This charming tale of an orphaned boy, his grandfather, and Death is a must-see for so many reasons. It is such a sweet story so cleverly played out by a wonderful cast through humorous, heartwarming, and tear jerking moments. The final touching scene will leave anyone with a heart in tears.
I won't go into the story line--anyone interested in this movie will have already read about it. I will say though that the reason Gramps gets to make the wish that anyone climbing his apple tree must remain there until he releases them is clearly explained beforehand. Following his wife's death, he pays the preacher very well for his services, and Pud tells him that anyone who does a good deed gets to make a wish, and it will come true.
Lionel Barrymore is cantankerous yet lovable as Gramps. Sir Cedric Hardwicke plays Death perfectly--solemn, calm, matter-of-fact. Bobs Watson is remarkable as Pud, crying more believably than any child actor I've ever seen. I also found Una Merkel's portrayal of Marcia Giles, the good-hearted young woman who helps the Northrup family, to be very sweet and moving.
What a wonderful, heartwarming classic!
I won't go into the story line--anyone interested in this movie will have already read about it. I will say though that the reason Gramps gets to make the wish that anyone climbing his apple tree must remain there until he releases them is clearly explained beforehand. Following his wife's death, he pays the preacher very well for his services, and Pud tells him that anyone who does a good deed gets to make a wish, and it will come true.
Lionel Barrymore is cantankerous yet lovable as Gramps. Sir Cedric Hardwicke plays Death perfectly--solemn, calm, matter-of-fact. Bobs Watson is remarkable as Pud, crying more believably than any child actor I've ever seen. I also found Una Merkel's portrayal of Marcia Giles, the good-hearted young woman who helps the Northrup family, to be very sweet and moving.
What a wonderful, heartwarming classic!