Brother Orchid (1940)
-
63% of users liked it
(867 ratings)
Edward G. Robinson plays orchid-loving gangster Little John Sarto, who aspires to "real class." During a power struggle with usurping mobster Jack Buck (Humphrey Bogart), Sarto is taken for a one-way ride, but he escapes his would-be assassins and hides out in a monastery overseen by… More Edward G. Robinson plays orchid-loving gangster Little John Sarto, who aspires to "real class." During a power struggle with usurping mobster Jack Buck (Humphrey Bogart), Sarto is taken for a one-way ride, but he escapes his would-be assassins and hides out in a monastery overseen by Brother Superior (Donald Crisp). Sarto insists that he'd like to become a monk himself, but in fact he's using the monastery as a hideout, the better to mount his counterattack against Buck. Eventually Sarto's resolve is weakened by the kindness of the monks, and he decides to turn over a new leaf. He sees to it that Buck is brought to justice, and also fixes up his true-blue "moll," Flo Addams (Ann Sothern), with good-hearted Texas rancher Clarence Fletcher (Ralph Bellamy). (News flash! Bellamy gets the girl for once!) Sarto, now known as "Brother Orchid," returns to the monastery for good, declaring that he's finally found the real class. Though Edward G. Robinson didn't want to play another gangster, he agreed to star in Brother Orchid in exchange for being allowed to essay the lead in Warner Bros.' historical drama A Dispatch From Reuter's (1940). ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Directed By
- Lloyd Bacon
- Genres
- Drama, Action & Adventure, Classics, Comedy
Unrated,
- In Theaters
- Jun 7, 1940 Wide
- Studio
- WARNER BROTHERS PICTURES
Critic Reviews
-
David Cornelius, DVDTalk.com
Just charming enough to keep it from becoming a dud... It's Robinson's delicate touch that keeps us watching.
-
John J. Puccio, Movie Metropolis
...it comes off as humorously and as touchingly as I remember it all those years ago. (Warner Gangsters Collection, Vol. 3)
-
John J. Puccio, Movie Metropolis
...combines a gentle humor with a touch of sweetness that makes it a delight. (Warner Gangsters Collection, Vol. 3)
-
Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
It's a pic that delights in being so ridiculous and corny.
See more critic ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes
Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)
Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)
Featured Audience Ratings
Also available on
UltraViolet Retailers
Other Retailers
Not Available
Subscription Services
Not Available
Not Available
Not Available
Cast
-
Edward G. Robinson
as Little John Sarto
-
Humphrey Bogart
as Jack Buck
-
Donald Crisp
as Brother Superior
-
Ralph Bellamy
as Clarence Fletcher
-
Allen Jenkins
as Willie The Knife
-
Charles D. Brown
as Brother Wren
-
Cecil Kellaway
as Brother Goodwin
-
Morgan Conway
as Philadelphia Powell
-
Richard Lane
as Mugsy O'Day
-
Paul Guilfoyle
as Red Martin
-
John Ridgely
as Texas Pearson
-
Joseph Crehan
as Brother MacEwen
-
Wilfred Lucas
as Brother MacDonald
-
Tom Tyler
as Curley Matthews
-
Granville Bates
as Pattonsville Supt.
-
Paul Phillips
as French Frank
-
Don Rowan
as Al Muller
-
Nanette Vallon
as Fifi
-
Joe Caits
as Handsome Harry
-
Tim Ryan
as Turkey Malone
-
Pat Gleason
as Dopey Perkins
-
Tommy Baker
as Joseph
- Joan Blondell
-
Harlan Briggs
as Thomas A. Bailey
-
Charles Coleman
as Englishman
-
Gino Corrado
as Artist
-
Jean Del Val
as Frenchman
-
Frank Faylen
as Superintendent of Service
-
James Flavin
as Parking Attendant
-
Mary Gordon
as Mrs. Sweeney
-
Creighton Hale
as Reporter
-
George Haywood
as Reporter
-
William Hopper
as Reporter
-
Armand Kaliz
as Frenchman
-
Sam McDaniel
as Janitor
-
Leonard Mudie
as Englishman
-
Edgar Norton
as Meadows
-
Frank Orth
as Waiter
-
John Qualen
as Mr. Pigeon
-
Ann Sothern
as Flo Addams
-
Dick Wessel
as Buffalo Burns
-
Charles De Ravenne
as Stable Boy
-
G. Pat Collins
as Tim O'Hara
