...and from between 1974 until about 1988 or so, no one was better at getting to the truth of teaching us that then Art Carney. Following his Oscar-Winning performance in Harry and Tonto, Carney had about a dozen opportunities to deliver nuanced performances across a number of films and a variety of genres on both the big screen and TV. Many of these characters mixed the wisdom gained through the years with the chagrin of being pushed aside because of those same years. This included fine performances in The Late Show, Going In Style, W. W. and the Dixie Dance Kings, and this made-for-TV movie, Letters From Frank. Of these, Letters From Frank about a 65-year-old Editor being put out to pasture, probably showcased his ability to express his anger through vitriolic anger the most; in the others mentioned, he limited himself to one vitriolic episode per movie and other engaged mostly in sardonic whimsy. This distinction alone would be enough reason to give a quick look at Letters From Frank, but despite a confusing and mostly one-note first third, there are many jewels on display here. Maureen Stapleton is a joy to watch as Frank's feisty wife, Betty, who helps him finally getting over getting mad and to focus on getting himself better before taking on the issue of exacting a small measure of justice. Lew Ayres and Margaret Hamiltion get to show that they haven't lost their sense of timing and a young Michael J. Fox makes a nice contribution. In the midst of the final payoff, the two unknowns who play the movers almost steal the movie altogether. Mike Farrell and Jenny O'Hara are appropriate as Frank's son Richard, the recipient of the letters, and his supportive wife. By 2/3rds through, you'll know how it all ends up. It doesn't matter because as Frank is reminded, it's not the destination that matters, but the quality of the journey.
2 Reviews
Sticking around for the comedy.
mark.waltz8 February 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Don't mess with Grandma Margaret Hamilton here. Even if you're offering her your special Walnut cheesecake, she'll remind you that the last time she had it, it gave her runs for a week. The former Wicked Witch of the West was only in her mid-seventies when she made this film, but she's playing a character who claims to be nearly ninety. Of course, she's the mother of Art Carney and Lew Ayres, so that is believable. The story focuses on Carney who finds out at his long-lasting job as the payroll manager that he's being replaced by a machine, so he retires to the country with his wife, Maureen Stapleton. Theirs has been a happy marriage, but boredom doesn't suit Carney at all. Like Fonda and Hepburn in "On Golden Pond", they are facing their later years with dignity, and while he has his issues over aging, the women in his life have accepted that part of their life, with Stapleton quietly dignified and supportive and Hamilton feisty yet loving and filled with wisdom. Her humor drives this film, and when she tells her son to don't stop wishing, it really is a moment for a tear to drop, followed by a sudden tragedy that keeps the family together over the holidays even if a planned Christmas visit doesn't go as planned.
Like the TV movie "A Family Upside Down" starring Fred Astaire and Helen Hayes, this TV drama is filled with many emotions, and the age of the characters leaves many of them vulnerable. Mike Farrell, as Carnie and Stapleton's son, is the recipient of the letters, appearing later in the film. Michael J. Fox in an early role is Farrell's son by ex-wife Gail Strickland who keeps Fox from visiting at the holidays. A near break in at their country home and disgust over the changes he's facing has Carney expressing his anger in a very tough scene as he deals with the feeling of not being useful. That scene changes the whole course of the film as Kearney and Stapleton have different feelings towards the future.
This film takes a different look at aging, and the script really shows the frustration of so many changes happening at once, and Carney really delve into those frustrations. Stapleton is quiet but strong, but the two have to take a step back when Hamilton is on screen. This is a unique role for her, far from the nosy neighbors, outspoken servants and judgmental relatives she played in all those classics in the 1930's and 40's. The wintery setting is very pretty, and I wish they would have stayed in the country. Twists involving Carney's desire to go back to work do weaken it a bit. But the performances by this veteran cast are completely gripping, and it shows that just because the years are piling up doesn't mean that the mind has gone blank.
Like the TV movie "A Family Upside Down" starring Fred Astaire and Helen Hayes, this TV drama is filled with many emotions, and the age of the characters leaves many of them vulnerable. Mike Farrell, as Carnie and Stapleton's son, is the recipient of the letters, appearing later in the film. Michael J. Fox in an early role is Farrell's son by ex-wife Gail Strickland who keeps Fox from visiting at the holidays. A near break in at their country home and disgust over the changes he's facing has Carney expressing his anger in a very tough scene as he deals with the feeling of not being useful. That scene changes the whole course of the film as Kearney and Stapleton have different feelings towards the future.
This film takes a different look at aging, and the script really shows the frustration of so many changes happening at once, and Carney really delve into those frustrations. Stapleton is quiet but strong, but the two have to take a step back when Hamilton is on screen. This is a unique role for her, far from the nosy neighbors, outspoken servants and judgmental relatives she played in all those classics in the 1930's and 40's. The wintery setting is very pretty, and I wish they would have stayed in the country. Twists involving Carney's desire to go back to work do weaken it a bit. But the performances by this veteran cast are completely gripping, and it shows that just because the years are piling up doesn't mean that the mind has gone blank.
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