Kick the Can

As written by a few posters here, we have seen this episode in our youth and now in our 60's our perspective has changed. Like Hitchcoc stated, do we actually want to go back to childhood? Was it really our happiest time? Growing older is natural; we grow older from the day we are born. Perhaps I would view Whitley as a nuisance as well. As a recently retired teacher, students would ask me about growing older and death. I would tell them not to fear it; as we near the end, we grow smaller and smaller until we fit in the hand of God. On the other hand, Whitley,s insatiable desire to recapture youth is contagious and his exuberance is attractive. The healthiest outlook is one of balance, I suppose - accepting the aging process while keeping healthy and living life to it,s fullest. I was intrigued by the fact that Truex,s real life son played his on screen son in an uncredited role. That his son put him out of the car due to his own responsibilities is an example that being more youthful does not make one happier or more compassionate.

Solid episode of the twilight zone, the characters were interesting and well acted and the storyline authentic even if a bit predictable.

Slender premise, well performed by a troupe of Hollywood vets. It's an old age home where unoccupied old folks are simply waiting to die. That is, all except one. When Whitley (Truex) watches kids playing kick-the-can, he begins to wonder why the spirit of youth must pass with old age. Suddenly enthused, he tries to rally others into frolicking like youth. Is he senile or really on to something.

Good to see so many familiar movie vets picking up a payday. It's a slender episode, more interesting than suspenseful, and one of the few times of that era when elderly faces dominate the proceedings. Too bad the home's supervisor (Marley) doesn't organize some non-strenuous activities. That way the aged would't just be sitting around. But I guess he likes his charges ultra-manageable. So there's something of a contest between the deadening supervisor and the enlivening Whitley.

Anyway, it's a pretty spry old bunch—check out how sprightly they come down the stairs. Still, I doubt that the theme will appeal that much to a younger crowd. All in all, it's not typical TZ fare, but is still consistent with the series' sci-fi concept.

I was first introduced to the Twilight zone around the age of 8. I instantly grew fond of all the episodes even tho I've learned to enjoy them more and comprehend them better with age. The entire series is like a fine wine, they just keep getting better with age, especially in this day. This episode is a window into the differences between youth and adulthood. At least that's how I interpreted it. The contrasting dynamic between the two old main characters is perfect, and the writing is always top notch. As soon as you quit playing those childhood games, you start to grow old. What changed you? it's a compelling subject to think about. The imagination of youth and childhood is ultimately what created those fond memories of our hay days. When the lie unfolds or the dream dies.. we age. Whether it's giving into societies demands or when you stop believing in magic. This episode will really make you question what exactly are we all doing with the time we have? I still uphold my youth and I think that's important, it keeps you energized and the creativity flowing. I highly recommend this episode to anyone for any reason any day of a week. Old or young.

Ernest Truex plays Charles Whitley, an elderly resident of Sunnyvale Rest Home, where he is unhappy living at. His hopes of living with his son are dashed, so Whitley seems to retreat into a fantasy world where all you have to do is play an old childhood game called Kick the Can in order to be young again. His friend Ben Conroy(played by Russell Collins) thinks he is going senile, but the other residents join in, forcing the Superintendent(played by John Marley) to take drastic action, but it turns out that none will be needed... Fondly remembered episode is no classic, being a bit corny and thin, but it still remains an entertaining entry with a timeless message.