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16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Well, here's another fine classic comedy!, May 30, 2002
This review is from: Devil's Brother [VHS] (VHS Tape)
I know that Conventional Wisdom says that "Way Out West" and "Sons of the Desert" are supposed to be Laurel and Hardy's best feature films, but I cannot help having "The Devil's Brother" as my personal favourite - if only for Stan getting giggly drunk and for his game of earsie-kneesie-nosesie. Loosely based on an old Auber operetta called "Fra Diavolo" (the film's original title and one Stan preferred), inept highwaymen Stanlio and Ollio join forces with the dashing bandit of the title to steal from the rich and give to themselves. But the plot is nearly irrelevant and the beauty of video is the ability to fast forward through the terrible musical numbers - although Dennis King is far better than any of the singers who similarly invaded the Marx Brothers' films. Unlike Chaplin and Keaton, Laurel and Hardy went from silents to sound to posterity and never stopped being funny for a moment. "The Devil's Brother" is filled with hilarious gags and routines. And the boys have wonderful support from King and frequent L&H foil James Finlayson (at his cock-eyed best) - not forgetting the delicious Thelma Todd who, in this pre-Hays Office production, brings a rare bit of real sexuality into a Laurel and Hardy film. But it is Stan and Ollie that you will buy this video for and they won't let you down. Not only will they give you plenty of laughs but also several sleepless nights as you try to perfect earsie-kneesie-nosesie.
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7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Reportedly Stan Laurel's favorite, and mine, too, January 30, 2005
This review is from: Devil's Brother [VHS] (VHS Tape)
I've been a Laurel & Hardy fan since I was old enough to first watch TV. Being relatively ancient, when I was little, all TV was B&W and L&H were staples of kids programming. Stan Laurel, who wrote most of their dialog and dreamed up most of their business is, IMHO, a comic master against whom all others must be judged.
Like several other of their full-length features, this is a comic adaptation of an operetta. It's easily the best of the bunch, an opinion Stan reportedly shared. The original, "Fra Diavolo" by Auber is a generally forgettable and somewhat stuffy bit of fluff that's rarely performed. With the addition of Stan and Ollie's comic business, it's transformed into a work of sheer genius.
The most recognizable and catchy tune from the operetta, the "Romanze", or Diablo's theme, plays a central role in the funniest scenes of the entire show. The "kneesie-earie-nosie" and "finger wiggle" scenes are classics, beloved of L&H fans. Stan's progressive inebriation at a critical point is the locus for another set of riotous bits.
Highly recommended!
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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A wonderful operetta from Laurel and Hardy, October 23, 1999
By A Customer
This review is from: Devil's Brother [VHS] (VHS Tape)
Hal Roach pulled out all the stops when he produced THE DEVIL'S BROTHER in 1933. Based on the opera "Fra Diavolo" this is one of the most elaborate Laurel and Hardy features. The boys, named "Stanlio" and "Ollio" here, manage to become inept henchmen to the notorious bandit Fra Diavolo (Dennis King), who wishes to relieve a rich nobleman (James Finlayson) and his flirtatious wife (Thelma Todd) of their money and jewels. Laurel and Hardy have many hilarious scenes (including the infamous games "finger wiggle" and "kneesie-earsie-nosie"), making this one of their best showcases. King's singing voice is heard to good advantage, and the entire cast seems to be having a grand time in this marvelous romp.
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