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7/10
Senior Film Conservator
A definitive 7/10 rating for a film that redefined the boundaries of cult cinema. The Devil's Brother remains a cornerstone of transgressive art.
If you have a soft spot for Laurel and Hardy, you’ll probably find something to love here. If you hate musical numbers or early talkie pacing, stay far away. This isn't exactly high art, but it’s got that specific, slightly clumsy charm that makes you feel like you’re watching two guys just winging it on set.
Honestly, the plot is mostly just an excuse for them to be in costume. They play these two idiots trying to rob a guy, but they end up becoming his servants instead. It’s classic stuff, really.
There’s a scene early on involving a bottle of wine that goes on way too long. I’m pretty sure they were just laughing at each other for real at some point. It’s the kind of moment that makes you realize they didn’t have a script supervisor hovering over their shoulders every single second.
The musical interludes are… well, they exist. Some of them feel like they were filmed on a completely different planet. You’re watching Stan try to act tough, and then suddenly someone breaks into a ballad that sounds like it belongs in an opera house. It’s jarring, but kind of funny if you don't take it seriously.
I found myself staring at the background extras more than the main plot. There’s one guy in the tavern scene who looks like he’s having a nervous breakdown while everyone else is singing. He’s just standing there, holding a mug, staring at the floor. I wonder if he ever got paid for that.
It’s not as tight as their later work, but it’s got heart. You can see the bones of a great comedy underneath all the singing and the slightly dusty sets. It’s a bit of a relic, but in a good way. 🎩
Sometimes you just need to watch two people try to be bad at being bad. It’s simple, and honestly, that’s all I needed today.