Life Begins at Forty (1935)

Life Begins at Forty Poster

A small-town newspaper publisher finds himself in opposition to the local banker on the return to town of a lad jailed possibly wrongly for a theft from the bank.

Overview of "Life Begins at Forty"
"Life Begins at Forty" is a 1935 American funny movie directed by George Marshall and starring Will Rogers, Rochelle Hudson, and Richard Cromwell. The motion picture is based upon the nonfiction self-help book of the very same name by Walter B. Pitkin, which presumed that life might be pleasurable and productive after the age of forty. This joyful sentiment appears in the film's representation of middle-aged life as a time for renewed energy and function.

Plot Summary
Embed in a small American town, the movie follows Kenesaw H. Clark (Will Rogers), a local paper editor who firmly believes that "life begins at forty". As a jovial and thoughtful guy on the cusp of turning forty himself, Kenesaw is well-regarded in the town and frequently involves himself in the lives of the locals, giving knowledge and intervening in different problems with a light-hearted technique.

The story unfolds as Kenesaw fights for what he thinks is right, particularly when it pertains to the youth of the community. He pertains to the defense of a struggling boy, Lee Austin (Richard Cromwell), who has been accused of stealing chickens. Convinced of Lee's innocence, Kenesaw takes it upon himself to investigate the case, which highlights his penchant for amateur investigator work and exposes the true essence of his belief that older people hold important experience and judgement.

In the middle of these events, Kenesaw also looks for to assist direct the burgeoning love in between Lee and his own daughter, Louise Clark (Rochelle Hudson). He wants to guarantee their relationship grows on a structure of sincerity and understanding, trying to impart the knowledge he has actually acquired over his forty years.

As Kenesaw dives deeper into the mystery of the chicken theft, his investigative work leads him to reveal a more significant plan involving the misappropriation of funds by some highly regarded town members. Together with these discoveries, Kenesaw uses his position and experiences to advocate for the improvement of the neighborhood by recommending enhancements to the local education system and other social issues.

Styles and Reception
The movie explores styles of aging, community, and the worth of life experience. Kenesaw's character embodies the idea that getting older does not suggest the end of ambition or joy, but rather it can mark the beginning of a fulfilling and prominent chapter in an individual's life. This optimistic perspective mirrors the cultural attitudes towards middle age in the 1930s and aims to inspire audiences to look positively at their own futures.

"Life Begins at Forty" was met with a warm reception, largely due to the popularity and charm of Will Rogers, who was understood for his down-to-earth, common-sense humor. The success of the movie was also aided by the strong support cast and the resonance of the life-affirming message it carried.

Conclusion
"Life Begins at Forty" captures an optimistic and wholehearted message about the capacity for new beginnings and continued relevance no matter age. Through its comical and light-hearted plot, the film encourages audiences to welcome older age as a duration filled with chances to make a distinction in the lives of others and in one's community. As a cultural artifact of its time, the film not just supplied home entertainment however likewise showed and affected mindsets towards age and personal growth.

Top Cast

  • Will Rogers (small)
    Will Rogers
    Keneshaw H. Clark
  • Richard Cromwell (small)
    Richard Cromwell
    Lee Austin
  • George Barbier (small)
    George Barbier
    Col. Joseph Abercrombie
  • Rochelle Hudson (small)
    Rochelle Hudson
    Adele Anderson
  • Jane Darwell (small)
    Jane Darwell
    Ida Harris
  • Slim Summerville (small)
    Slim Summerville
    T. Watterson Meriwether
  • Sterling Holloway (small)
    Sterling Holloway
    Chris
  • Thomas Beck (small)
    Thomas Beck
    Joe Abercrombie
  • Roger Imhof (small)
    Roger Imhof
    Pappy Smithers
  • Charles Sellon (small)
    Charles Sellon
    Tom Cotton
  • Ruth Gillette (small)
    Ruth Gillette
    Mrs. Cotton