On Borrowed Time

I first saw this jewel on TV as a child in 1950's Missouri... probably some Saturday afternoon when one of the 3 available stations had nothing else to show. It stuck with me, embedded itself in my heart and soul.

I later directed a scene from the published script in college as a Directing Class project.

Many years later when I was between 36 and 40 years old, I showed it to my new life partner (we've been together now for 26 years) and we cherish it together as an important part of our lives.

There's no way to describe the "heart" in this marvel of a film: you have to see it. You'll be left with a feeling of love, fulfillment, joy and a sense of "justice achieved". If you can force your child to sit and watch a Black and White movie (sigh!) he/she will thank you in the future. It will not be forgotten by you or your child.

Where to start on a review for the fantastic classic On Borrowed Time? It's extremely well acted, and based off the thoughtful Paul Osborn play, and it will keep your interest from start to finish. However, it's so incredibly sad, it's almost impossible to sit through. I don't think there's anyone on the planet who has sat through it without using up half a box of Kleenex. So, while I highly recommend this movie, I feel bad recommending it, knowing that I'm condemning you to an evening of Kleenex and uncontrollable sobs.

Lionel Barrymore, not nominated by the Academy but awarded his first Rag award, stars as an old grandfather raising his grandson after a tragedy takes both parents in an automobile accident. His wife is Beulah Bondi, and while young Bobs Watson gets along with both, he has a special bond with Gramps. They play and laugh together, with their own little songs and jokes. There are a couple of flies in their perfect ointment, though, in a mercenary aunt who wants to take Bobs away from Lionel so that she can be his legal guardian and gain his inheritance, and in the mysterious Mr. Brink, played by Sir Cedric Hardwicke. Lionel may be old and confined to his wheelchair, but he's young at heart and shrewd in mind, and as soon as he finds out who Mr. Brink is, he tricks him into climbing a magical tree in the backyard. With Mr. Brink stuck in the tree, Lionel and Bobs have some extra time together.

You can probably tell what the movie is really about, even with my vague synopsis, because of the title. If you're any sort of Lionel Barrymore fan-and who isn't?-your heart will ache seeing him in such a tragic role. It's also sad to see him in his wheelchair, knowing that whenever he was in a lot of pain. But this movie is supposed to be sad! It's supposed to make you weep! And what else can make you weep more than Bobs Watson showing such intense feelings of love, then bursting into tears seconds later? The two are a perfect pairing together, and it's always such a marvel to see such talent in a child. Both show off every ounce of their acting chops as they treat each other gently and as if they really are part of the same family.

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.'

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.

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.