The Brotherhood (1968)

75% of critics liked it
(8 reviews)
22% of users liked it
(969 ratings)

In Martin Ritt's The Brotherhood, Kirk Douglas plays Frank Ginetta, an old-line Mafioso who resents the newer policies encouraged by his younger brother Vince (Alex Cord). Frank resists all attempts at modernizing his operation, whereupon Vince cajoles his father-in-law Dominick Bertolo (Luther… More In Martin Ritt's The Brotherhood, Kirk Douglas plays Frank Ginetta, an old-line Mafioso who resents the newer policies encouraged by his younger brother Vince (Alex Cord). Frank resists all attempts at modernizing his operation, whereupon Vince cajoles his father-in-law Dominick Bertolo (Luther Adler) to spearhead an inter-mob rebellion. Summing up Bertolo as a rat and a liar, Frank has the man murdered in a graphically brutal fashion. It is up to Vince to exact retribution by killing his own brother. Lewis John Carlino's screenplay includes many of the elements that would gain legendary status upon the release of The Godfather, including the dreaded "kiss of death." Star Kirk Douglas also served as producer. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: PG-13, 1 hr. 36 min.
Directed By: Martin Ritt
Written By: Lewis John Carlino
Genres: Drama, Action & Adventure, Classics

In Theaters: Jan 1, 1968 Wide
On DVD: May 14, 2002

Critic Reviews

Vincent Canby, New York Times
The Brotherhood has an old-fashioned, beautiful energy about it.
, Time Out
[Director Martin] Ritt can do very little with the breast-beating which attends this tale of brotherly love and self-sacrifice.
Steve Crum, Kansas City Kansan
Godfather-like saga has its moments.
, Film4
The acting is memorable throughout - Douglas characteristically tense, Cord perfect as the smoother sibling and Adler menacing as the boss.