DVD Corner

On Borrowed Time Blu-ray Review

“On Borrowed Time” is an underrated 1939 film.

Based on the novel and the stage play of the same name, “On Borrowed Time” is a drama adapted by Alice D.G. Miller, Claudine West, and Frank O’Neill. The story begins with Mr. Brink (AKA Death) taking the lives of two young parents. They leave behind a son (Pud) who is looked after by his elderly grandparents Nellie and the wheelchair bound Gramps (AKA Julian). Pud adores Gramps and really looks up to him. Pud’s Aunt (Demetria) feels that she would be a better caretaker for Pud given her younger age, but really she’s more interested in the inheritance Pud’s parents left behind. Matters becoming increasingly more complicated when Mr. Brink comes for Nellie and Gramps. In order to stave off death, Gramps traps Mr. Brink in a magic tree. While in the tree, nobody in the world dies which leads to dire consequences.

Directed by Harold S. Bucquet, “On Borrowed Time” is an engrossing drama that tackles big themes about family, loss, and mortality. Sure, it gets a little weird with the magic deadly tree element, but you really find yourself investing in these characters. The bond between Pud and Gramps is the heart of the movie and you see just how much these two love each other. Gramps can’t bear to leave Pud in the care of Demetria and he will do anything to look after him. Is he a bit of a bad role model? Is Pud too dependent on him? Perhaps, but they are family and Gramps certainly has more wisdom than the selfish Demetria. 

The story’s depiction of mortality is also quite poignant here. The idea of embracing every moment because you never know when life will end is a big part of this tale. It’s the type of story that makes you ponder your own life and mortality.

On the subject of the characters, the cast here is first rate. It’s rather wild to see so many actors from ”It’s A Wonderful Life” here before the film was even made with Henry Travers, Lionel Barrymore and Beulah Bondi. Barrymore is of course the big star here and he carries the film as Gramps. His chemistry with Bobs Watson (Pud) is what makes the film work as well as it does. Cedric Hardwicke is noteworthy here as the cool, calm, collected Mr. Brink/Death. The aforementioned Henry Travers delivers a fine performance as per usual. Same goes with Beulah Bondi.

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 1.37:1 1080p. How does it look? Warner Archive gives this B&W classic a nice sharp restoration.

Audio Track: 2.0 DTS-HD MA. How does it sound? Expect a clean 2.0 track through and through. 

Extras:
* Theatrical trailer
* MGM Cartoon titled “Wanted No Master”
* 2 radio drama adaptations- 1946 Screen Guild Theater adaptation with Lionel Barrymore and a Great Scenes From Great Plays adaptation with Boris Karloff.
* A short film titled “Fitzpatrick Traveltalks.”

December 29, 2025 - Posted by nicklyons1 | Blu-Ray review | Lionel Barrymore, On Borrowed Time Blu-ray Review, Warner Archive