Rotten Tomatoes

Movies / TV

    Celebrity

      No Results Found

      View All
      Movies Tv shows Shop News Showtimes

      On Borrowed Time

      Released Jul 6, 1939 1h 39m Fantasy List
      Reviews 100% Audience Score Fewer than 50 Ratings Gramps (Lionel Barrymore) is getting on in years, but he's not going gently into that good night. He has an orphaned grandson, Pud (Bobs Watson), to look after and protect from his conniving aunt, Demetria (Eily Malyon). So when death comes to claim him in the form of debonair Mr. Brink (Cedric Hardwicke), Gramps tricks him into climbing his magic apple tree, from which no one can escape. Gramps is delighted, but soon learns the cost of postponing death for too long. Read More Read Less

      Where to Watch

      On Borrowed Time

      Prime Video

      Rent On Borrowed Time on Prime Video, or buy it on Prime Video.

      Critics Reviews

      View All (1) Critics Reviews
      Pare Lorentz McCall's If you do not go to movies very often, you may enjoy Mr. Barrymore’s performance. If you see many movies, you've probably seen him play so many lovable old men you probably can't think of him but as Lionel Barrymore. Dec 27, 2023 Full Review Read all reviews

      Audience Reviews

      View All (4) audience reviews
      S R I saw it for the story and it was a good one. Sentimental, mystical and a homemade feel. Any portrayal of death as a character is always interesting to me. Saw on TCM. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 01/29/24 Full Review Devils A A golden oldie back in the day's when ideas were fresh and fun, thus the story of Death and a Boy is a remarkable movie!!!!! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/05/23 Full Review bearpawz A fantasy story with a heavenly ending. I adore this movie! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 10/17/22 Full Review robert p What a grand ole movie looking back into time, I give on Borrowed Time a *4* star review! Rated 4 out of 5 stars 03/31/23 Full Review Read all reviews Post a rating

      Cast & Crew

      Movie Info

      Synopsis Gramps (Lionel Barrymore) is getting on in years, but he's not going gently into that good night. He has an orphaned grandson, Pud (Bobs Watson), to look after and protect from his conniving aunt, Demetria (Eily Malyon). So when death comes to claim him in the form of debonair Mr. Brink (Cedric Hardwicke), Gramps tricks him into climbing his magic apple tree, from which no one can escape. Gramps is delighted, but soon learns the cost of postponing death for too long.
      Director
      Harold S. Bucquet
      Production Co
      Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
      Genre
      Fantasy
      Original Language
      English
      Release Date (Theaters)
      Jul 6, 1939, Limited
      Release Date (Streaming)
      Jan 26, 2017
      Runtime
      1h 39m
      Most Popular at Home Now