Project Detail

The Borrowers

Synopsis

Pod, Homily and their children Peagreen and Arrietty are the Clocks, a family of Borrowers - tiny 4" people who live under the floorboards of a big house and 'borrow' from the Lenders, the 'human beans' who live upstairs.

When Arrietty gets discovered by Pete, the Lender's son, they tentatively become friends. Pete explains that his Great Aunt, whose house they all share, has died and as no-one can find her will, the house is to be demolished by the nasty local lawyer Potter. Pete promises to smuggle the Clocks to his new home when they move.

Although deeply suspicious of all 'beans', Pod and Homily realise they must trust Pete. On moving day, Pete packs the Borrowers into the van, but Arrietty and Peagreen accidentally fall out. Lost and disorientated, they manage to return to their old house, only to see Potter stealing Aunt Mary's will, which leaves the house to Pete's family. Arrietty and Peagreen abscond with the will, with Potter and his nephew Exterminator Jeff in hot pursuit.

An exciting chase ensues as they attempt to get to the Town Hall before Potter registers the Lender's house for demolition. As the deadline approaches, Potter's fury reaches boiling point and he employs even more nasty tactics. However, Arrietty, Peagreen and a renegade Borrower called Spiller use all their skills in keeping one step ahead of the villains. With some true heroics they ultimately win the house back so the Borrowers and the Lenders can all live happily ever after.

Details

Year: 1998
Type of film: Features
Running time: 100 mins
Format: 35mm Kodak
Director: Peter Hewitt
Producer: Walt de Faria
Executive Producer: Walt de Faria
Director of Photography: John Fenner
Principal cast: John Goodman, Jim Broadbent, Hugh Laurie, Mark Williams and Celia Imrie
Screen Writers: Gavin Scott and John Kamps

Production Status

Complete

Production Company

Working Title Films 5th Floor 76 Oxford Street London W1N 9FD Tel: 020 7307 3000 Fax: 020 7307 3001

Sales Company

Polygram Film International th Floor 76 Oxford Street London W1N 9FD Tel: 020 7307 1300 Fax: 020 7307 1301

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