Customer Reviews

Devil's Brother [VHS]

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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!

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.

Laurel & Hardy's 1933 costume comedy "The Devil's Brother" is presented here in a slightly edited reissue version. The quality isn't quite as good as the original-release edition, but the content is enjoyable, with Laurel & Hardy in excellent form as unwilling accomplices to singing bandit Fra Diavolo (Dennis King). The three-star rating refers to this particular version, which suffers only in comparison to its ancestor. Completists will prefer "The Devil's Brother," but casual fans and bargain hunters will find nothing wrong with "Bogus Bandits."

"The Devil's Brother" (a 1933 adaptation of "Fra Diavolo") is an excellent comic opera that ranks among the best Laurel and Hardy features. Directed by Hal Roach and Charles Rogers, the film boasts first-rate production values and a memorable ensemble cast, with plenty of Stan and Ollie amid the music and romance. As a result, "The Devil's Brother" avoids the schizophrenic storylines that plagued "Bonnie Scotland" (1935) and "Swiss Miss" (1938). Though a bit overlong compared to other L&H features, it remains a classic in the team's filmography.

This period piece casts Laurel & Hardy as unwilling accomplices to the singing bandit "Fra Diavolo." This has more stature than the average Laurel & Hardy feature, with handsome production and a good supporting cast including Thelma Todd and Henry Armetta. Dennis King, in the title role, is in excellent voice and makes a good foil for the comedians. You don't have to be a Laurel & Hardy enthusiast to enjoy this one.

i love laurel & hardy, but i had not seen this movie in 25 years. it is even better than i remembered it.

the early 30s was a fascinating time in the boys' film careers, with these cross-bred operetta films ("bohemian girl", "march of the wooden soldiers", and the sadly lost "rogue song"), but this is the best of them. a terrific performance from dennis king only complements the great humor, rather than slowing it down.

rarely shown on tv -- even when tv DID show laurel & hardy movies -- this is a must see for all fans of the boys and of operetta (are there any out there still?)

This was Great.I loved it and Laughed a lot.This is a movie you wont want to miss.Packed with Laughs

This film was very enjoyable to watch. It remains one of my most favorite Laurel and Hardy comedies. I also liked the costumes and the hair styles. The Devil's brother is filled with laughs as Laurel and Hardy try to be bandits for Fra Diavolo. I highly recommend this film for Laurel and Hardy buffs.