Drama

When I Grow Up

- Bobby takes on the elderly

Josh is a young boy who feels neglected and misunderstood at home. Preparing to run away, he chances across an old diary once kept by his grandfather. Leafing through the yellowed pages, Josh discovers that Grandpa went through many of the same childhood travails that he is enduring at that moment. Armed with a renewed understanding of and appreciation for his elders, Josh decides to stick around for a while and see how things develop.

Release Date : 1951-04-19

Language :English

Adult : false

Status : Released

Production Company : Horizon Pictures

Production Country : United States of America

Alternative Titles :

Cast

Character Name : Josh / Danny Reed

Original Name : Bobby Driscoll

Gender : Male

Character Name : Father Reed

Original Name : Robert Preston

Gender : Male

Character Name : Mother Reed

Original Name : Martha Scott

Gender : Female

Character Name : Ruthie Reed

Original Name : Sherry Jackson

Gender : Female

Character Name : Duckface Kelly

Original Name : John Wilder

Gender : Male

Character Name : Mrs. Kelly

Original Name : Frances Chaney

Gender : Female

Character Name : Bobo

Original Name : Poodles Hanneford

Gender : Male

Character Name : Carp

Original Name : Ralph Dumke

Gender : Male

Character Name : Doc

Original Name : Paul Guilfoyle

Gender : Male

Character Name : Carp's Assistant

Original Name : Paul Levitt

Gender : Male

Character Name : Dr. Bailey

Original Name : Griff Barnett

Gender : Male

Character Name : Volunteer Nurse

Original Name : Margaret Lloyd

Gender : Male

Character Name : Grandpa Reed

Original Name : Charley Grapewin

Gender : Male

Character Name : Father Reed (Modern)

Original Name : Harry Morgan

Gender : Male

Character Name : Mother Reed

Original Name : Elisabeth Fraser

Gender : Female

Character Name : Binks

Original Name : Robert Hyatt

Gender : Male

Character Name : Bully

Original Name : Hamilton Camp

Gender : Male

Character Name : Bully's Mother

Original Name : Ruth Lee

Gender : Female

Character Name : Harmonica Boy

Original Name : Donald Gordon

Gender : Male

Character Name : Boy with Water Trough

Original Name : Robert Gordon

Gender : Male

Reviews

CinemaSerf

@Geronimo1967

2024-12-05

"Danny" (Bobby Driscoll) lives with his dad (Harry Morgan) and mum (Elisabeth Fraser) but isn't especially happy. Indeed, he feels neglected and determines to leave home and chance his arm in the outside world. Before he hits the road, though, he discovers an old diary written by his grandpa (Charley Grapewin) that details the trials and tribulation of his own youth - and tells of his desire to flee with his best pal "Duckface" (John Wilder) and join the circus. It's very hard work and the youngsters are largely ignored by the staff except, that is, for the clown "Bobo" (Poodles Hanneford) who promises to go into business with them if they make it big. Sadly, the 1890s wasn't the healthiest of times to live and when typhoid hits the town, it puts a great deal in perspective and back in 1950s America, it reminds the young "Danny" that maybe life could be quite a bit worse and maybe he ought to count his blessings? There's something really quite touching about the Driscoll effort(s) in this film as he skips from the older to the more modern character effortlessly and engagingly. It's quite a telling story of grass being greener, but also of childhood - and of the dreams we all had before life got us by the scruff of the neck. There's also quite a strong effort from both Robert Preston and Martha Scott as the 19th century parents facing a not dissimilar problem rearing a lad full of spark and ambition only without electricity and with more distracting elephants. It's simplicity is affecting and it's well worth a watch.