Unglaubliche Geschichten Kick the Can (1959–1964) Online

This Twilight Zone begins in the Sunnyvale Rest Home. Seniors are slowly creaking about, rocking their chairs, sewing, looking on, - perhaps thinking of their younger days.

In contrast, resident Charles Whitley is full of excitement. He thinks he's discovered the secret of youth. Children's games!

Inside the old folks home, Charles can hear the neighborhood kids shouting. They're out playing kick the can. It's an old summer ritual. Charles and the other seniors used to play it this time of year.

Kick the can, tiddlywinks, hide and go seek... Charles wonders if there isn't some magic in these games. We play them as kids. And the moment we stop, we grow old. But maybe, just maybe, if we keep playing them, we can keep the magic working. We can stay young.

Charles's tries to explain his theory to his friend Ben. But Ben has a different view. "Old people need their rest!" he says. Disregarding his cynical friend, Charles goes off to corral the other seniors to play children's games with him.

Quite simply, this is one of the best pieces of television writing I have ever seen. This simple story about youth, mortality, and the basic need to be silly, is for everyone. What a classic this is. If only TV could always be this good. 10 out of 10. Bar none.

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.

Maybe you need a grandchild to enjoy this episode. Maybe you have a longing to recapture your youth. Maybe, just maybe, you need to believe in magic. Like Charles Whitley, I'm of the opinion that you can't kick the can alone.

This is just about as perfect an episode Rod Serling ever came up with. Writer George Clayton Johnson strikes all the right notes with the dialog of his main character - "All kids play those games, and the minute they stop, they begin to grow old". You know, I really believe that, and I try to make it a point to keep a youthful perspective, even as I maintain a healthy nostalgia for the past and the good old days. That would include growing up in the late Fifties and early Sixties, smack dab in the middle of all those great Twilight Zone episodes (and some not so great, but that's OK).

I think Whitley had it right. The secret of youth comes with a way of looking at things, a way of thinking. That's why there will always be room in my life for kick the can, Santa Claus, the tooth fairy and the Wizard of Oz. Running through the sprinkler and playing in the mud. You can do all those things as an adult without people thinking you're nuts, you just need a kid around to provide cover. My next grandchild is due in August. We'll be kicking the can before you know it.

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.

I was all of 16 when I first saw this Twilight Zone episode and now that I'm 65 it all is quite poignant to me. Being now an old codger like some of the familiar character players that populate the cast I only wish that children's games can make me young again and take away a few infirmities of age.

Ron Howard's Cocoon was anticipated by 25 or so years with this Twilight Zone episode. At the Sunnyvale Rest Home all is tranquil as the various residents accept age and infirmities as if they had no choice. That is until the arrival of Ernest Truex who is propagating the strange notion that if one starts playing childhood games again, one might just recapture one's youth as if drinking from a fountain with said properties will do so as well.

Truex's assigned roommate Russell Collins is no believer in that notion, but Truex's idea gains popularity with the rest of the residents with results only found in the Twilight Zone.

Such familiar faces as Earl Hodgins, Burt Mustin, Hank Patterson, Marjorie Bell make up some of the rest of the residents and a harassed John Marley is the director of the home. Nice ensemble make this a good show.

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!

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.

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.

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.

I'm the first to admit that this episode isn't perfect. What I find interesting is that the things about it that used to bother me or embarrass me now make me wistful. I think perhaps it's helps to get to a "certain age" to really appreciate this episode. I'm not OLD, but I'm old enough now to find it very appealing. I can feel each of the characters inside of me, fighting it out as I maintain my grownup dignity at the expense of my childlike sense of fun and imagination. I'm pretty sure which side I want to win, I just don't want to get locked up for it. The important thing about this episode is that it reminds me to make sure I still have my moments, that I don't harden into deadwood before my time. There is a difference between childish and childlike, and we too often forget that. For me, that's what this episode is about.

Irrepressible elderly rest home resident Charles Whitley (a delightfully vibrant performance by Ernest Truex) believes that the secret to regaining youth by playing a special game of kick the can. However, Whitley's grouchy longtime friend Ben Conroy (well played to the sour hilt by Russell Collins) thinks otherwise.

Director Lamont Johnson not only relates the sweet and charming story at a steady pace, but also crafts a warm gentle tone. George Clayton Johnson's thoughtful and sensitive script offers a positive and uplifting message about the importance of staying young at heart well into your twilight years. Truex's wonderfully vivacious acting gives this episode an infectiously joyous glow. John Marley lends sturdy support as strict superintendent Mr. Cox while wizened character actor Burt Mustin appears as one of the old folks. A lovely show.

The Twilight Zone has achieved a certain mythology about it--much like Star Trek. That's because there are many devoted lovers of the show that no matter what think every episode was a winner. They are the ones who score each individual show a 10 and cannot objectively evaluate the show. Because of this, a while back I reviewed all the original Star Trek episodes (the good and the bad) because the overall ratings and reviews were just too positive. Now, it's time to do the same for The Twilight Zone.

This is a far from engaging episode that is, at times, embarrassing to watch. I feel a lot like the old crank in the episode when I say that the sight of a lot of oldsters running about pretending to be children is pretty embarrassing. Plus, the whole thing seemed very preachy and silly if you ask me. My advice is watch the series--just don't expect much from this particular episode.

While this is one of the best known episodes, it isn't as noteworthy as some say. It involves one who does not want to go gentle into that good night. He is fed up with the old people at the old folks home, because, in his mind, they have given up. Now, let's realize that these folks are pretty lethargic and the man who runs the home is quite the Nazi. So he's probably right. What always bothered me is the idea that we have to return to being young children. Is this really the happiest time? I don't know. If this guy was in the same place I was, I would find a way to push him out a second story window. It's the old thing that there is a no it all in the setting, and if we don't follow his lead, there is something wrong. What we perceive as a dignified withdrawal is part of aging and, in some ways, this guy is a bit of a threat. The other thing is that these people are pretty clichéd residents. it was nice to see Bert Mustin again. I always liked him.