I Was in a Stage Version of This!

I first saw this wonderful, heartwarming movie when I was 17 back in 1974. One of our local TV stations had a marvelous package of classic MGM films that they showed on a regular basis and one of the movies they showed was "On Borrowed Time." I LOVED the cast, all familiar faces for anyone who has a fondness for classic films, but I was very disappointed in the way Mr. Brink (Sir Cedric Hardwicke) dealt with those who are marked for death. He was way too stoic and discompassionate. I vowed in 1974 that if I ever had the chance to play the part of Mr. Brink in the stage play, that I would portray him with warmth, compassion and kindness. After all, who would want to go with Death if he was a cold, somber, unsmiling man with his hands behind his back?

Thirty-six years later, a local community theatre was searching for a classic play for their upcoming 2011 - 2012 season. I suggested "On Borrowed Time" and perusal scripts were purchased. The play had indeed been chosen, but had to be voted in by the membership. It was up against "The Crucible" by Arthur Miller but "On Borrowed Time" received more votes and the die was cast. I auditioned for the role of Mr. Brink and won it! I spoke with the director and asked what his idea of Mr. Brink was, and was thrilled and delighted when he said he did NOT want him to be like the character in the movie. Even though he noted the demeanor of Mr. Brink in his character analysis, I was the only person to audition for the character as a warm, caring personification of Death, and that's how I won the part.

The stage play, written in 1938, just one year after the novel was released and became a best-seller, was the basis for the 1939 movie. The movie script is very much like the play script, with a bit more added dialogue and extra scenes, but is very faithful to the original. The play itself was revived on Broadway twice, in 1953 with Victor Moore as Gramps and Beulah Bondi reprising her screen role as Granny, and again 1991 with George C. Scott as Gramps.