On Borrowed Time (1939): cast, story & where to watch
1939 · Film · ★ 7.6
Released in 1939, On Borrowed Time is a comedy, fantasy and drama film directed by Harold S. Bucquet, running about 99 minutes. “The Great Broadway Stage Hit Reaches The Screen” — that tagline sets the tone.
What it’s about. Young Pud is orphaned and left in the care of his aged grandparents. The boy and his grandfather are inseparable. Gramps is concerned for Pud's future and wary of a scheming relative who seeks custody of the child. One day Mr. Brink, an agent of Death, arrives to take Gramps "to the land where the woodbine twineth." Through a bit of trickery, Gramps confines Mr. Brink, and thus Death, to the branches of a large apple tree, giving Gramps extra time to resolve issues about Pud's future.
Who’s in it. On Borrowed Time stars Lionel Barrymore as Julian Northrup aka Gramps, Cedric Hardwicke as Mr. Brink, Beulah Bondi as Nellie Northrup aka Granny and Una Merkel as Marcia Giles, among others.
How it landed. With an audience score of 7.6/10, On Borrowed Time has been warmly received by audiences.
Where to watch. In US you can rent or buy it from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies and YouTube. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch On Borrowed Time page.
If you liked it. Fans of On Borrowed Time tend to enjoy Forrest Gump, Parasite, Life Is Beautiful and Fight Club.
Frequently asked
- Where can I watch On Borrowed Time (1939)?
- In US, On Borrowed Time is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store and Google Play Movies. Availability varies by country — check our where-to-watch page for every region.
- Is On Borrowed Time worth watching?
- On Borrowed Time holds an audience score of 7.6 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy comedy, fantasy and drama. Most viewers rate it highly.
- Who stars in On Borrowed Time?
- On Borrowed Time stars Lionel Barrymore, Cedric Hardwicke, Beulah Bondi, Una Merkel and Bobs Watson.