Directed by Richard Thorpe, Forgotten is a poignant Depression-era drama that explores themes of aging, neglect, and familial ingratitude. Produced by Invincible Pictures and distributed by Chesterfield Motion Pictures, the film runs just over an hour and delivers a compact but emotionally resonant story that critics have likened to a Jewish-American retelling of King Lear.
Plot Summary
Papa Strauss (Lee Kohlmar), a German immigrant, has spent his life building the Strauss Dye Company into a successful business. When he retires and hands control to his sons—Louie (Leon Ames) and Hans (Selmer Jackson)—he expects peace and respect. Instead, he’s gradually pushed out of his own home, treated as a burden by his daughters-in-law, and eventually placed in a retirement home.
His daughter Lena (June Clyde), who had been away nursing a family friend, returns and is appalled by her brothers’ behavior. She becomes the emotional anchor of the story, advocating for her father’s dignity and helping him reclaim his place in the family. The film’s third act diverges from King Lear’s tragic arc, offering a more hopeful resolution.
Cast Highlights
- Lee Kohlmar as Papa Strauss
- June Clyde as Lena Strauss
- William Collier Jr. as Joseph Meyers
- Leon Ames (credited as Leon Waycoff) as Louie Strauss
- Selmer Jackson (credited as Selmar Jackson) as Hans Strauss
- Natalie Moorhead, Natalie Kingston, and Otto Lederer in supporting roles
Behind-the-Scenes Trivia
- The film aired on early American television as far back as May 19, 1952, in San Francisco and April 17, 1953, in Los Angeles
- Lee Kohlmar’s performance was noted for its sympathetic portrayal, though his accented delivery was deliberately paced to ensure clarity for American audiences
- The story’s emotional weight and moral themes resonated with Depression-era viewers, especially older immigrants facing generational shifts in values
Legacy
Forgotten may not be widely known today, but its heartfelt narrative and social relevance make it a compelling watch for fans of early American drama. It’s a quiet but powerful reminder of how easily those who built a legacy can be cast aside—and how love and loyalty can still triumph.
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