As Young as You Feel

John R. Hodges is forced to retire at 65 due to a company policy. Rather than quietly accept the layoff, he resolves to take action and change the outcome for himself and others. He begins formulating a plan that will challenge the policy and its consequences.

To execute his plan, Hodges dyes his hair and beard black and begins posing as Harold P. Cleveland, the president of his former employer's parent company. He accompanies a tour of the plant as if he were in charge, with nervous executives in tow. The disguise allows him to observe the operation from a position of authority.

During the tour, Hodges winks at Joe Elliott to let him in on the joke. The moment suggests that the impostor knows someone on the outside who recognizes the ruse. Joe’s awareness adds a personal, humorous note to the corporate misdirection.

Hodges voices concerns about the lack of experienced older workers in the workforce. McKinley vows to rescind the retirement policy and rehire those affected within the past year. The exchange signals a practical turning point born from the impersonation.

Hodges learns he will address the local chamber of commerce. He accepts the challenge and prepares to speak about the value of older workers. The event foreshadows the impact the impersonation could have on public opinion.

Hodges delivers a rousing speech before the chamber audience. He receives a standing ovation, and the newspapers praise the message. The stock market even rises on the optimism generated by the speech.

McKinley takes Hodges to dinner with his wife Lucille, who is charmed by the old man’s attention. Harriet, McKinley’s secretary, is pursued by another executive, while Hodges enjoys dancing with Lucille. The evening ends with Lucille declaring she wants a divorce from her husband.

Meanwhile, Joe Elliott cannot convince anyone that Cleveland is an impostor. Frank Erickson and the Hodges family all think Joe is crazy, creating mounting skepticism. The impostor’s ruse remains unexposed to most of Hodges’ circle.

The truth behind the disguise becomes more obvious when Hodges returns home with his dyed hair. Joe is vindicated as the impostor theory gains credibility. Della, Joe’s ally, proposes turning Hodges in for the promotion, but Joe refuses.

Erickson finally believes Joe and warns Horace Gallagher, but Gallagher dismisses the claim and awards the promotion to Joe. Joe then proposes to Alice, sealing the next life step in his personal life.

The real Harold Cleveland learns of Hodges’ impersonation and its effects on the company’s image. McKinley informs Cleveland, who decides to visit Hodges to assess the situation in person. The odd reversal places Hodges at the center of corporate optics.

In front of the real Cleveland, McKinley fires Hodges, exposing the ruse. Cleveland meets Hodges and is reassured that Hodges had no sinister motives. He offers a PR advisory job, which Hodges declines, preferring his current life. Cleveland promises to send McKinley a memo the next morning stating that Hodges can have his job back, for as long as he wants it.