Watch Last Will and Embezzlement

Last Will and Embezzlement is a compelling documentary film that follows the story of Mickey Rooney and a group of elder Americans who fell victim to financial elder abuse. Released in 2012, the movie highlights the issue of financial exploitation and how it affects the elderly in the United States. The film opens with Mickey Rooney, an iconic American actor, explaining how he was left broke by his stepson who had been managing his finances for years through embezzlement. Rooney's story sets the tone and introduces the audience to what they will face throughout the documentary.

The movie takes viewers on a journey of discovery as it explores how elderly Americans are some of the most vulnerable people in society. The film reveals that as people get older, they become easy targets for financial exploitation. With the rise of technology-based scams and conmen, elderly Americans are more exposed to financial abuse than ever before.

The film's director, Deborah Louise Robinson, focuses on the problem with legal avenues that are supposed to protect the elderly from exploitation. The movie highlights that legal representatives are just as guilty in some cases, as they are the ones tasked with managing the finances of the elderly, but end up taking advantage of them.

As the documentary unfolds, the audience meets other seniors who have had similar heartbreaking experiences to Mickey Rooney. They recount cases where their loved ones' retirement savings were wiped away, and their property was sold without their consent. These traumatising events leave the elderly feeling powerless, as they realise they have little recourse to seek justice.

Throughout the documentary, the filmmaker uncovers the reality of how seniors can be caught up in questionable investments or scams, leaving them without any money at all. The documentary maker argues that as society continues to age, this issue will only worsen, calling for swift action to be taken.

The film also explores solutions, some of which are simple and effective, such as strengthening power of attorney laws and creating a specialised elder abuse unit within law enforcement agencies. There are calls to open up the debate on the effects of the inadequate financial education system for the elderly, where they may become prey to fraudulent behaviours.

In addition to exploring the problem of elder financial abuse, Last Will and Embezzlement also highlights the importance of family members actively getting involved in the financial wellbeing of their elderly relatives. The documentary urges family members not to shy away from talking about finances with their loved ones, to be proactive in the process, and to seek professional advice when necessary.

In conclusion, Last Will and Embezzlement is a hard-hitting and thought-provoking documentary that sheds light on a crucial issue that impacts many seniors in America. Packed with moving stories, along with insights from legal experts, advocacy groups, and affected seniors themselves, the documentary is essential viewing for anyone involved in estate planning or caring for the elderly.

The documentary serves as a call to action to help protect the elderly population from financial abuse, and create legal frameworks to prosecute those who take advantage of them, and by raising awareness of the treatment of elderly Americans, we can prevent others from falling victim to the same fate that plagued Mickey Rooney.

Last Will and Embezzlement is a 2012 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 21 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.3.