At last a movie that deals sensitively with the relationship between a widower (recent) and his children and why those children choose a course of action which does not always include the widower (Jack Lemmon). The fact that he chooses, on the spur of the moment, to go to California to see someone he has not seen for 50 years is testimony to the fact that he believes his life is being led by others and not himself. Part of the self realisation comes from a young woman who nearly runs him over and it is through her that he gradually realises that he is not old, he does not have to retire and that he has a purpose after all. A touching movie with nice warm overtones. If you are a child with an aged parent, it is a movie which one should see so that you do not make the same assumptions!
11 Reviews
It's not over till it's over
bkoganbing4 April 2018
The scenes between Jack Lemmon and Sarah Paulson make The Long Way Home
something special. This Hallmark Channel TV film explores the problems of old
age when you feel you have no purpose any more.
Lemmon is playing someone in his own age bracket, a 70 something widower who went to war in World War II, married a hometown sweetheart and raised a family. Now he lives with one of his sons Garwin Sanford and Kristin Griffith and they fuss over him like he's an invalid.
He's hardly that, in fact he was a cabinetmaker an honorable craft which he was employed at for almost half a century. Lemmon looks like a man who took pride in his work.
One day when the circus comes to town he plays hooky. He meets Sarah Paulson a girl who is traveling west to rejoin her parents in California. The two of them just hit it off, he's the grandfather she never had. Lemmon and Paulson decide to journey together, Lemmon to meet up with an old girlfriend Betty Garrett, a widow who lives near Paulson's parents.
Lemmon and Garrett have a wonderful reunion scene. Lemmon's in Kansas and she's in California. Geography is against them in the romance department, but it's not insurmountable.
Lemmon also learns quite a life lesson from meeting Paulson's parents, especially her father. As that immortal 20th century philosopher Yogi Berra put it, it ain't over till it's over.
The Long Way Home is a wonderful duel character study and inspiring, especially to an old codger like me.
Lemmon is playing someone in his own age bracket, a 70 something widower who went to war in World War II, married a hometown sweetheart and raised a family. Now he lives with one of his sons Garwin Sanford and Kristin Griffith and they fuss over him like he's an invalid.
He's hardly that, in fact he was a cabinetmaker an honorable craft which he was employed at for almost half a century. Lemmon looks like a man who took pride in his work.
One day when the circus comes to town he plays hooky. He meets Sarah Paulson a girl who is traveling west to rejoin her parents in California. The two of them just hit it off, he's the grandfather she never had. Lemmon and Paulson decide to journey together, Lemmon to meet up with an old girlfriend Betty Garrett, a widow who lives near Paulson's parents.
Lemmon and Garrett have a wonderful reunion scene. Lemmon's in Kansas and she's in California. Geography is against them in the romance department, but it's not insurmountable.
Lemmon also learns quite a life lesson from meeting Paulson's parents, especially her father. As that immortal 20th century philosopher Yogi Berra put it, it ain't over till it's over.
The Long Way Home is a wonderful duel character study and inspiring, especially to an old codger like me.
really good.
jewelch12 April 2021
Bridging generation gaps...
Lee-10719 August 1999
I think the major theme of this movie revolves around the ubiquitous problem of the gap between two generations. Tom Gerrin, a 75 year old widower finds himself at the mercy of the decisions made for him by his sons after his wife expires. He moves into one of his son's house but is soon irritated with the way everyone treats him like an invalid over there. Their over-solicitude makes him do something they fear - go off without telling anyone, drive them nuts wondering what must have happened to him but also give his sons time to reflect on what went wrong in their relationship with their father. Meanwhile Tom comes close to getting run-down by a young collegiate who is driving across the country to meet her parents. This chance meeting culminates in Tom deciding to travel or literally hitch-hike across the country to California to meet an old sweetheart. Tom and Leann's friendship helps them to realise on what's important in their lives and mostly why do your own near and dear ones behave the way they do. Interspersed with witty dialogues and escapades with all the various people they meet along their way, with well-rounded characters, some beautiful scenery and music, this is a heartwarming feel-good movie that touches on the bitter-sweet relationship between parents and children..All is not lost..Tom couldn't get along with his middle-aged sons, but he does so strikingly with a collegiate in her early 20's and from this interaction decides to not let the rest of his life be ruled by the decisions made by others for him. The acting is commendable. I've not seen any other movies starring Jack Lemmon, but in this he is very convincing in his role and so is Sarah Paulson as Leann. She comes across as a friendly, intelligent girl with her head firmly on her shoulders. I look forward to seeing more performances by these two actors. This movie is worth watching for those who care for a nice leisurely movie which will not leave you disappointed..
Hitchhiking across America...now that's a good idea.
planktonrules11 August 2023
"The Long Way Home" is a TV movie based on a previous made for TV film, the French movie "Thomas Guerin...retraité". I've never seen the French film...and I have no idea whether or not it's available.
Tom (Jack Lemmon) is an elderly man who hates what's become of his life. He's being forced to move in with his son and lose his independence and the worst part is, the son and his wife seem to be parenting him. So, it's not all that surprising that eventually he decides to leave! On the way, he meets a young woman, Leanne (Sarah Paulson) and they both decide to head to California....without Tom letting his family know. What's next for this unlikely pair?
The acting is the best part of the movie...period. As for the story itself, it brings up a lot of great points about the elderly and independence. But it also has an ending you'll either love or hate. If you like a film with a perfect ending where everything is wrapped up and clear, then you'll hate it! But, I don't mind the vagueness of the ending...mostly because life itself isn't always clear. Well worth seeing.
