On Borrowed Time (1939): Cast & Plot
On Borrowed Time is a 1939 comedy drama directed by Harold S. Bucquet, starring Cedric Hardwicke as Mr. Brink, Barbara Bedford and Truman Bradley. It runs 1 hour 39 minutes.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 39m (99 min)
- Director
- Harold S. Bucquet
- Original language
-
English - Studio
- Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is On Borrowed Time About?
The premise of On Borrowed Time without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.
Orphaned boy Pud lives with his elderly grandfather, with whom he is inseparable. The grandfather worries about Pud’s future and a scheming relative trying to gain custody. When Death, appearing as Mr. Brink, arrives to claim the grandfather, he tricks Death into being trapped in a large apple tree, buying extra time to secure Pud’s future.
On Borrowed Time Themes & Keywords
· 30 tags- reference to the grim reaper
- comedy drama
- grandson
- grandfather
- coming of age drama
- fairy tale fantasy
- boy
- tree
- death
- man in tree
- heaven
- old man young boy relationship
+18 more Show fewer
- old young relationship
- old man
- handicapped
- wheelchair
- falling from a tree
- sitting in a tree
- child custody
- grandfather grandson relationship
- orphan boy
- orphan
- apple tree
- orchestral music score
- afterlife
- americana
- grim reaper
- fairy tale
- based on novel
- based on play
On Borrowed Time Cast & Characters
Cedric Hardwicke leads the cast as Mr. Brink, with Barbara Bedford as Mrs. James Northrup (uncredited) and Truman Bradley as James Northrup. Directed by Harold S. Bucquet; 24 actors are credited in all.
- Director Harold S. Bucquet
-
Cedric Hardwicke as Mr. Brink - Barbara Bedford as Mrs. James Northrup (uncredited)
- Truman Bradley as James Northrup
- Bobs Watson as Pud Northrup
Also Starring in On Borrowed Time
· 20 more- Lionel Barrymore Julian Northrup aka Gramps
- Eily Malyon Demetria Riffle
- Beulah Bondi Nellie Northrup aka Granny
- Una Merkel Marcia Giles
- Henry Travers Dr. Evans
- James Burke Sheriff Burlingame
- Ian Wolfe Charles Wentworth
- Hans Conried Man in Convertible (uncredited)
- Nat Pendleton Mr. Grimes
- Dickie Jones Boy in Tree (uncredited)
- Grant Mitchell Mr. Pilbeam
- George Lloyd Chief of Police (uncredited)
- Howard Hickman Chief Surgeon (uncredited)
- Dorothy Adams Florist (uncredited)
- Phillip Terry Bill Lowry
- Ted Oliver State Trooper (uncredited)
Show all 24 cast members Show fewer cast members
- Charles Waldron Reverend Murdock
- Sonny Bupp Boy in Tree (uncredited)
- Harold Schlickenmayer First Stretcher Bearer (uncredited)
- Doris Rankin Mrs. Burlingame (uncredited)
More from Harold S. Bucquet
More films directed by Harold S. Bucquet, best-rated first: Without Love, Dragon Seed, The Adventures of Tartu and The War Against Mrs. Hadley.
On Borrowed Time Plot Summary
What happens in On Borrowed Time from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 5-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
Mr. Brink, the elegant and aloof personification of death, arrives in Pud Northrup’s life after a car accident takes Pud’s parents. The old man known as Gramps greets Pud with warmth and a stubborn gentleness, and the pair forms an unlikely bond in the quiet world they inhabit. Gramps, a guardian in the making, is a figure of quiet resilience, and Pud—curious, brave, and loyal—begins to navigate a mysterious shift that will test faith, family, and the mysteries that lie beyond the veil of everyday life. In this circle of affection, Gramps shares a remarkable idea: he grants a magical wish that makes anyone who climbs up the old tree stay there until he says they may climb down. It’s a playful, uncanny safeguard that frames the story’s emotional center.
Full summary
The whole story of On Borrowed Time, scene by scene
On Borrowed Time Trailers & Videos
The trailer of On Borrowed Time.
How Well Do You Know On Borrowed Time?
10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.
Question 1 of 10
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
Which actor portrayed the character Gramps in the film?
Seen On Borrowed Time?
Movies Like On Borrowed Time
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including From Time to Time, Time of Maturity and A Summer at Grandpa’s.
On Borrowed Time FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date
Runtime, release date, director, cast and post-credit scenes of On Borrowed Time, each answered in a sentence.
How long is On Borrowed Time?
On Borrowed Time runs 1 hour 39 minutes (99 minutes).
When was On Borrowed Time released?
On Borrowed Time was released on July 7, 1939.
Who directed On Borrowed Time?
On Borrowed Time was directed by Harold S. Bucquet.
More films by Harold S. Bucquet Who is in the cast of On Borrowed Time?
On Borrowed Time stars Cedric Hardwicke as Mr. Brink, Barbara Bedford as Mrs. James Northrup (uncredited) and Truman Bradley as James Northrup, among 24 credited actors.
Does On Borrowed Time have a post-credit scene?
No. On Borrowed Time has no extra scene during or after the credits.
Coming soon to your phone
The Plot Explained Movie Summary App
From blockbusters to hidden gems: plot summaries, endings explained and timelines on your phone. Save your favorites and never miss a twist again.
Be the first to know when it launches. Your email stays private, always. Learn more about the app
