The movie came out in 1971. Filmed in 1970, so we'll use that for our math.
Jack Albertson, aka Grandpa Joe, was born in 1907. Meaning he was 63 at time of filming. And the movie states they've been bed-ridden for 20 years. So he's been bed-ridden since approximately age 43. Assuming all the grandparents are of similar ages, how do four people, who happen to share a grandkid, all end up bed-ridden at that age?
Just because Jack Albertson was 63 at the time of filming doesn't mean his character is the same age.
If I remember correctly, the youngest of the grandparents (according to the 1972 book Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator) is 82. I will admit, however, that it's been a LONG time since I've read that book.
Its set in Germany. What could have happened roughly 20 years earlier rendering a 40 something bed-ridden. I wonder... ;)
shareAccording to the book, Jack Albertson's character, Grandpa Joe, was supposed to be 94.
shareThe Doctor asked Grandpa Joe's wife if she'd ever been bed-ridden. She answered: "Oh yes! Thousands of times, and several times in the back seat of a car!"
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