Brother Orchid

Enjoy this movie for two good reasons right off. Edward G. Robinson and Humphrey Bogart. Then, take in the movie as a time capsule enjoying the sights, sounds and slang's of that era. That's what I like about these older movies. You get to see how things were in that generation and in this case that's nearly 80 years ago. The plot is comedy mixed with gangsters and Hollywood never knows how that will be received until after the fact. In this case, the stars and supporting cast pull it through making it a recommendation not to be missed. There are a few scenes that do trigger the emotions and there is nothing you can do about them but to let them have their way. A good movie does this. I like to eat when I watch movies.I recommend a sandwich with a tasty drink followed by some sweet munch for this one...Enjoy Edward G's mannerisms, facial expressions and tones of voice for he had fun doing them. I had fun receiving them....

Like many, I picked up Brother Orchid because it was a Bogie film. I have this plan to watch every Bogie movie out there, because I am a huge fan. This was one of his earliest works wherein he played negative characters. Looking charming and cool, Bogie leaves his mark as usual but it is EGR who steals the show here. What a fantastic actor. I loved how his character Little Johnny Sarto evolves through the film. One of the best character development arcs I have seen for comedy/crime genre at the time. He makes us laugh our guts out, then makes us think and empathize with Johnny. EGR is brilliant in every scene he's in. If you enjoy classic comedy/crime genre - you are sure to have a good time watching this one as I did. Watch out the background of the title "Brother Orchid", its an interesting premise. Excellent movie. 8/10.

Worth renting or catching on late night TV, "Brother Orchid" is a 1940 hybrid, a film that uneasily coasts between comedy and drama. With both Edward G. Robinson and Humphrey Bogart capturing theater marquees with both violent crime and some serious drama roles this film is sort of a detour but it's a good one.

Robinson plays a gangster chief who quits the mob to undertake a long and financially ruinous Grand Tour of Europe. Returning to the U.S. he is astounded to discover that he can't pick up the reins he once held firmly and that his former underboss, Bogart, wants him out of the way - permanently. Bogart's talent is not very much on display in this movie.

Robinson winds up hiding in a friary populated by gentle souls and, of course, his condition is gentled under their patient ministration.

Ann Sothern is terrific as his "fiancee," a gang moll waiting long and patiently for the march to the altar. Ralph Bellamy is amusing as a Western rancher who exudes a patience and understanding more often associated with saints than cowboys.

For those who enjoy the pre-World War II Hollywood crime films this one is just different enough from the formula, and very violent, ones.

Brother Orchid (1940)

Edward G. Robinson plays first fiddle here, a mob boss jaded with the business and leaving it in Humphrey Bogart's hands while he goes to Europe. For five years. He comes back broke, and he's surprised he isn't boss anymore. Ha. That's just the first twenty minutes. There are more mob doings, and then it takes an odd couple of twists that give the movie its distinction.

"Brother Orchid" is fast, it's classic mobster stuff, and yet it's never hard edged and mean, as if it knows by 1940 the genre is old and people watching it have a bit of of nostalgia for it. (This isn't really true, however, as Cagney's most polished and possibly best gangster movie was White Heat in 1949. By the way, Cagney was originally slated for Robinson's role.) It is a light comedy around the edges, and Ralph Bellamy is the one truly comic character. But Ann Southern as the lead girl plays a lighthearted moll.

The mood here is to entertain. The title is odd from outside the theater but it makes sense after seeing it, and it's this second half of the movie that makes it all a little too starry eyed, even if it's also tongue-in-cheek. But most of all, it's totally enjoyable. Bogart, who appears really for just a couple minutes of screen time total, is restrained and not the classic Bogart just emerging ("The Maltese Falcon" and "High Sierra" are both 1941). But Robinson is in usual top form, subtle, peculiar, convincing, sympathetic. He even delivers some very sentimental lines with such earthy conviction you can believe him. Almost.

Likable gangster comedy-drama surprises with an unusual, amusing premise and takes it to an uplifting ending; with a superb star cast of the time, but it's mainly the Robinson/Bogart confrontation that livens up the show.