The Borrowers (1997 film) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids The Borrowers |
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Theatrical release poster
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| Directed by | Peter Hewitt |
| Produced by |
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| Written by |
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| Starring |
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| Music by | Harry Gregson-Williams Hans Zimmer (score producer) |
| Cinematography |
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| Editing by | David Freeman |
| Studio | Working Title Films |
| Distributed by | PolyGram Filmed Entertainment |
| Release date(s) | 5 December 1997 |
| Running time | 89 minutes |
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| Language | English |
| Budget | $29 million |
| Money made | $54 million |
The Borrowers is a fun live-action fantasy comedy film from 1997. It is based on the famous children's book The Borrowers by author Mary Norton. The movie stars John Goodman, Jim Broadbent, Celia Imrie, Mark Williams, Hugh Laurie, and Bradley Pierce.
In 1998, the film was nominated for Best British Film at the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) awards. Some parts of the movie were filmed in the village of Theale in England. When it was first released in the United Kingdom, it was a popular movie, reaching number two at the box office.
Contents
The Story of The Borrowers
The movie is about a tiny family called the Clocks. They are "Borrowers," which means they are very small people who secretly live in human houses. They "borrow" small things that humans won't miss, like batteries or buttons.
A Family in Danger
Young Pete Lender lives in a big house. He notices small things disappearing and tries to set traps. His parents don't believe him. Meanwhile, the Clock family – Pod, Homily, Arrietty, and Peagreen – live hidden in the house.
A mean Lawyer named Ocious P. Potter tells the Lenders that their house will be torn down. He says he can't find the will that proves the house belongs to them. But Potter is lying! He wants to build new buildings there.
Adventures and Escapes
One day, Arrietty, the daughter, gets caught by Pete. He tells her about the house being demolished. Arrietty quickly warns her family. Pete helps the tiny Clocks hide on the Lenders' moving truck. He even fixes one of Pod's gadgets, earning their trust.
But Arrietty and Peagreen accidentally fall off the truck! They have to find their way back to the house. Potter arrives and finds the real will hidden in a safe. He tries to burn it, but Arrietty and Peagreen grab it and run.
Chasing the Will
Potter finds the Borrowers' secret home. He calls Exterminator Jeff to get rid of them. Jeff accidentally sprays Potter with foam. Police Officer Oliver Steady comes to check on the noise, but Potter tricks him. Arrietty and Peagreen escape with the will.
Peagreen falls into a milk bottle and ends up at a dairy factory. Potter, Jeff, and a dog chase after him. Spiller, another Borrower who lives outside, helps Arrietty. Pod rescues Peagreen from the factory's machines.
The Final Showdown
Potter catches the Borrowers and tries to drown them in liquid cheese. Pete saves the Clocks. Jeff, who has changed his mind about helping Potter, drives the Borrowers to City Hall. They need to stop Potter from tearing down the house.
At City Hall, the Clocks tie up Potter with electrical tape. But he breaks free! Just as Potter is about to use a vacuum cleaner on them, Spiller arrives with an army of other Borrowers. They stop Potter.
Pete and Jeff arrive with Officer Steady. Pete shows Steady the will, proving Potter's plan was a trick. Potter is arrested.
Happy Endings
The Lender family moves back into their home. The Clock family also returns, and Pete helps them with food. At the end, Arrietty and Spiller have fun riding a roller skate powered by aerosol paint.
During the credits, Potter tries to explain about the Borrowers to the police, but no one believes him.
Meet the Cast
- John Goodman as Ocious P. Potter, the sneaky lawyer.
- Jim Broadbent as Pod Clock, the dad of the Borrower family.
- Mark Williams as Exterminator Jeff, who first helps Potter.
- Hugh Laurie as Officer Oliver Steady, the police officer.
- Bradley Pierce as Pete Lender, the boy who helps the Borrowers.
- Celia Imrie as Homily Clock, the mom of the Borrower family.
- Flora Newbigin as Arrietty Clock, the daughter.
- Tom Felton as Peagreen Clock, the son.
- Raymond Pickard as Spud Spiller, another Borrower.
- Ruby Wax as Town Hall Clerk
- Aden Gillett as Joe Lender, Pete's father.
- Doon Mackichan as Victoria Lender, Pete's mother.
- Bob Goody as Minty Branch
- Alex Winter as TV Gangster
Home Video Release
This movie was released for home viewing on May 19, 1998, on VHS. It later came out on DVD on April 1, 2003.
See also
In Spanish: The Borrowers (película de 1997) para niños
