On Borrowed Time

Mr. Brink, the embodiment of Death, causes an auto wreck that kills Pud's parents. The tragedy plants death in Pud's daily life and marks the moment when Gramps becomes a protective anchor for the boy. The event frames the family’s sorrow and the looming presence of Death.

Gramps shows generosity by donating to the minister who delivered the eulogy. Pud tells Gramps that because of this good deed, he may make a wish. The moment hints at a power connected to Death and the unusual bond forming between Pud and Gramps.

Pud and Gramps introduce a magical rule that anyone who climbs the old tree must stay there until Gramps permits them to descend. The rule makes the tree a conduit for Death's influence over the living. Mischief gravitates toward the tree as the town learns of the new power.

Pud tests the rule by letting go of a branch only when Gramps says he may. This test demonstrates the extent of Gramps' control over life and death through the tree. The moment foreshadows later complications, especially with Demetria's schemes.

Aunt Demetria schemes to gain Pud and his inheritance, provoking Gramps and triggering a near-fatal heart attack. Her designs reveal a ruthless pursuit of power that leverages Pud's future. The tension around Demetria sets the story's conflict into motion.

Mr. Brink arrives to take Gramps away, saying it is time to go where the woodbine twineth. Gramps refuses, insisting that Pud needs him. Pud clings to his grandfather as the supernatural tension intensifies.

Mr. Brink vanishes when Miss Nellie calls, leaving Pud puzzled about the stranger's identity. Gramps remains quiet, leaving Pud to wonder who Death's emissary really is. The event deepens the sense that Death disrupts ordinary life.

Miss Nellie worries about Gramps' influence on Pud, and a quarrel pushes Gramps to apologize. The strain exposes the social pressures around Death's presence in the family. The moment foreshadows further family conflict caused by the guardian question.

Marcia reveals Miss Nellie’s last words: 'Always see that Julian has his pipe.' Inspired, Gramps seeks a guardian for Pud, only to discover Demetria is rushing to adopt him. Legal tensions loom as the custody battle heats up.

Gramps learns that Death, though invisible, is trapped in the apple tree. He and Pud's bond becomes the source of a living proof that Death can be constrained. The confrontation pivots the story toward a showdown over Pud's future.

Gramps holds a gun on Dr. Evans and Grimes to prove his claim; the doctor asks to let Death go so suffering people can be released. The doctor arranges for the sheriff to commit him, threatening Pud's fate with Demetria.

A bird dies when it touches the tree, underscoring the danger Death poses. With Marcia's help, Gramps and Pud trick Demetria and the Sheriff into believing they must leave with Mr. Brink. Demetria vows not to bother them again.

Mr. Brink taunts Pud; he climbs the top of the fence and falls, his injuries could be fatal without Death. Gramps holds Pud in his lap and asks Mr. Brink to come down so they can take them both. They discover they can walk again together.

Gramps and Pud walk along a country lane with Mr. Brink, entering a brilliant light where Miss Nellie calls to them. They wonder how long eternity lasts, sharing Gramps's witty take on time. The scene marks their ascent to a peaceful afterlife.

The closing text proclaims they lived happily for all eternity, echoed by Gramps's line about the length of eternity. The film ends with them together, at peace, in the afterlife. It underscores how grief transforms into companionship beyond death.