Watch The Impossible Years

The Impossible Years is a comedy film released in 1968, directed by Michael Gordon, and featuring major stars such as David Niven, Lola Albright, and Chad Everett. The film follows the life of an overly protective and strict father, Jonathan Kingsley (David Niven), who is a successful businessman and a columnist for a newspaper. The story begins when Kinglsey's only daughter, Marion (Cristina Ferrare), gets accepted into a prestigious college in Paris, which triggers her father's anxiety and leads him to interfere in her life. Kingsley tries to cling onto his daughter by suggesting that she attends a college in New York instead of Paris, but she is determined to pursue her dreams. He is further agitated when he finds out that Marion's college roommate is a young man, Paul (Chad Everett), who he initially mistakes for a romantic interest.

Kingsley's attempts to maintain control extend to his wife, Alice (Lola Albright), who he suspects of having an affair with an artist named Philippe (Oscar Homolka). His paranoia and anxiety escalate to hilarious levels with his visit to a psychiatrist, Dr. Jack Mendoza (Darren McGavin), to seek guidance on how to cope with his situation.

The film's plot is driven by Kinglsey's humorous but over-the-top responses to his daughter's independence and his fears of being forgotten by his family. He tries to read Marion's letters, investigate her roommate's background, and even attempts to sabotage her career aspirations by suggesting other paths.

However, things take an unexpected turn when Kingsley's actions lead to a series of events that threaten to put his family at risk. His daughter's life hangs in the balance, and this crisis forces him to reassess his priorities and learn the importance of letting go.

The Impossible Years is a movie that captures the tensions of generational conflict in the 1960s. David Niven delivers a standout performance as a father overwhelmed by a changing world and his fears of losing his daughter's affection. His character is relatable to many parents who have struggled to adjust to their children's autonomy and independent thinking.

In addition to tackling family dynamics, the film touches on themes of infidelity, mid-life crises, and the countercultural movements of the time. The soundtrack features some of the popular songs of the era, with an unforgettable opening tune, "The Impossible Years," performed by Frankie Randall.

Overall, The Impossible Years is an entertaining and heartwarming family film that examines the cultural clashes of the 1960s. The film still has relevance today, with many parents still grappling with the same issues of navigating their children's independence. The movie's humor and emotional depth make it a classic and enjoyable watch.

The Impossible Years is a 1968 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 32 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.6.