Brother Orchid
by Lloyd Bacon
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DVD Cover Information
Actor: Ann Sothern, Donald Crisp, Edward G. Robinson, Humphrey Bogart, Ralph BellamyDirector: Lloyd Bacon
Brand: Warner Brothers
Cinematographer: Tony Gaudio
Producer: Hal B. Wallis
Producer: Mark Hellinger
Writer: Earl Baldwin
Writer: Jerry Wald
Writer: Richard Connell
Writer: Richard Macaulay
DVD: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language)
Format: Black & White, DVD, NTSC, Original recording remastered
Picture Format: 1.33:1
Running Time: 88 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2008-03-25
Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Warner Home Video
Movie Reviews of Brother Orchid
Movie Review: Brother Orchid
Summary: 5 Stars
Edward G. Robinson is somewhat cast against type in this film. It has been years since I have seen this movie; it's never been one that has received much exposure via television. It's a real treat to see Robinson take a turn at comedy; something he didn't do often but he had the skills to do it. Brother Orchid was released in 1940 & was directed by Lloyd Bacon. It's presented in the full screen format (1.33:1) & is in black & white.
Little John Sarto (Edward G. Robinson) has had enough of the rackets after someone in his Protection Agency has knocked someone off. He decides to retire, go to Europe & get some real class. After five years & broke (he's made some incredibly bad investments), he decides to return to New York City & become the head of his Protection Agency again. His former pals welcome him with open arms but it's only a ploy. Jack Buck (Humphrey Bogart, who was still a couple of years away from superstardom) has him thrown out on his ear. Flo Addams (Ann Sothern in a hilarious role) is his long suffering girlfriend. She appeals to Buck that he & Sarto should make up & become partners again. Buck agrees but it's all a set up in order to eliminate Sarto. The hit fails but just barely. Sarto ends up at a monastery becoming Brother Orchid. Brother Superior (Donald Crisp) takes him on as a monk with some funny consequences, everything has an angle & a hustle to Sarto. After hiding in the monastery for a few months Sarto reads that Flo is going to marry a hick cowboy from Montana, Clarence Fletcher (Ralph Bellamy). Fletcher had already been in some scenes earlier in the movie. The scene where he's driving Flo & Sarto to the sanitarium to get Willie the Knife (Allen Jenkins) is a riot, he's doing bird calls while Flo & Sarto are in the backseat talking. Ralph Bellamy made a living out of playing the "other guy" who never gets the girl. I don't know for sure but this might be the only movie where Bellamy DID get the girl! I won't spoil the ending for you but it's really a change of pace for Eddie G.!
There are some bonus features on the disc. There's an audio commentary track & several short subjects: A vintage newsreel,"Henry Busse & His Orchestra" (musical short); two cartoons, "Busy Bakers" (color) & "Slap Happy Pappy" (b&w Porky Pig) & two trailers, one of Brother Orchid & one of It All Came True. The film restoration is excellent as is the audio track.
Summary of Brother Orchid
Racket Boss John Sarto tired of gang violence quits and goes to Europe for "culture." His fortune soon dissipated by European swindlers he returns to the old mob; but new boss Jack Burns finds him strictly superfluous. Narrowly escaping being rubbed out Sarto is taken in by the monastery of the "Little Brothers of the Flower." His unique talents prove very useful to the monks...especially when Sarto's old mob forces them out of the flower market.Running Time: 128 min.Format: DVD MOVIE Genre: DRAMA/CLASSICS UPC: 883929002702 Manufacturer No: 1000035744Similar DVD Movies
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