In the poignant story of “Make Way for Tomorrow,” we follow the lives of Barkley “Bark” (Victor Moore) and Lucy Cooper (Beulah Bondi), an elderly couple facing the harsh realities of life after losing their home to foreclosure. As Barkley struggles to find employment due to his age, the couple must confront the challenges of their new circumstances and the impact on their family.
With their home lost, Barkley and Lucy summon four of their five children to discuss their future. The fifth child lives far away in California, making it difficult for them to contribute to the conversation. Only one child, Nell (Minna Gombell), has enough space to accommodate both parents, but she requests three months to persuade her husband to agree to the arrangement. In the meantime, the couple is forced to split up and live with different children, leading to a series of uncomfortable situations.
As Barkley and Lucy move in with their children, it becomes evident that their presence is more of a burden than a blessing. Nell’s attempts to convince her husband to help are lackluster, and she ultimately goes back on her promise to take them in. Meanwhile, Barkley continues his search for work, but the prospects are grim. Lucy, ever the optimist, tries to maintain hope, but her teenage granddaughter’s blunt advice to “face facts” serves as a harsh reminder of their reality.
With no resolution in sight, both families begin to seek ways to remove their elderly parents from their homes. When Barkley catches a cold, his daughter Cora (Elisabeth Risdon) uses it as an excuse to suggest that he move to California to live with his daughter Addie. This decision is not made out of love but rather convenience, highlighting the strained relationships within the family.
Simultaneously, son George (Thomas Mitchell) and his wife Anita (Fay Bainter) begin plotting to move Lucy into a retirement home. When Lucy discovers their plans, she takes the initiative to approach George, claiming that she wants to move into the home. This act of selflessness masks the underlying truth that both parents are aware of their children’s motivations.
On the day of Barkley’s departure by train, he and Lucy plan to spend one last afternoon together before a farewell dinner with their children. They enjoy a delightful day reminiscing about their past, visiting the hotel where they spent their honeymoon 50 years ago. Strangers they meet along the way treat them with kindness and respect, a stark contrast to the indifference shown by their children.
As the day unfolds, Barkley and Lucy decide to forgo the farewell dinner, opting instead to dine at the hotel. When Barkley informs their children of their decision, it prompts a moment of reflection among them. Son Robert (Ray Meyer) acknowledges their shortcomings as children, realizing that they have always known they were not the best kids, but it never bothered them until now.
At the train station, Barkley and Lucy share their farewells. Their conversation echoes Lucy’s earlier comments about pretending rather than facing the harsh truths of life. Barkley reassures Lucy that he will quickly find a job in California and send for her, to which she responds with unwavering faith in him.
As they prepare to part ways, they exchange heartfelt goodbyes, acknowledging the possibility that this may be their final moment together. Barkley boards the train, and they wave to each other through the closed window as it pulls away, leaving Lucy standing somberly on the platform.
“Make Way for Tomorrow” is a touching exploration of love, family, and the challenges faced by the elderly. The film beautifully captures the essence of human connection and the bittersweet nature of life’s transitions. If you want to experience this heartfelt story, be sure to watch “Make Way for Tomorrow Full Movie Free” and witness the emotional journey of Barkley and Lucy as they navigate their twilight years together.