On Borrowed Time

by from the novel by L.E. Watkin Paul Osborn, L.E. Watkins

Gramps is idolized by his young grandson, Pud, who models his every action after the old man. But Gramps's salty expressions and rough behavior are frowned upon by both the strait-laced Aunt Demetria and Granny, so Aunt Demetria comes to live with them, hoping she can steer the boy in the right direction. Death, in the form of Mr. Brink, comes to claim Gramps, but is forcibly sent about his business. Still, he manages to take Granny instead and later returns for Gramps, who outwits Brink by trapping him up an apple tree, thus suspending Death throughout the universe. Aunt Demetria, who can't see Mr. Brink in the tree, tries to prove that Gramps is insane in order to get legal possession of Pud. Matters come to a climax when one of the townspeople tries to take Gramps to an institution and is shot. But the victim refuses to die, and the others plead with Gramps to release Brink so that the world can resume its normal cycle. At this moment, Brink tricks Pud into climbing the tree, and the boy falls, fatally injuring himself. In order not to be separated from Pud, Gramps allows Brink to come down from the tree and willingly goes with him to the gates of Eternity where he is greeted by his beloved Granny, scolding him as usual.

Genres: Plays, Theatre

71 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1998

Reviews

[Anna Avian · Rating 3 out of 5]

A gentle, little tale about death. The smart and sophisticated Mr. Brink, who is in fact Death personified, has somehow gotten himself trapped in a tree by a little boy and his grandfather.

[Ray LaManna · Rating 4 out of 5]

A kind of dated play but nicely written.

[Stephen · Rating 4 out of 5]

What do you when you have the novel idea of trapping Death up a tree in an apple orchard? Why, you write a book about it that gets adapted into a play and eventually a movie starring Lionel Barrymore, Sir Cedric Hardwicke and Bob's Watson. The film is a tearjerker.

The idea of immobilizing Death has immense philosophical implications. The film hints at them, but focuses on the 'heartwarming' relationship between five year old Pud and his Gramp. The problem: Pud's parents were recently deceased and Mr. Brink had come to collect 85 year old Gramp, who wasn't too willing to go.

I wanted to read the book to find out if the metaphysics of the situation were explored. Alas, they were not, but L.E. Watkin does tell a less sentimental, grittier story than does the film. I'd say the book was short on metaphysics but not sparing of the economics of a small town, regional response to the news that Death was eating apples.

[Carolyn Page · Rating 4 out of 5]

This play made me laugh and cry-internally of course, I was reading it in the library. I can only imagine how it must be on stage. I'd love it. The lead character, Gramps, was played in the film adaptation by Lionel Barrymore, and I can't help but envision this play as acted out by him--the Scrooge, the Mr. Potter, the Grandpa of "You Can't Take It With You". Irascible Gramps is fighting death ("Mr. Brink") every step of the way, to take care of his only grandson. The ending was just so sad and bittersweet and it made me mist up. If I were able to see this on stage I might up my grade to five stars. The writing is so--man I can't explain it. I just. I have to watch the movie now. And apparently there's a book the whole thing is adapted from but I'm not sure I can emotionally violate my soul for the length of time needed to read it....reading the play was enough.

[Steven · Rating 2 out of 5]

Dark comedy where the family finally dies happily ever after.

[Brian McCann · Rating 4 out of 5]

A strange little play that I ended up liking very much.

[Bonnie Faust · Rating 3 out of 5]

While the play tackles a heavy topic and one might find it tragic that the most beloved characters die in such a shot span of time, it's actually quite funny. This introduction to dark comedy for my middle school students was a great selection; the kids loved it, and allowed us to discuss a darker subject with a new perspective.

The kids loved the film with Lionel Barrymore (of course they know him as Drew's great grandfather).

[Tia · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had to read this for school, it was okay but a little boring

[Kayte · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun play portraying the consequences of trying to cheat death.