Tom (Jack Lemmon) is an elderly man who hates what's become of his life. He's being forced to move in with his son and lose his independence and the worst part is, the son and his wife seem to be parenting him. So, it's not all that surprising that eventually he decides to leave! On the way, he meets a young woman, Leanne (Sarah Paulson) and they both decide to head to California....without Tom letting his family know. What's next for this unlikely pair?
The acting is the best part of the movie...period. As for the story itself, it brings up a lot of great points about the elderly and independence. But it also has an ending you'll either love or hate. If you like a film with a perfect ending where everything is wrapped up and clear, then you'll hate it! But, I don't mind the vagueness of the ending...mostly because life itself isn't always clear. Well worth seeing.
Surprisingly fresh Lemmon
lars_he13 January 2002
Jack Lemmon is great in this drama, portraying a widower with masterly realism, balancing between a grumpy old man and the character he played in Short Cuts. While watching the movie, I was afraid it would eventually turn overbearingly sentimental, but it never did. It's a lovely, thought provoking story. Surprisingly fresh and much recommended.
Bridging Generational Gaps
dsp2195317 June 2008
This movie is pure bliss to watch, Jack Lemmon makes it so. Such a shame we shall never see more of his films. I'm used to seeing Mr. Lemmon play old cranks, politicians, businessmen, etc but in this role he stands out as Tom Gerrin, a 75 year old retired carpenter. Mr. Lemmon not only looks like the retired carpenter you almost forget he is an actor.
The best part of this movie is it demonstrates how friendship knows no age limits. In fact friendship between two people from completely different generations can easily bridge the gap. I would know as one of my closest friends is an 82 year old former professor of mine. When I watch this movie I think of our times we meet and swap stories from out past.
What also contributes to the friendship and the bridging of the generational gaps is also the message of "the golden years should not mean a death sentence." This movie is about living one day at a time and enjoying life no matter what age you are.
In closing Jack Lemmon made this movie. Cheers to him and God rest his soul. Pick up this movie on DVD on amazon.com. It will make you glad for the friendships you will make with all sorts of people and give you and outlook for enjoying life.
The best part of this movie is it demonstrates how friendship knows no age limits. In fact friendship between two people from completely different generations can easily bridge the gap. I would know as one of my closest friends is an 82 year old former professor of mine. When I watch this movie I think of our times we meet and swap stories from out past.
What also contributes to the friendship and the bridging of the generational gaps is also the message of "the golden years should not mean a death sentence." This movie is about living one day at a time and enjoying life no matter what age you are.
In closing Jack Lemmon made this movie. Cheers to him and God rest his soul. Pick up this movie on DVD on amazon.com. It will make you glad for the friendships you will make with all sorts of people and give you and outlook for enjoying life.
A wonderful, heartwarming movie
hdost23 December 2006
I saw this movie on TV back in 1998 and have been very sorry ever since that I did not tape it. I have seen a number of movies with Jack Lemmon in it and did not always like them but this one I liked very much. It's a wonderful story. Being about the age of the main character and experiencing some of what he encountered I could well identify with the way Jack portrayed him. Jack has obviously matured considerably since his earlier movies and has become more relaxed and laid back. Leanne plays her part very well as a young student getting along with the old guy.
My main question is: "Where can I get a copy of it?" I can't understand why this movie has not been shown more often or issued on DVD. Amazon doesn't have it, so who does? If anyone can assist me in getting it I would appreciate it.
My main question is: "Where can I get a copy of it?" I can't understand why this movie has not been shown more often or issued on DVD. Amazon doesn't have it, so who does? If anyone can assist me in getting it I would appreciate it.
The Long Way Home
studioAT17 July 2022
Perfectly Cast Movie
rmesser-4035629 December 2021
The two leads really are a standout!
Cristi_Ciopron7 August 2006
Harmonious,well-balanced,serene,golden,dignified movie.Everything is of interest:the script (by an objective,sober psychologist),the dialogs ,the cast (Lemmon and Miss Paulson,Mrs. Griffith),the photography; visually,the film is delightful.The acting is strong (Lemmon,electrifying,simply outstanding;Miss Paulson,amazing!),the funny dialog works,the humor is unobtrusive and light.Nothing hollow, ostentatious or cheap here.
The Long Way Home is nothing less than it is meant to be,or than it intended to be.It leaves a suave taste,and a pleasing fragrance.Real cinema took place here!
The script wisely turns down many stupid possible solutions and chooses to be supple.(Another writer would have chosen some kitsch twists.)
Lemmon seems to be believable in any kind of role.
It is useless and pointless to begin enumerating what this movie IS NOT (as the disappointed love has made some to proceed).It is not a lot of things;but that does not matter.Take it,or leave it.Enjoy it as it is.That's all we got,and it is not few.
The Long Way Home is nothing less than it is meant to be,or than it intended to be.It leaves a suave taste,and a pleasing fragrance.Real cinema took place here!
The script wisely turns down many stupid possible solutions and chooses to be supple.(Another writer would have chosen some kitsch twists.)
Lemmon seems to be believable in any kind of role.
It is useless and pointless to begin enumerating what this movie IS NOT (as the disappointed love has made some to proceed).It is not a lot of things;but that does not matter.Take it,or leave it.Enjoy it as it is.That's all we got,and it is not few.
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