An Employee Unenthused Over Mandatory Retirement, a Precarious Ruse, and Rising Company Stock
A printing press operator does not feel too enfeebled or old to work. But his company has a mandatory retirement age of 65. Will the ruse which he uses to change policy get him what he wants or throw him in jail in “As Young as You Feel”?
DVD Cover (Fair Use, via Wikimedia Commons)
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As Young as You Feel is a comedy film by writer/producer Lamar Trotti; and director Harmon Jones. Responsibility for cinematography, editing, and music is by Joseph MacDonald, Robert L. Simpson, and Cyril J. Mockridge. The filming showcases locations in Pacific Palisades and Vernon, California.
The film is based upon a story by Paddy Chayefsky (1923-1981). It lasts 91 minutes. It premiered on June 15, 1951 in Los Angeles. It was released by its production studio and distributor, 20th Century Fox, on August 2, 1951.
The film begins with Acme Printing Services press operator John R. Hodges (Monty Woolley) upset over forced retirement at age 65. He feels uncomforted by son George (Allyn Joslyn), daughter-in-law Della (Thelma Ritter), and granddaughter Alice (Jean Peters). But he is challenged to do something when he notices that his retirement notice identifies Acme as a subsidiary of Consolidated Motors.
John contacts Alice’s fiancé, Joe Elliot (David Wayne). As assistant head of personnel, Joe nevertheless does not know who heads Consolidated Motors. Joe’s colleague, Frank Erickson (Clinton Sundberg), and his boss, Horace Gallagher (Wally Brown), have no information either. The librarian (Carol Savage) then identifies the top person as New York City tycoon Harold P. Cleveland (Minor Watson). But no one knows what Harold looks like.
A letter sent by John advises Acme president Louis McKinley (Albert Dekker) that Harold will conduct a factory inspection. John blackens his beard and hair. He meets Louis at the train station.
John chides Louis for having no older employees. Louis dictates a memo to secretary Harriet (Marilyn Monroe) regarding rehiring retirees. He escorts John to a Chamber of Commerce luncheon. John gives a speech about economic stability and older employees. The speech is covered in the newspapers, which also include John’s photo.
John dines with Louis and Louis’ wife Lucille (Constance Bennett) and son Willie (Russ Tamblyn). He goes with Louis and Lucille to the country club. Louis ogles Harriet with her boyfriend Horace while John dances with Lucille.
John’s speech creates such a stir that the publicity reaches Harold. Harold’s detectives Kleinbaum and Rogell (Harry Shannon and Charles Cane) identify John as an imposter. But Harold and Louis keep the fraud secret because of rising Consolidated stock value.
The film ends with Louis firing John after Lucille asks for a divorce. John gets Louis and Lucille reconciled. Harold offers a public relations position to John, who gets his old job back.
As Young as You Feel is a fun family movie.
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Copyright: Saturday, August 11, 2012 by Derdriu
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Derdriu, This sounds like such a charming movie, with a happy ending for all!
Appreciatively, Stessily
Stessily, Yes, this is a fun movie to see, and it’s great the way differences get reconciled and worth gets appreciated.
Respectfully, and with many thanks for liking the movie and my review of it, Derdriu