User reviews

Amazing, wonderful performances in this gentle little tale about death. Mr. Brink (Sir Cedric Hardwicke, in a true actor's turn, striking not one false chord) is Death personified. He's a decidedly un-grim Grim Reaper: smart and sophisticated, he has somehow gotten himself trapped in a tree by a little boy and his grandpa. The youngster (Bobs Watson, who goes through so many emotions so vividly, it's as if you're watching moments from your own childhood passing by) and his loving, loyal Gramps (Lionel Barrymore, outstanding) have a natural rapport which is funny, heart-rending and somehow recognizable; Henry Travers is once again perfect as a concerned townsperson and Eily Malyon is a hissable villain. Adapted from a book by Lawrence Edward Watkins, which then became a play by Paul Osborn, it's a lovely, nimble picture, providing the chance to laugh and cry--and celebrate life. ***1/2 from ****

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.

In point of fact we're all living On Borrowed Time and never know when the Grim Reaper will come calling. But apparently he's got a certain liking for the Northrup family because he makes a lot of calls on them in a short span of time in this film.

His first call is on Truman Bradley who is a doctor and a widower with a small son, Bobs Watson. Bradley's death leaves Watson to be raised by his grandparents Lionel Barrymore and Beulah Bondi. Although they don't know it, they've got a magic apple tree in the Northrup backyard, one where if Barrymore wishes a party is stuck in that tree. When death in the form of Cedric Hardwicke makes another call on the Northrup family, Barrymore tricks Hardwicke into climbing that tree and he's stuck there. So like in Death Takes A Holiday while Hardwicke is stuck in the tree, a lot of people start living more than they should be off their allotted time.

Running for 321 performances during the 1938 season on Broadway, Paul Osborn's play featured Dudley Digges and Frank Conroy in the roles of Grandpa Northrup and Mr. Brink (Death) respectively. Several years earlier Lionel Barrymore did a version of the David Belasco play, The Return Of Peter Grimm for the screen. That part also called for Barrymore to do many scenes with a child actor, in that film George Breakston. Louis B. Mayer must have remembered that film and thought that this play would also provide a perfect role for the curmudgeonly Barrymore's character and a child. In fact the best thing about the film is the on screen chemistry between Watson and Barrymore.

Character actress Eily Malyon who probably is best known for playing the parish housekeeper Mrs. Carmody in Going My Way has a far less sympathetic role here. She's an aunt who would like custody of young Mr. Watson because of the hefty insurance policy that Barrymore and Bondi are using to raise him. Nobody likes her, but considering the characters involved in this particular play, she meets an unusual fate.

After 71 years On Borrowed Time still retains its charm as a fantasy and Lionel Barrymore's performance is as fresh today as it was when it was filmed.

Yessir. Watching this movie was a "right smart piece of time"....as Gramp declared at the end of the movie.

This is my first outing with this movie...I can almost kick myself for not recording it. What a wonderful outing it was!

Lionel Barrymore continually amazes me. He could sure play some interesting parts - and his voice is so perfect for these grandfatherly roles. My favorite of his is "You Can't Take It With You"....which is a great piece of theater, too.

I thought the child actor, Bobs Watson, was perfect in this role. Some here have said he was on the annoying side. But which 10 year-old kid isn't?? He played it to a "T" and his crying episodes were too real for me.

I never knew my grandfathers too well. They both died before I got to know them. One died when I was 4 years old and the other one died back in Cuba and I never got to see him off.

Sure, I had my grandmothers...and I loved them both so dearly. OH....to have had a grandfather like PUD does in this movie! I feel such a sense of loss when I think of what wonderful times I might have had with my grandfathers.

And this movie, sure made this topic hit close to home. I guess I will have to wait until Mr. Brink calls on me to meet my grampses...

Yessir....A Right Smart Piece of Time I spent watching this endearing movie.

***I recommend this movie to anyone who has the sense to know they have a heart __ that beats and loves and cries...but most of all, that lives...and lives on...***

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.

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.'

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."

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.

