kellisean-24239

Grainy as to be expected for such an early film. I viewed this movie online at some point. It's a bit disturbing for it's time. I was interested and intrigued Lionel Barrymore was listed in it.

But it's in error that the abusive husband is listed in the cast as Lionel Barrymore (uncredited), It's not him. This was 1905. He did not start make his debut in films until 1911. He was most likely living in Paris by 1905. He went there to avoid stage and film work for a number of years. So it makes no sense that would be him. I've seen many of his early Silents and it does not favor him here at all. Not sure who that actor was.

Now available on You Tube, with only a few reels missing. I think if more people could of seen Lionel in physical roles like this, they wouldn't see him as just an old man in a wheelchair, 'grumbling his lines' as one reviewer put it. Obviously that individual has not seen much of Lionel's films. He was ALOT more than that. Very underrated. Only 16 years of his 60 year career was he in a wheelchair. The other decades he was all over the place in many different roles and far from grumbling his lines. From 1911 to 1938 he was in hundreds of films and very active indeed. Only from 1938 til his death in 1954 was he confined to his chair. Amazing versatile actor I wish more appreciated. For this alone this movie is worth viewing. And how handsome he was! Sure I am biased, but Lionel deserves it!

I suppose the smut in this movie is what made it popular. For me I wasn't impressed by Jennifer Jones acting here and Gregory Peck was laughable as a tough bad guy! Joseph Cotten was pretty good as well as the always impressive Herbert Marshall. However I enjoyed seeing Lionel Barrymore and Lillian Gish the most. Reunited from their early Biograph days. What a treat. His gripping "I won't fire on the flag I fought for" and Lillian's death scene among the best. One reviewer accused Lionel as always being one-dimensional. He must of not of watched too much of his work! Although he was great as Potter and Dr. Gillespie, he wasn't always an old grumpy man in a wheelchair. Check out his early films from the Silent days, up to the 30's and 40's. I wouldn't have room to list them all. He was so underrated! He was just as awesome as Ms. Gish herself.

I wasn't sure what to think of this one. It appears to be a very obscure film that not many have seen for some reason. I knew Lionel Barrymore (as the drunken Doctor) in it I had to see it. He takes a comedic yet tragic turn in this one. Lionel was versatile enough to play anything. I disagree he overacts here. What else are you going to do with a role like that? On a side line I have read he had personal issues going on while this was filmed. His wife was dying and his severe arthritis left him exhausted. And what a splendid job he did here. He steals every scene he is in! Impressive Chester Morris and Jean Arthur are key characters here. Strange unlikely romance going on. I wasn't particularly happy with the ending. And my favorite Doctor was killed off. But how else could it end?

Don't overthink this one. Just enjoy it for what it is! A somewhat familiar yet clever 15 minute entertaining drama. It has some of the best early Biograph players in it, 34 year old Lionel Barrymore for one, who wrote the script. Henry Whathall as his cunning brother, Harry Carey, Robert Herron, and the Gish sisters. Brother knocks out his brother (who is Barrymore) in a drunken argument and thinks he killed him. Then he tries to blame a would he robber for the deed. It all gets sorted out and Barrymore wakes up and is more forgiving of brother than he should be! The only flaw is the photography. I know it's an old film but they could not stabilize that camera in action scenes. Drives me nuts! Like being in a funhouse lol. But I have noticed that in other very early films. It's fascinating to watch these early films though and gradual improvement and development.

Maybe one of the first Football themed films. Interesting storyline with some familiar players very early in their careers, Lionel Barrymore, Henry Walthall, Alan Hale to name a few, when they were still young and virile. I love these early Silents! All you hear about today is Keaton, Pickford and Chaplin. They are great but sometimes I prefer to watch lesser known but still fun films. Of course the film quality isn't the best. I still think it's worth a watch from I am sure is an almost forgotten film. Available on YouTube.

