Kick the Can

George Clayton Johnson wove a story around a childhood game, like tag, in which the kid who kicks the can releases all the 'captured' kids in the game. Old age has captured the residents of Sunny Vale, an old people's home. A sad beginning has Charles Whitley (Ernest Truex) having his hopes dashed of going to live with his son. Whitley starts acting nostalgic and his curmudgeonly but well meaning friend, Ben Conroy (Russell Collins), becomes concerned that he may be going senile.

Magical, funny, sad, but ultimately delivering a pleasant afterthought in Serling's epilogue, this is a charming episode. The relationship between the two contrasting old guys is good and Truex plays Whitley's childlike ways brilliantly.

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

For anyone looking for some of the best in television writing and production, this is without question one of the very finest of the Twilight Zone series, or any other series! This was produced when Twilight Zone was in its best period with one of the most insightful and moving scripts by writer George Clayton Johnson.

Watching actor Ernest Truex is pure joy. What a performance! This is one of the DVDs I enjoy watching from time to time. And each time I find new levels of appreciation in Truex's portrayal of a throwaway man who evokes the essence of vitality in life through imagination and creativity. At 73 years old Truex was in top form. In fact Twilight Zone featured many episodes with actors in leading roles who were over 65.

This is truly one of those rare occasions when story, acting, photography, music and sound design combine in making real "magic"—the very theme of this wonderful episode.

With the Baby Boomers emerging into retirement in ever growing numbers, I can easily see "Kick the Can" becoming a popular classic.

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.

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.