MovieChat Forums > The Human Comedy (1944) Discussion > Lionel can't read?!

Lionel can't read?!

posted 13 years ago by godfreye
8 replies | jump to latest

Library scene: that whole scene is a little weird and I don't see the need for it. Anyway - I understand that Ulysses, who is 6 cannot read. But, Lionel can't read?! What is that? He is played by a 12 year old, probably meant to be portraying someone who is maybe 9? And he can't read? I don't get it. I did love the scene where Lionel tells "Ma" that he forgives the other kids for not including him in their games and that some day they will need him and he will help them anyway. (Probably because someone such as he will become a lawyer, or teacher; but not if he can't read!) ;-)

Interesting film - enjoyed most of it, except there was way too much religion in it for my taste. Some of Rooney's very best work. When he read the letter from his brother out loud, I was weeping all through it; beautifully written and wonderfully read by Rooney. And loved the character, Tobey.

[–] sanfranman123 11 years ago

I think the character has learning disabilities.

Just a guess.

[–] jaysea2 11 years ago

I agree, sanfranman123...in the scene where Mrs. M was giving Lionel and Ulysses the glasses of water in the kitchen, Lionel was telling her that the boys playing ball called him "stupid". We could see later that he was NOT stupid by trying to explain being scared/afraid to Ulysses. He was a pretty smart little guy. He just didn't know how to read. He might have had a learning disability or didn't go to school. Things were much different back then. (I just saw this movie for the very first time tonight on TCM.)

[–] rmcap965-982-388208 11 years ago

I personally loved the religious aspect about it because there is so little in todays modern movies....this is another reason this was the greatest generation.

[–] TongueFu 10 years ago

No, they were the "greatest generation" because of the sacrifices they made to preserve freedom in the world for everyone whether religious or not. My dad was one of the soldiers who nearly lost his life in combat in WWII, so I'm familiar with what his generation of Americans went through in that era.

[–] Gemini730 10 years ago

The greatest generation did make sacrifices to preserve freedom in the world, whether they were religious or not. However service to God, service to others, service to country was very much a part of what made this"the greatest generation". My Dad also served in combat in WW2. One of the reasons that I love classic films is that I can watch movies where emphasis is placed on love of God and country.

[–] godfreye 10 years ago

My father and mother were a part of the "greatest generation". BOTH of them served in the army; my mother here at home in the WACs and my father in combat overseas. Both of them were (and are) Atheists and are just as much a part of that generations' greatness as anyone else.

[–] dogsandcats5 10 years ago

In Saroyan's novel (which was written based on his script), he calls Lionel Cabot a "simpleton." I teach the novel, and I agree that Lionel has learning disabilities which they didn't know about then or did not know how to work through.

[–] godfreye 10 years ago

Thank you for your response; makes sense, especially in that time period.