Why TCM can't make room for this movie, while at the same time continously showing films of the same same time era again and again, is beyond me. I do occasionally see it on other channels though and it is available on ok.ru. Don't miss it if you have the chance to see it! Great hidden gem! This was Lionel Barrymore's last lead role. If you don't think he had many feature roles please check out his filmography. He was great in character roles but also had fine lead roles as well. Somehow he was underrated but one of our finest actors of the golden era! Much better and enduring than his bafoon overrated brother who died of booze and stardom!

Also a fine support cast from Richard Widmark as his first mate and Dean Stockwell as Captain Bering's grandson. It's a great relationship movie that anyone can relate to. The acting and setting are a treasure..

I really dont get the blah reviews on here. If you like the Dr. Kildare series you will enjoy this one as well! If you don't care for Lionel Barrymore why in the heck would you be watching this? Despite the title he steals the show always! Grumpy but underneath a heart of gold..Just like I have read the real man was! I just can't imagine anyone else as Dr. Gillespie! It's why I could not get into the TV series.

The only fault here is in the accident scene where Jimmy slaps the injured woman. That could not of been acceptable even back then! That was ridiculous! I suppose it was easier to cover over things back then. But when I watch this series I live in that time period and not judge by modern standards. Most of it is charming and delightful and great acting by everyone! And I love Lionel and Lew! What you call great chemistry!

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I wish they had done another film together but to my knowledge no. They would soon go their separate ways. They were adorable! No heavy message here just an early short film centering around simple town life and how gossipers haven't changed much even today! Mary is so sweet and full of expressions here. Young, handsome charming Lionel Barrymore is a joy! Despite the stereotyping he would face in later years he never lost that wonderful charm. That smile and nuances that was so him! Love the ending. The gossipers not so wrong after all perhaps.. A film made even before the First World War is hard to imagine. I marvel at these earlier fascinating movies. A simple innocent time we will never experience again. One of my go to movies that make me smile, It was a simple happy hopeful time in their lives and film careers just getting started. A treasure trove of a time capsule!

This is another one of Lionel Barrymore's excellent early films somehow overlooked. But I highly recommend it! His acting is just SO darn good here! Through out but especially in the beginning of film are stellar. Just watch him when he realizes his wife just died and there he is with a new baby and three small children to raise. His eyes, his expressions and his nuances. No words needed there! Just excellent! THIS is the mark of a highly talented actor.

The second half of film somewhat grating as you realize what a flawed Father he is and four flawed spoiled children ( the affluenza effect) turn out to be a huge disappointment to him who have no interest in taking over his huge successesful business.

Barrymore is not really a likeable character in this film though. He's somewhat ruthless and not appreciative of his employees who made him what he is. It's not an easy watch but still for me Barrymore's splendid acting makes it worth it for me showing his great versatility. It always amazed me how he could come off somewhat vulnerable but still difficult in the same movie. Much as I have read he was like in real life. Very conflicted man.

Gregory Ratoff, Alan Dinehart, Eric Linden and Helen Mack are all impressive as well. Highly recommend!

Great performances from Melvyn Douglas and and Gene Hackman especially. This was actually the first movie I saw Douglas in. Thanks to TCM I have discovered so many of his wonderful early films! He is one of my favorites!

Very poignant story that's still relevant today in dealing with difficult aging parents. And how sometimes nothing is resolved. Definitely worth a watch!

All three Barrymores appear here but Lionel would be the one to stand out the most. Pure evil but human the way he hypnotizes here and spies and uses his expressions and nuances he was so good out! Very dramatic but over the top works here! And Lionel has always had the most amazing piercing eyes! John may of had the 'Profile' but Lionel had the eyes. You can see this in many of his films all the way to the Dr. Gillespie years! Amazing versatile actor! He was my favorite Barrymore and one of best actors ever!

Ethel and John didn't seem to have a lot to do here except look good. There was some comments John should of played Rasputin but that would not of worked. Lionel would of hated a romantic Prince role. It amazed me that Lionel would be considered second best to John and Lionel in the early years from what I read. I totally disagree! They were all equally as talented in their own right. I often felt bad for Lionel though. Much of his life read like a Greek tragedy. But it only made him work harder and proved he could hold his own! He seemed to make the most out of his personal and professional setbacks. I was amused to find a younger thinner Edward Arnold as the Doctor. I almost didn't recognize him here. He was very good as was most of the versatile cast.

