On Borrowed Time

A top-flight cast helps elevate this entertaining film. It's a far-fetched fable out a Mr. Brink (the Grim Reaper, played by Cedric Hardwicke), calling on people and being opposed by good 'ole grandpa (Lionel Barrymore), through some secret wishing power, banishing him to a tree in the backyard, where he can't do any damage.

Yeah, it's another film with strange theology and super powers and nothing to be taken seriously, just used for entertainment, a la today's Harry Potter films. But it's not trivial nonsense, either: it packs an emotional wallop in the viewer. You WILL get involved in this story.

Barrymore's dialog is tremendous. He's fun to hear and has some great lines directed at Hardwicke, who could also be interpreted as the Devil. He also hurls some funny insults to the evil aunt who wants to take his grandson "Pud," away from him, so she can inherit money in the process.

Bobs Watson, who plays "Pud" (nice name!) is endearing for the most part but he can wear thin on you. Bobs is a little loud and bratty and he definitely overacts. Yet, he's still likable.

Hardwicke is just about as entertaining as Barrymore. He, too, has a lot of good lines. Una Merkel, who usually plays a comedienne, plays a very sweet woman. I wish her role had been bigger in here. I've always been a fan of hers.

This is a very emotional movie. If you're the sensitive type, be prepared to laugh, get mad and even cry at certain things. It's really an unknown and different kind of film that has a lot of charm. Highly recommended.

This is by far my favorite movie ever. The relationship between Pud and Gramps was incredible. This movie brought back many memories of my Grandfather and the relationship we had. I loved how Gramps trapped Mr. Brink (Death) up an apple tree when he came calling for him. It also showed what could happen if nobody ever died. This is a great movie for children with a message at the end that it's not that terrible pass away. My favorite line of the movie was from Gramps when he said, "I'll see you where the woodbine twinth."

This charming tale of an orphaned boy, his grandfather, and Death is a must-see for so many reasons. It is such a sweet story so cleverly played out by a wonderful cast through humorous, heartwarming, and tear jerking moments. The final touching scene will leave anyone with a heart in tears.

I won't go into the story line--anyone interested in this movie will have already read about it. I will say though that the reason Gramps gets to make the wish that anyone climbing his apple tree must remain there until he releases them is clearly explained beforehand. Following his wife's death, he pays the preacher very well for his services, and Pud tells him that anyone who does a good deed gets to make a wish, and it will come true.

Lionel Barrymore is cantankerous yet lovable as Gramps. Sir Cedric Hardwicke plays Death perfectly--solemn, calm, matter-of-fact. Bobs Watson is remarkable as Pud, crying more believably than any child actor I've ever seen. I also found Una Merkel's portrayal of Marcia Giles, the good-hearted young woman who helps the Northrup family, to be very sweet and moving.

What a wonderful, heartwarming classic!

Mr. Brink (Death) arrives to claim the soul of infirm, elderly Gramps Northrup. A magic trick, however, traps Mr. Brink in an apple tree and he is not able to descend. With all dying ceased around the world, old Gramps truly finds himself living ON BORROWED TIME.

This charming, albeit neglected, film holds many pleasures for the viewer. Aside from philosophical considerations - for instance, why is Mr. Brink intent on wiping out the Northrup clan? - the acting is particularly enjoyable. Lionel Barrymore, cantankerous & crotchety as Gramps, is a veritable volcano of emotions, barely contained in the wheelchair made necessary by the actor's crippling arthritis. Equally excellent, in an elegantly underplayed performance, is Sir Cedric Hardwicke as Mr. Brink. Suave, sophisticated & utterly urbane, he leaves an unforgettable impression.

The rest of the cast is also first rate: Una Merkel, Henry Travers, Nat Pendleton, Ian Wolfe, Grant Mitchell, little Bobs Watson, and especially wonderful Beulah Bondi as Granny & Eily Maylon, in arguably her finest role, as dreadful Aunt Demetria. Movie mavens will spot Hans Conried as the first motorist to pull over for Mr. Brink.

`Pismire,' by the way, is an Archaic Scandinavian word which means `ant urine.'

I have been searching for this film for some time. My dad had a poor copy of it and used to drag it out anytime we had a close relative pass away. It really has magical properties. I sometimes tear up just describing the film to people and laugh at the same time. There is so much comedy, fantasy and reality in this movie that the sadder parts are that much poignant and yet sad isn't quite the term. Hard to explain really. I also forgot how fast paced it was, not at all dull.

All I can add is that I was beat 3 out of 4 times on Ebay while bidding on used VHS tapes of this film and copies were going for as much as $30. That ought to say allot in a time when most people are dumping tapes to go to DVD.

Tonight I showed my 9 year old daughter. We laughed and cried together. It was worth it.