Lionel Barrymore keeps the Grim Reaper at bay and up a tree in this film, "On Borrowed Time." Sir Cedric Hardwicke plays the gentleman who comes a calling when it's time for people to die. He tries to tell people it's a natural stage of life that's peaceful and is a release of pain; it's just a case of letting go. But old cantankerous Lionel ain't having any of it. He wants to stay here and raise his grandson, Pud, who lost his parents at the beginning of the movie. Some may call this film a charming fable with a tendency to be whimsical. But my history with this film is as follows: I saw this years ago in the late 1990s and don't remember liking it all that much. Feeling it needed another viewing, I saw it around Thanksgiving and had this reaction. It felt too dated to me. Granted, old people act old. But Lionel Barrymore seemed to overdo it, in my opinion. He always did have a tendency to ham things up a bit, along with his brother John. Plus, I think the writing had a lot to do with it. Had this been made in the last few decades, I don't think it would accentuated on his confounded exasperations all the time and wouldn't have kept calling people pismires. The film mired itself down with old-man eccentricities, making itself feel old. The predicament of the old man and boy only gets worse, despite the fact Lionel tricked Death into going up a tree. With Death up a tree, no one in the film could die. All at the hospital would be at death's door but not going any further. When Lionel convinced others that Death was up his tree, he was told people needed death. Some people want it, need it; it's a comfort to them. But cantankerous Lionel won't budge. Only when certain events happen, does he give in and the ending is far from happy. For such a family or holiday film as it may be purported to be, this certainly has a downbeat ending. All in all, one's enjoyment of this film depends entirely on the old man's grouchy disposition and his growl towards those around him. "On Borrowed Time" is a well-meaning but otherwise downbeat film that doesn't really fit in with other family films seen this holiday season or really for any time.

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!

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.

I saw this film so long ago as a child,it was not until using the internet database that my memory was jogged for it's proper title. For years I was under the impression it was called "Death takes a Holiday".We had only one family television and coming to agreement on what to watch was never a cut and dry decision.This movie captivated all of us one rainy weekend afternoon so many years ago.If not for any other reason it was a wonderment to see the wicked Mr.Potter character from "It's A Wonderful Life" transformed into someone so kindly in this movie.Even if you are not a fan of older Hollywood this is the kind of entertainment that I believe is sorely lacking in todays industry.Perhaps when it was made it might have been considered light and sappy,but it tugs properly on the heart strings and portrays the business of being human beautifully. This is whole family entertainment and a film I will add to my library with no hesitation.

Never saw this movie until today. Young Bobs Watson, though deceased in 1999, certainly held his own with some top names in the movie industry. He was an exceptional little actor for his age. Of course many of the child stars did tolerable jobs, but like Shirley Temple, he was outstanding. The late 1930's through 1940's produced many great movies with these young thespians. Coupled with animals in a movie it makes for a multi-tissue viewing. Although the application of Death is certainly not scriptural, the love enjoyed by us all when we watch allows for author's license. Most enjoyable. A good weep never hurt anyone. Alice

Orphan Pud and his Gramps Julian Northrup (Lionel Barrymore) are inseparable. Nellie (Beulah Bondi) is his Granny. Gramps is visited by Mr. Brink (Cedric Hardwicke), a stranger with strange mannerisms. Aunt Demetria (Eily Malyon) is always berating Gramps with designs on Pud. Marcia (Una Merkel) is the housekeeper.

This is adapted from a hit Broadway play. The subject matter and the time period reminds me of Our Town. The fantasy becomes something different. Barrymore is acting so much here. I would want more outright comedy to balance out the darker material. There are some compelling moments although I don't how to feel about the ending. It's trying to be wistful and poetic. Hovering overhead of it is the dark reality of the situation.

I stumbled upon this movie on TNT or TBS one morning about 10 years ago. I promptly went out and bought the video. This is a real gem.

The story is a fantasy about death. Death, in the person of Cedric Hardwicke, is trapped in a tree by grumpy old grandfather Lionel Barrymore. What ensues is an entertaining struggle with some funny moments sprinkled in. I really wish that MGM/UA would put this title on DVD.

