On Borrowed Time (1939)

Sorry, this movie sucks

Pretty Good

Excellent but underrated film

This is a small, humorous movie in some ways, but it has a huge heart. What a nice experience.

A perfect movie is a rare thing. It requires a very good script, actors capable of giving a remarkable performance, and a superlative director capable of making everything come to together.On Borrowed Time is such a movie.No, it didn't have a big budget. The performers are not movie "stars." They were all seen as character actors in their day. But, as anyone who cares about movies knows, such "character actors" often had acting skills lacking in box-office attractions.So, when a great director brings out the best of them - and that is what Harold S. Bucquet, a forgotten director who made no other great movies - did, greatness happens. In this case, in spades.Everything works in this movie. Barrymore had given many great performances, and he delivers another one here. But so does Una Merkel, in one of her best roles. And Henry Travers, remembered from "It's a Wonderful Life," and Grant Mitchell, remembered from so many great movies.It is never mawkish - until the very end. Everything is low-key, and therefore all the more moving.You will never forget this movie once you have seen it. The premise is astounding, and we all want to believe it could be true. For an hour and a half this cast makes us believe it could be true, and we wait, spellbound, to see what will happen.This is a small movie, but a perfect one. Watch it once, and you will never forget it.And you will always wish it could come true.------------------------I saw this movie again tonight, on TCM, two years after I wrote the above review, and marveled once again at how good it is. Granted, the first part is unremarkable. It doesn't really become interesting until Mr. Brink gets caught in the tree.Thereafter it just gets better and betterSPOILER ALERTThis movie would never be made this way today. The child - played wonderfully by Bobs Watson - would never be allowed to die, as he does here. Perhaps even Grampa would be given an extension on life. But movie audiences in 1939 did not expect everything to have a happy ending. In fact, it has the only possible ending, since if Pud had lived, his Aunt Demmy would inevitably have gotten control of him and his estate.This movie therefore ends perfectly, even if it's a real tear-jerker.

Not even the elements of a future "Death Takes A Holiday" and "Harvey" can save this piece. Why? The film is pretty morbid when you think about it.Lionel Barrymore, that usual irascible character, does display a heart here but the ending where Death shows that it still has the upper hand is not very pleasant. This film is certainly not suitable for children.The film would have been far better if it had been all about that wicked aunt, so similar to Margaret Hamilton, in "The Wizard of Oz," attempting to get the nephew after the tragic death of his parents. Instead, the film takes on new meanings with Cedric Hardwicke, who portrays death in its usual way.Everyone literally starts going and you have to wonder why this was their fate!Despite what the writer wanted to convey, you certainly can't have that feel good feeling at the film's end.

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.

This truly is an unforgettable film. I saw this decades ago and never forgot it,except the name. Somehow I came across the name and I am so thankful that I was able to get it on VHS at Amazon before the price skyrocketed to today's price of $71! I consider this an absolute treasure of my collection,along with "Don't Be Afraid Of The Dark" with Kim Darby. On Borrowed Time touches your heart on several levels. It has delightful humor as well. It is also beautiful to look at. If you can find it cheaper,GET IT! If you have the money to splurge,GET IT! You will not be disappointed in this wonderful movie.The quality of my VHS copy is very good also.