In this poignant final-season episode, Jim has to bear the grim news to a fellow employee that his mandatory retirement is approaching. The employee is a beloved figure to the Andersons, known as "Uncle Arthur." He has no family of his own - the Andersons are a surrogate family to him - and he is very much attached to his work. How will he take the news?
The original audiences for FKB would undoubtedly have recognized the connections between it and the serious drama of the era, such as Arthur Miller's DEATH OF A SALESMAN. The character of Arthur is very much a Willy Loman-like figure, a little guy who is on the verge of being discarded by the system. There are even specific lines that resonate with SALESMAN. Arthur is played by recognizable and durable character actor Charles Ruggles.
One thing that will surprise audiences today: Arthur is 65, but this is treated as if it is an extremely old age. (Ruggles was actually in his 70s.) In the end, the episode affirms that age is irrelevant in the face of human spirit and vitality. Arthur will continue to lead a full and happy life.
In response to the other review: Arthur IS aware of the company's retirement policy; as he puts it, he knew it would come sooner or later but was hoping the company would just "forget about it" for a while.
This is FATHER KNOWS BEST at its considerable best - an episode to show to anyone who thinks the series was mere "fluff."
The original audiences for FKB would undoubtedly have recognized the connections between it and the serious drama of the era, such as Arthur Miller's DEATH OF A SALESMAN. The character of Arthur is very much a Willy Loman-like figure, a little guy who is on the verge of being discarded by the system. There are even specific lines that resonate with SALESMAN. Arthur is played by recognizable and durable character actor Charles Ruggles.
One thing that will surprise audiences today: Arthur is 65, but this is treated as if it is an extremely old age. (Ruggles was actually in his 70s.) In the end, the episode affirms that age is irrelevant in the face of human spirit and vitality. Arthur will continue to lead a full and happy life.
In response to the other review: Arthur IS aware of the company's retirement policy; as he puts it, he knew it would come sooner or later but was hoping the company would just "forget about it" for a while.
This is FATHER KNOWS BEST at its considerable best - an episode to show to anyone who thinks the series was mere "fluff."
