Review of Make Way for Tomorrow (1937) by Eric H — 04 Dec 2014

What a beautiful little film. Utterly off the radar thanks to years of languishing in the vaults. It's one of those studio system products in which every aspect--script, acting, music, sets--falls just so perfectly into place.

This is a rare treat. Leo McCarey says that his Oscar for The Awful Truth, won in 1937, was really for Make Way For Tomorrow. I can see why, this film is leagues beyond his other films I've seen. It's a heart-breaking situation.

An old couple torn away from each other. It's the saddest image. They've spent their whole life together but can't spend their last years. For a film in this era, Make Way For Tomorrow is remarkably sensitive to the situation.

There's such elegance in the way the characters are treated, and it's thanks to Victor Moore and especially Beulah Bondi honest and delicate performances. It's a shame that the plot is mostly full of such triviality during their endeavours at their respective separate homes.

It feels like there could've been something deeper to explore here, and they were nearly there. They arrive at the end - and the film's final passage is the definition of poignance as they spend their last hours together.

Although it's still full of unfortunate irreverence, its emotional urgency cuts to the core.I recommend that you watch it. Not many thing's make me cry but the end of the film made me cry light a river.

I hope you enjoy it as much as me and it is available to buy from online.