Probably my fav part is watching the brutal scene between Lionel and John at the end. Lionel is very physical here. I think they had a ball filming this! Potter fans who only see him as an old man in a wheelchair should see this! As well as some of his Silents! This is not Lionel's best role and neither was Potter (he made over 75 films in the talking era plus MANY Silents) but this is worth a watch!

But don't watch this for historical accuracy of events. More for entertainment mostly.

Great all star cast in total memorable roles. The only exception may be Garbo. She was such a drama queen here. And she made such a big deal about acting with John Barrymore. What about everyone else? I got tired reading about this and about her over the top performance.

Anyways in my opinion The Barrymore brothers and Joan Crawford really make this movie shine. I just love the interaction between Lionel and John. Although they don't play brothers you sure can tell they were! I've read in the Barrymore books John rather idolized his older brother Lionel (although they claim they weren't all that close). Their affection for each other here is obvious and endearing.

Lionel particularly good in his role as the dying clerk wanting to live it up one last time. He does wonderful in balancing comedy and tragedy here. In my opinion he is much more versatile actor than John. John always made roles fit his persona. With Lionel you always get a vivid character instead of just playing one.

And there is not a shred of ego in any Lionel's roles. It's one of things I most admire about him. He was so good at playing the 'common man' if a character called for it. I read Buster Keaton wanted this role but I can't imagine anyone else being Kringelien!

The ending is bittersweet between Kringelien and Flaemchen. Each thrust together by tragedy and circumstance and their future uncertain. Great film. I love how each cast member had their own story to tell and do it well! There are no stars like this today!

I don't really get the negative reviews on here. This a classic as far I'm concerned and a great fun cast sure helped! Lionel Barrymore, Bela Lugosi, Carol Borland, Jean Hersholt, Donald Meeker among others. And I loved the surprise ending! Not expected! Or else it would of just been another Vampire movie. Kudos to MGM. And Todd Browning was pure genious! Lionel Barrymore's acting considered too hammy here but the role called for it. As in all of his numerous roles he was very convincing. Just started having noticeable mobility issues here as when he tried to run up those stairs! He was always my fav actor no matter what. Loved the setting of this film and made it quite fun and enjoyable. Just don't overthink it.

I read this movie was not a big hit when released but I am glad it has endured! It took awhile to actually see it. I knew I would love it! It was recently seen on Ok.ru. Delightful site for many old films even TCM doesn't show! I recently found the DVD as well and enjoy it! For a long time it was not available and still not easy to find.

This is strictly a fantasy film so don't overthink it! What makes it so good is the FUN cast. Margaret O'Brien trying to soften up three old bachelor croons who are very cute in their respective roles. Lionel Barrymore, Lewis Stone, and Edward Arnold. I especially enjoy the interaction between Margaret and Lionel Barrymore. The two were apparently very close in real life from what I've read.. She was his favorite child actress. You can tell his fondness for her. In real life he lost two daughters in infancy and never had any other children and no chance for grandchildren. In several films he showed his soft spot for little girls. It is so touching. And Margaret referred to him as the Grandpa she never had. She also did an episode with him on the Dr. Gillespie series. She was so adorable!

Also great supporting cast of Thomas Mitchell, Harry Davenport, and Jane Darwell gives an impressive appearance as a nun. Fun stuff!

I've seen this movie every Christmas for years. Its pure Capra and Stewart sentiment. I like 'You Cant Take it With You' alot better. It has a pertinent message plus humor. There's just saccharin overdrive here to me.

The only one who really brings some realism to IAWL is Lionel Barrymore 's excellent portrayal of Mr. Potter. Hey you may not like him but he is as real as it gets here! He steals every scene he is in and of course crucial to the film. You can't have a movie like this without a great villian. And he is about the best villian in Cinema history! And leave the ending alone! It doesn't need an alternate ending. I never watched that SNL skit and never will!

