The Gin Game (VHS)

I purchased the VHS Version of The Gin Game, starring Jessica Tandy and Hume Cronin in order to compare it to the more recent DVD version by Mary Tyler Moore and Dick Van Dyke.

This is a comedy-drama that revolves around two elderly people who meet in a welfare type boarding home and begin an odd friendship while playing the card game, gin. They discuss their triumphs and failures in life. Both are too proud to admit their families and friends have pretty much abandoned them and relegated them to a dreadful lonely existence.

The laughs come quickly and often during the play. Most of the laughs come at the couple's expense as they try to cope with their low station in life and how they came to be there. There is a real sadness underlying the plot-line. They seem to want to roar that they are still in the world and they still have value.

I enjoyed both versions of this play, but give the slight edge to the Moore-Van Dyke version. Surprisingly, they seemed to have a stronger bond than did the in- real-life married couple of Tandy-Cronin. That just might be my personal choice; others might see it the other way around.

No matter which version you watch, you will not be disappointed.

This play is a must-see for any drama student as well as any true lover of theatre. The entire play takes place on the porch of a retirement home. Hume Kronin and Jessica Tandy are brilliant. I first saw the play in high school a million years ago and never forgot it. Truly beautiful.

Jessica Tandy and Hume Cronyn compliment each other in this movie.I love the way Hume Cronyn evertime Jessica keeps winning at gin rummy.The conversations they have about other people and where they live at the retireament home.