Better Late Than Never

is titled, "Do not stand at my grave and weep" written by Mary Elizabeth Frye in 1932. I do not recall seeing this television movie however came across a newspaper "Q & A" clipping sent by a reader which referenced this movie and requested copy of the poem. The clipping printed the poem and noted the author as unknown and stated the writer of the TV movie heard it at a Hollywood funeral and incorporated it into the TV drama. In my experience many recall parts of the poem however the poet remains relatively obscure. I believe it may have been her most renowned work of poetry and has obviously inspired and comforted so many.

It wasn't often that you saw a movie where the rebellious types were a bunch of senior citizens - considering society's attitude about old people. This was a fun movie to watch with a bit of tragedy thrown in. It surprises me that John Carpenter, of all people, was one of the writers! One doesn't think of him as doing light-hearted fare. In any case, they don't show this one too often, if at all, on TV anymore, and it was done in the early 80's! Larry Storch is funny in the role of the exasperated sheriff who always seems to be caught in the middle between Mrs. Davis (Tyne Daly) and her crusty charges at the nursing home. I only saw this once, and it just seemed to have disappeared.

This little TV movie reminded me another one starring Kirk Douglas called AMOS, with the very similar scheme. Elders in a nursing or retirement home and the way they are treated...It is unfortunately far beyond the awful truth. The reality, in many of those "resorts" is often more outrageous than we see here. This remains rather lighthearted and less dramatic and heartbreaking than AMOS. And it seems that John Carpenter was involved in this...That's surprising. Good time waster anyway.

Very fun movie featuring a cast of cantankerous elderly folks that want to escape from their nursing home. Would love to see this on DVD. I believe it aired on NBC during the 80s. I have only seen it a few times, but recall that it was quite entertaining. Tyne Daly was very good as the care-giver trying to foil the escape. With all of the made-for-TV fare being dumped into the dollar bins at discount stores, I am surprised not to see this one! It's nice to see these actors and actresses in such a vehicle, and to see Tyne Daly in here pre-Cagney and Lacy days. This film contains humor, suspense, and tragedy. Overall, a nice film that you can watch with your children and grandchildren that isn't completely annoying...!