On Borrowed Time

1939
Approved
1h 39m

IMDb RATING

7.7/10

2.3K

YOUR RATING

Lionel Barrymore, Cedric Hardwicke, and Bobs Watson in On Borrowed Time (1939)

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.

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Drama Family Fantasy

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.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.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.

See production info at IMDbPro

IMDb RATING

7.7/10

2.3K

YOUR RATING

See production info at IMDbPro

Awards
- 3 wins total

Trivia
Frank Morgan was originally cast as "Gramps" until Lionel Barrymore convinced the studio he was physically able to play the role despite his infirmities.

Goofs
The F/x in the walking scene was obvious as the scenery was moving faster than the trio walking.

Lionel Barrymore was permanently disabled at time of production. Swaying side-to-side was to give the impression of moving with a film background moving towards them in one perspective, and moving right to left as they seem to go left to right.

However, the film background was moving way faster than Lionel Barrymore appeared to be moving. It was a jogging pace as Barrymore was going baby-steps.

Pretending to walk with F/x was not a mistake yet moving faster than the actors ruins the movie magic illusion.

Quotes
Julian Northrup: I can't stand these holier-than-thou folks. If a man's a good Republican, or a mason or an elk, that's good enough for me. Live and let live, that's my motto.
Mr. Brink: Yes. You can hardly expect me to second that.

Connections
Featured in Biography: The Barrymores (2002)

Soundtracks
The Battle Hymn of the Republic
(1861) uncredited)
Music by William Steffe (1856)
Lyrics by Julia Ward Howe
One line of chorus sung a cappella by Lionel Barrymore and by Bobs Watson

User reviews61

Featured review

9/10

"We're a-comin', Granny!!"

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 ****