I just saw "Golden Years" for the first time on DVD. It was originally broadcast as a seven episode mini series on TV. It's not your usual Stephen King fare. There are no gory monsters or what you would call horror elements that are present in most Stephen King adaptations.
The story is about a 70 year old man, Harlan Williams (Keith Szarabajka) who is exposed to an unknown substance following an explosion in the lab of "mad scientist" Dr. Toddhunter. Harlan suddenly begins to exhibit signs of becoming younger much to the concern of his wife Gina (Frances Sternhagen) and the "Shop". Terry Spann (Felicity Huffman) is the security chief of the science lab complex. General Louis Crews (Ed Lauter) is a rather uninvolved military head.
The "Shop" has sent hit man Jude Andrews (R.D. Call) to investigate the matter. His superiors want to question Harlan and find out the effects of the poisoning to his system. Andrews wastes no time in taking over the investigation. Dr. Ackerman (John Rothman) is forced to assist Williams but is "taken out" when he no longer serves a purpose. A similar fate befalls
Eye Doctor Eakins (J.R. Horne) who had examined Harlan's eyes and discovered their re-generation.
Terry takes it upon herself to aid the Williams and gets them to flee. They wind up in Chicago at the home of the Williams' daughter Francie (Harriet Samson Harris) who with the help of friends gives the group which now includes Crews, protection. However, Jude Andrews has not given up the chase and through devious means, locates the fugitives and...
The cast in general, give excellent performances particularly Szarabajka and Sternhagen as the Williams. Felicity Huffman is a little to young and glamorous to be taken seriously as a security chief. Lauter as the General seems a little unsure of his role in the proceedings. Stephen Root as Major Moreland is out of place here as the inept personnel guy.
I found the ending to be a little bizarre and unexplained. And..what becomes of mad scientist Toddhunter who started all of this mess in the first place?.
Review of Golden Years
