Make Way for Tomorrow (1937)

In the twilight of their years, Lucy and Barkley Cooper discover their sanctuary is slipping out of their grasp as the bank forecloses on their home. The Cooper clan, a brood of five adult children, faces the predicament of providing for their parents, yet none can accommodate the couple together. Thus, begins a heartbreaking, 'temporary' arrangement of separation, intended to last three months until a more permanent solution is found. Lucy finds herself in the bustling household of her son George, where she unintentionally becomes a cog in the wheel of his wife Anita's meticulously managed routine, particularly disrupting her bridge classes. Meanwhile, Barkley finds himself thrust into the reluctant care of his daughter Cora, who sees him as an unwelcome disruption. Cora hastily arranges for Barkley to relocate further to the distant sun-soaked shores of California with another sibling. As they grapple with the harsh realities of their golden years, Lucy and Barkley strive to uphold their dignity. In the face of adversity and the cold walls of their children's homes, they yearn for their own space and the comfort of each other. The movie 'Make Way for Tomorrow' (1937) is a poignant exploration of aging, family dynamics, and the struggle for autonomy. Will the elderly couple manage to navigate this storm and take control of their twilight years? Or will they forever be like sand in the gears of their children's well-regulated lives?

Make Way for Tomorrow is a drama movie featuring Victor Moore.

Make Way for Tomorrow is currently streaming on TCM.