In this installment of “Comparing Classic Cinema,” we see that grandfathers know best.
If there’s ever a need for sound advice, we might find it from wonderful grandfathers—in five great movies.
There is something special about a grandfather-granddaughter relationship. Since a grandfather isn’t as concerned about making a living or raising a family anymore, he can focus his devotion on a granddaughter’s wellbeing and guiding her with his knowledge and wisdom.
Grandpa to the Rescue
In “You Can’t Take It With You” (1938) when Alice Sycamore (Jean Arthur) comes home in tears one day, Grandpa Vanderhof (Lionel Barrymore) comes into her room and tells her how much she reminds him of her grandmother, his beloved late wife. He is supportive of her going away after being humiliated by her fiancé, Tony Kirby (James Stewart). Alice is Tony’s secretary and below his family’s social standing, so his parents don’t want him to marry her. Mr. Vanderhof’s good advice helps Alice and Tony get married in the end.