Great over all cast here though and I can see the appeal. But its like 'Gone With the Wind'. I've seen it too many times.

Riveting Silent film that needs no dialogue really. I have seen the sound version "Rain" and this is the best version. Swanson and Barrymore are the best for this role and unmatched! To me Walter Huston was a bit too wooden.

We all praised Swanson here but Barrymore really isn't given enough credit. Watch his eyes light up and his nuances and glowering expressions here! His total agony in the end. Too bad that portion is missing but it comes through! So much of Lionel's Silents were overlooked and I don't know why. He was fantastic! One can only imagine what he must of been like to see him on stage. Pity no one alive today can remember those stage performances! Overall great movie!

Love this feel good classic! My favorite of Frank Capra!

The main draw for me was Lionel Barrymore. 1938 was apparently a rough year for him. Frank Capra stated in one of the Barrymore books he visited Lionel in the hospital to approach him about doing this film. Not only did he have a broken hip that wouldn't heal (and he was in some god awful traction at the time, one can only imagine back then) he also had a flare up of rheumatoid arthritis complicating his issue.

Capra said his body was a mess but not his verve! And he could only envision Lionel as Grandpa Vanderhof. I concur! So it was with this wonderful enduring thespian! One of greatest actors ever!

One of my favorite scenes is him and Jean Arthur in her room. He is reminiscing about his departed wife. Just watch him here. He is not acting there, he is reflecting.. It is so wonderfully done! And the two in reality probably didn't know each other too well. Such pros! Actually Jean Arthur and Lionel Barrymore both were quite underrated. They were in reality two of greatest actors of the Golden age of cinema!

I often think what a shame his lasting impression is Mr. Potter. There were so many other great diverse roles, this one, Dinner At Eight, Grand Hotel, One Man's Journey, Captains Courageous, Key Largo to name a few.

My other fav scenes are his prayers. Wonderful and so simplistic. What a shame we didn't hold on to those values. Still holds true today.

Great casting Jimmy Stewart, Jean Arthur you could not go wrong with that. They are believable and so charming together! Some criticize saying this is too unrealistic and zany of a film. Who cares? But it also has a very pertinent message even for our modern times.

I probably enjoyed this movie more than most reviews here. The cast was familiar and a fun watch and about the early history days of horse racing was intriguing. I really enjoyed the interaction between the characters in the film.

Jean Harlow and Clark Gable were a fun pair to watch. And I love Lionel Barrymore in anything! He is really adorable in this role as Grandpa Clayton. I enjoy the scenes with him and Clark together as in reality they were life long friends and you could tell. Loved their naturalness. They were together in the early days of their stage careers. Lionel had a hand in bringing Gable to Hollywood. They did at least four films together. They would appear one last time together in Lionel's last known film Lone Star 1952.

They both were devastated by Jean's sudden death. It must of been hard for them to finish it. Jean and Gable were friends and to Lionel she was like a daughter from what I read. So that makes it a hard watch. Still I found it a fun for the most part. I thought it was a nice tribute to her.

I tried to watch. this film and could not get through it. Barrymore and Lombard spend most of the time screaming at the top of their lungs. Not funny after ten minutes.And then grating on the nerves.

Not my favorite Barrymore and its easy to see why John's career started to decline in the 30's. He seemed to be making a parody and a bafoon of himself in his later films. Not funny but pathetic. I did not see the humor. It was awful in his last years. The worst part is he had too many enablers around him.

His best work was with his brother Lionel in Arsine Lupine, Grand Hotel and Night Flight. I loved them together. They were both immensely talented and so natural. Two hams make a sandwich! Together they would shine.

If you love Lionel Barrymore like I do you will enjoy this one! I had no idea there were so many silent adaptions of this film. This is the only one I've seen.

Whatever else is lacking in this 1926 film it is certainly not the sheer talent! Lionel is a master as always here! He goes through a wide range of facial expressions and nuances that fit the mood without overdoing it.

