Brother John

Odd Ernest Kinoy screenplay involving a mysteriously reticent black man of very few words returning to his Southern hometown for the funeral of his sister, dating a pretty schoolteacher but also getting involved in heated racial confrontations between the black residents and the redneck law. Peculiar, offbeat to say the least, yet hardly engrossing or emotional aside from the two big confrontations (one racially-charged, the other over a woman). Will Geer gives an irritatingly obtuse, owl-like performance as the doctor who originally delivered "Brother John", and who now senses something magical about him. In the lead, Sidney Poitier holds the screen with resplendence; he still has all the charisma and inner-fire of his popular 1960s roles, and allows us to see it (or perceive it) at perfectly-timed intervals. However, this cloudy mood piece--with timely undercurrents of oppression--isn't an exciting or gripping picture. Some have lauded the film for its dreamy ambiance, others will feel this approach ultimately works against the characters. A mixed-bag, though one with a beautiful score by Quincy Jones and expressive Gerald Perry Finnerman cinematography. ** from ****

I first saw this movie when it was released in the UK and although similar politically to most of his movies of that time and with the usual script aimed at making Sidney Poitier appear to be the super human that we all know he is.It was still in my opinion one of his more meaningful but less celebrated rolls with little or no publicity when it was released in the UK.Having said that,when you think of the standard of performance Mr Poitier gives in the movie and the talent the casting agent managed to muster(all fine journeymen actors)as a supporting cast one wonders why I feel I am the only person in the UK who saw this movie.The other major plus is the soundtrack(I would love to have a copy)it is so good.

This film begins with a small-town doctor known simply as "Doc Thomas" (Will Geer) advising a young woman named "Sarah" (Lynn Hamilton) to check into the local hospital for some tests. Although he advises her not to worry, he fully realizes that she has a terminal case of cancer and as such she doesn't have long to live. Prior to her leaving, however, he asks whether she has spoken with her brother "John Kane" (Sidney Poitier) who left town years ago and seems to have completely disappeared. After replying that she doesn't even know where he lives, she then leaves the clinic and checks into a hospital. The scene then shifts to a demonstration being held outside of a local factory where some of the workers are trying to form a union. With tensions running high Doc Thomas' son--the conservative District Attorney "Lloyd Thomas" (Bradford Dillman)--advises his law enforcement officials to be on the lookout for suspicious strangers appearing hoping to further inflame the situation in the union's favor. Not long afterward, John Kane just happens to appear right before his sister dies. Even so, Lloyd and the county sheriff "Ramon Bieri" (Orly Ball) become convinced that he's also there to stir up trouble. Doc Thomas, however, is not convinced and marvels at the fact that John seems to have an uncanny knack for mysteriously showing up whenever one of his family members is dying. What he suspects-and nobody else seriously considers--is that there is more to John than meets the eye and death always seems to follow him wherever he goes. Now, rather than reveal any more, I will just say that I liked the performances of both Sidney Poitier and Will Geer along with those of Beverly Todd (as "Louisa MacGill") and the always underappreciated Paul Winfield ("Henry Birkardt"). I also liked the manner in which the overt racism endemic in the South was exposed for all to see. That said, however, I must admit that I would have preferred a more heightened sense of mystery combined with a bit more suspense than what was displayed. Be that as it may, I still enjoyed this film for the most part and I have rated it accordingly. Slightly above average.

Sidney Poitier gives an exemplary performance in a film in which the viewer is kept in suspense as to why and who. Right to the very end, the viewer never knows for sure what the visitor to a small town really is. The supporting cast is excellent and Will Geer and Sidney Poitier are outstanding.

In a Southern town, kindly old Doc Thomas is giving an elderly woman what appears at first to be a routine examination. But then he must tell her, in his caring way, that she is too far gone and while they can try, she needs to prepare for the worst.

The woman's brother John cannot be found. And yet somehow he has always managed to show up when someone he cared about died. This time is no exception; while the family wonders how to contact him, John is already in his sister's hospital room.

After the funeral, John stays around for a while, which is unusual for him. He entertains a group of school kids by telling about his adventures in Africa and showing them the culture of the people he met. The kids' teacher seems to be an old girlfriend, and the possibility exists of the romance rekindling.

Doc Thomas should probably give up his practice, and the townspeople know this. He may not be senile yet, but he is showing a decline.

Meanwhile, the union at an area factory appears ready to strike. The black workers aren't treated well, and some of the cops in town are racist. There may be trouble. Will John's presence help or hurt the situation?

Sidney Poitier gives his usual masterful performance. And Will Geer does an outstanding job overall, even holding his own with the great Poitier in a powerful scene near the end.

We never really learn what John does or why he seems to have supernatural abilities. All we know is that he is very intelligent and has lived many places and done many things.

There are plenty of other good performances and good writing.

It's worth seeing.