1001 Movies Club - Make Way For Tomorrow (1937)

#112. Make Way For Tomorrow (1937)

Why It's In The Book: "Leo McCarey's direction in Make Way For Tomorrow is beyond praise. All of the actors are expansive and natural, and the generosity McCarey shows towards his characters is unstinting... There is nothing contrived about McCarey's handling of the story, and thus no escpaing its poignancy... In its passionate commitment to [the private universe of characters Lucy and Bark], Make Way For Tomorrow is truly, deeply moving." -1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die

Member Ratings

Michaël Parent - 10/10
"There are these directors that are completely forgotten for decades and after reissues or articles about their films they come back in fashion."
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Tim Burrow - 10/10
"It is sad and heartbreaking, yet sweet, but not sappy. There's a real depth of humanity to the writing, which adds to the film's power...It is quiet and understated, and a tragically beautiful
film."
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Adolytsi - 9/10
"If ever you need a reminder of how important your parents are to you, watch this film and you’ll swiftly remember."
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Doug Tilley - 9/10
"Despite McCarey's later reputation as a staunch conservative, this film displays a sympathy and humanism that is as touching as it is heart-breaking."
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marie_dressler - 9/10
"I don't think I'll ever be able to listen to 'Let Me Call You Sweetheart' again without getting tears in my eyes."
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Nicolas Krizan - 8/10
"Mind the generation gap!"
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Squish - 8/10
"More like Make The Old Folk Get Out Of The Way, the story is a very well told commentary on society losing its connection to the older generation."
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TSorensen - 8/10
"The movie is very effective and not an eye remains dry. We understand the sadness of the old folks and we understand, even sympathize, with the children. I am happy Leo McCarey defied Hollywood convention and made this movie."
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KimWilson - 7/10
"Quite frankly, it's despondently depressing.  It was like watching Soviet Realism with a bottle of vodka and a handful of Quaaludes."
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Klaus Ming - 7/10
"As a cautionary tale for us all, Make Way for Tomorrow is one of the most melancholy, if not depressing movies ever made."
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Movie Guy Steve - 7/10
"It works, at times in spite of itself, if only for the guilt or potential guilt it induces.."
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Overall Rating: 8.4/10