The Steps of Age (1950)

Written by CinemaSerf on February 16, 2024

I think maybe the clue to this comes as we watch the titles naming a dozen or so clinicians that specialise in mental health issues. We know that what's going to follow is going to be poignant. Told by way of a retrospective narration, this drama follows the story of "Mrs. Potter" (Rose Spencer) who has to deal with the sense of despair, hopelessness and uselessness felt by her recently retired husband "Jimmy" (Harvard Sylvia) after years of working in factory. His death winds her badly, but she sees it's a blessing and a relief. It also means she needs to downsize and so moves in with her daughter and her family. It's a loving relationship, but the two women are naturally set in their ways and of course, some turbulent times ensue before they begin to realise that tolerance and patience are key. The thrust of this illustrates well the need for companionship and something to do! Loneliness is toxic, but so is boredom - and here we see just how people can struggle when left without some tram lines to run on. There's no training for getting old, it creeps up on her - as does her dwindling resource of influence as those who once depended entirely on her now have others who depend on them. Even her attempts to find work are frustrated by her age. This does raise many issues efficiently, but maybe just over-dramatises the issues at her new home with some confrontations that seem to blow out of proportion, or appear a bit contrived. Still, it's thought-provoking and it might sound some alarm bells to those with older, isolated, friends and family. Seventy five years later, do we still use age as an arbiter of skill and competence - or the lack of it?