Kick the Can

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.

KICK THE CAN takes place in an old folks home, and in the general vicinity of the front of this rest home. Don't worry, I WILL NOT GIVE AWAY THE ENDING. The surprise ending is one of the best of the T.Z. series, and it is a charming and satisfying one, but I WILL NOT GIVE IT AWAY. KICK THE CAN, starring Ernest Truax, and WALKING DISTANCE, starring Gig Young, are the two T.Z. episodes that concern nostalgia for childhood. The story gets off the ground when Mr.Truax makes plans to leave the confines of the old folks home, and to move in with his son. But Mr.Truax is somewhat disappointed when he discovers that his plan was really a misunderstanding, that is, his son had never invited him to move in. At any rate, Mr.Truax continues to live in the old folks home, and the viewer will be amused by Mr.Truax's penchant for running through the water sprinkler, and for amusing himself with other juvenile antics. At one point, Mr.Truax borrows a crumpled tin can that had been used by a neighborhood boy for playing kick the can, and he keeps it as a souvenir for himself. A continuing theme in this story, is that Mr.Truax continuously harps at his elderly colleagues to enjoy themselves, and to play kick the can. Russell Collins plays a cantankerous old man, who is steadfast in his refusal to engage in childish games. However, Mr.Truax is successful with persuading the other residents to "let go" and to engage in a childhood game or too. Tension is provided in this story, because the manager of the old folks home tries to prevent the old people from engaging in any childhood shenanigans. At any rate, there is a surprise ending which I DO NOT DISCLOSE HERE. Mr.Truax has an engaging, calm voice and demeanor. Unfortunately, Mr.Truax is in only one other T.Z. episode, WHAT YOU NEED, where he reprises the role of somebody who confronts a problem and responds with infinite calmness.

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.

Simple, lasting truth .... "Kick the Can" has a special personal appeal to many of us Baby Boomers because we've lived the stories from both ends of the characters' timelines.

I first saw the episode in 1962 at 12 yrs old but didn't understand the emotional pathos involved in Grandparents wanting to return to the childhood I happily took for granted. Now that I'm 67 I could be a resident of the Old Age Home in the show and trust me, I GET IT NOW!

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