On Borrowed Time (1939) : Brief Review -

That Hindu Folklore of Satyawan Savitri rightly mixed with Greek Fable to prove the magnitude of the ultimate truth of life - "Death". As far as my watchlist is concerned, films about death or games about death have a good track record. From the Swedish Cult "Körkarlen'' (1921) to many other angelic tales of the 40s by Cary Grant, James Stewart and others, I don't really need to name them here. On Borrowed Time has more tricks played at the same time. A cantankerous old man takes in his beloved, orphaned grandson, whom he must protect at all costs with the help of an agent of Death and a magical apple tree. There is a popular folklore about Sattawan Savitri in Hindu culture, if you know that then you know the first trick of On Borrowed Time. The carrier of death comes to take a life but is trapped, that's the basic tale. Here, the film begins with that and then clocks in more conflicts later. It is a retelling of a Greek Fable which teaches us the importance of Death in life. What role death plays in life, and how humanity cannot live without it, and how Death is the ultimate truth for every single living soul, the film exhibits all these things. I have always loved watching Lionel Barrymore, and he did not disappoint me. That was his peak period, and this was just yet another fine performance by him. Bobs Watson is cute as expected, and Sir Cedric Hardwicke shines in a small but the most important role in the film. Beulah Bondi's innocence suits the character, and so does Eily Malyon's jealousy. With this film, I can say that Harold S. Bucquet's filmography has something to remember. If not great, this is certainly his most emotionally powerful film. As a whole, this one is a fun but serious one with a lifetime message. I wouldn't mind watching this with my grandchildren 50 years from now, so if you find yourself comfortable (for the age), then please watch it now.

RATING - 7/10*

By - #samthebestest.

This picture moved me like few have ever done. Maybe it was because I have a young son--maybe because I would like to cheat DEATH--I,m not sure. I was moved to total tears by the ending. I was crying tears of sorrow and gladness at the same time!! I would reccommend this picture to anyone who has ageing grandparents, parents, or young children who have loved, known and lost a grandparent.

After completing my rather arduous task of finishing this film, I jumped on IMDB and found so many favorable reviews. Shocked and then appalled. I like a good old-fashioned movie as much as the next person - but this, at least for me - was not it! The movie has a rather interesting premise of Death(called Mr. Brink) being retained in a tree under the whims of wheelchair bound Lionel Barrymore. It seems that Barrymore makes a wish - to whom we are never told - that anyone in his apple tree can only get down from his say-so. How did he get this power? Never any explanation but rather a simple leap - ok, a GIANT leap of faith asked of the viewer. Even though I found the story laced with some pretty tired plot conventions, what really gets my gall is the acting of the cast. Everyone is lacklustre. Barrymore tries his best to come off as grandfatherly and loving, but he never really seems sincere. He is much closer than everyone else. Sir Cedric Hardwicke gives another dull and tired performance. He utters his lines with little conviction. But the real bad acting prize goes to Bobs Watson, who is as cute as a puss-fulled wart on the backside of a hippo. Watson is just irritating throughout the film, chugging like a puffy engine, crying on cue, crying again, and uttering lines with the aplomb of a streetcar. I found myself not caring at all what happened to him, and eventually was begging the director to let him touch the tree. I can guess why so much favor has been lauded on On Borrowed Time. It has a nice message: that death is in itself just a journey to a place where everlasting happiness and reunion with loved ones take place. Not a bad thought nor theme. But that doesn't mean that a little professionalism, care, and conviction should be used in the project. I guess it seems that I am being overly harsh on a film with such a resplendent message, but when I sit watching the minutes pass by with great eagerness - then the film, at least for me- has failed somewhere. It certainly is not the worst sugar-coated film offering I have ever seen, but so much could have been done so much better. I think had another child actor been used - that would have made half of it better for me at the start. What did I like about the film? Henry Travers gives a nice turn and Eily Malyon, even though her character has as much depth as a piece of salami, gives a credible-like performance as a wealth-seeking relative on the prowl. There is even a section of the film when Travers learns of Barrymore's secret that works very well. I must confess that I laughed my sides silly several times at scenes that were supposed to be poignant and touching. The end...whew! And how about when Mr. Brink shakes the leaves of the tree in anger. Boy, what a memorable scene that was! The tree wasn't the only thing shaking - so was my head amazed that someone did this!