L'étrange aventure

Gangster Little John Sarto (Edward G. Robinson) retires from the racket to "get some class." After that flops he tries to reclaim his old mob, which is now run by Jack Buck (Humphrey Bogart). After nearly being rubbed out and believing his girlfriend (Ann Sothern) set him up, Little John joins a monastery! Entertaining Warner Bros. gangster comedy is helped by fun dialogue and solid cast. Robinson, Bogart, and Sothern are all great. Support from the likes of Ralph Bellamy, Allen Jenkins, Cecil Kellaway, and Donald Crisp. Doesn't launch into the monastery part of the film until about halfway through. It's a fairly routine gangster story for the first half. Although with this cast, fairly routine is still pretty enjoyable to watch.

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.

After a life of leading rackets you retire, intent on broadening horizons rising higher, in the world of upper classes, you'll reside above the masses, until the day that all is spent and you require; so a trip back to the guys to reassert, leaves you running through the hills, shot through, in dirt, double crossed, misled, betrayed, on the brink of your own grave, found and rescued, then encouraged to wear skirt; it takes some time til buds and shoots start to appear, in this world that's rather plain, somewhat austere, a deviation then side-tracks, as you curtail with vengeful axe, to return to those blessed hands, and volunteer.

Ann Sothern is great.

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.