From charming and the favorite of his tavern patrons to a guilt ridden murderer and descends quickly. He is heavy in debt and decides to murder a passing wealthy visitor and covers it up. I love the snowy remote village setting here as well! Really sets the mood. There is a copy of this on YouTube and I like the accompanying music there.

Boris Karloff very early in his career as a creepy mesmerist who suggest he can get him to confess. But it is Barrymore's character's conscience that will do him in. It could of had a better ending but this movie was intriguing and held my interest.

Another aspect I really enjoy is this film is that it has a real stage feel about it. It was adapted from a play (but Lionel wasn't in it). By watching this you get a feel of what it may of been like to see this wonderful thespian in his stage days. It must of been amazing!

If only we could! On Borrowed Time is a wonderful timepiece I had to watch a few times to fully appreciate. I made it a personal goal to see every available movie LB is in, which is alot! A pity some only see him as old Mr. Potter! He was SO much more than that! Incredibly talented! I sometimes wonder why he is so underrated. His brother John with the matinee great looks got most of the attention in the early film days. Sure he was great at Shakespeare and his lover roles. But Lionel was GREAT at everything! NO other Barrymore had his range and versatility! And this is another treasure which has become appreciated even more thanks to TCM showings! Many reviews here so I wont go into details. Great supportive cast here too. Buelah Bondi always a joy to watch! And Bobs Watson was adorable and effective! He must of had a good relationship with Lionel as he also worked on 3 of the Dr. Kildare films with him as a young patient. Great fantasy film I give a BIG 10.

This is a B rated movie with an A+ cast! Lionel Barrymore and Spring Byington were excellent in it!

It was the first of the Andy Hardy series and the only one to feature them as the parents. I read Lionel did not want to do the series. He knew he would eventually be upstaged by Rooney and he wanted none of that! Lionel was too big of a star for that anyway. He ask for a large sum of money knowing he would not get it. Smart move! Dr. Kildare series was right around the corner too.

I'm not a big Rooney fan so I wasn't even going to watch this. But it's not about Andy Hardy that much. Its more about Judge Hardy's issues and his family. Judge Hardy was clearly the star in this first movie! Interesting storyline and much better than I expected. I knew it would be with Lionel involved! He was stern but loving here. Very good at patriach roles! I'll be honest and say I have watched little of the rest of series. But Andy was cute in this too! This is one I still go back and watch. 10 out of 10 for me.

This intriguing films has an unusual beginning that starts in the dark in a train. But you know that great distinctive voice of Lionel Barrymore! And how he explains (he's a DA ) that some murders might be justified. And his theory will soon be put to the test.

Honestly considering the despicable character of Gordon Rich (Mowbray), Richard Grant (Lionel Barrymore) almost seems justified in what he did. Gordon Rich most likely responsible for pushing a 16 year old out a window years ago, along with other questionable dealings with women over the years. And now he wants to marry Mr. Grant's daughter!

He carries out the 'perfect' murder. And Marjorie West (Kay Frances)ruins his plans. The interchange between these two are the best part of this film. Lionel is always amazing showing his great skill before he would be unfairly stereotyped. But not all stereotyping is bad. It kept his name on top! It could of had a better ending but I loved everything else about this early film. Highly recommended but don't judge it by today's standards.

Most of these reviews are older now. But this is one movie that should not be forgotten. I disagree it's dated and somewhat stiff if you take it for what it is. Highly recommended! Wonderful story of the trials and hardships of a country doctor and the sacrifices he made. It was filmed during the Great Depression as several of Lionel's films were. I am thinking his calm presence and great acting was a comfort to the audiences then. It takes place around 1910 and progresses through the next 30 years. Very cleverly done and I think skilled direction for an early film. Lionel is always a joy to watch! Whenever he is in a movie I know we are in for a treat! One of the best actors ever! Yet it's not like he's acting at all at times. Great supporting cast too. I enjoyed him and Mae Robson together. Maybe a little sentimental but so what!