Brother Orchid (1940)
From the opening titles amidst the background of Heinz Roemheld’s heart-wrenching theme, you know you’re in for an emotional experience. It might sound like a simple 1940s score at first listen, but when you know the story of Brother Orchid, there’s so much more depth to the theme. You can hear a wounded man staggering, trying to crawl his way to safety and a better life. The church bells are from the monastery, but will he reach it in time? In my favorite scene, Edward G. Robinson staggers through the forest, bleeding from a gunshot wound, and when he finally reaches the monastery, he uses every last bit of his strength to reach the front door. It’s just one of the times I reach for the Kleenex box!
Brother Orchid is not just your average gangster picture. Edward G. Robinson might start out saying, “Do it my way, see?”, Humphrey Bogart might be another soulless villain, and Eddie G might once again go on a search for class and refinement, but this movie is different. To use his own word, it’s a class above the rest. It’s a transformative story about learning what really matters in life. It’s an inspiration that no matter how bad you start off, you can turn your life around at any time. You can learn kindness, find love, value friendship, and treasure spiritual fulfillment.
Everyone in the supporting cast is very convincing, from Ralph Bellamy’s “aww shucks” heart-of-gold fellow to Donald Crisp’s saintly example. There’s an adorable scene where Donald tells the monks that because they raised extra funds, they’ll be getting a treat of watermelon for dessert. All the men are excited, but when a poor boy in town admits he doesn’t have money enough to buy a pair of shoes, Donald gives him the surplus instead. Instead of being disappointed, one of the monks says he never liked watermelon anyway. From making literally life-or-death decisions to watering azaleas, Eddie G learns, changes, and grows, giving a beautiful performance every step of the way.
Taking home the coveted Hot Toasty Rag trophy for Best Picture of 1940, as well as Best Actor for Eddie G, Brother Orchid is one of my favorite classics. I’ve seen it probably twenty times, and it never fails to make me cry. Those who are new to old movies or the beloved “Do it my way, see?” gangster will become an instant and eternal fan after watching this movie. If you’re going to watch just one film of his, make it Brother Orchid.
Want to watch it? Click here to see it on ok.ru and thanks "Classic Movies Kristine Rose" for posting!
More Edward G. Robinson movies here!
Brother Orchid is not just your average gangster picture. Edward G. Robinson might start out saying, “Do it my way, see?”, Humphrey Bogart might be another soulless villain, and Eddie G might once again go on a search for class and refinement, but this movie is different. To use his own word, it’s a class above the rest. It’s a transformative story about learning what really matters in life. It’s an inspiration that no matter how bad you start off, you can turn your life around at any time. You can learn kindness, find love, value friendship, and treasure spiritual fulfillment.
Everyone in the supporting cast is very convincing, from Ralph Bellamy’s “aww shucks” heart-of-gold fellow to Donald Crisp’s saintly example. There’s an adorable scene where Donald tells the monks that because they raised extra funds, they’ll be getting a treat of watermelon for dessert. All the men are excited, but when a poor boy in town admits he doesn’t have money enough to buy a pair of shoes, Donald gives him the surplus instead. Instead of being disappointed, one of the monks says he never liked watermelon anyway. From making literally life-or-death decisions to watering azaleas, Eddie G learns, changes, and grows, giving a beautiful performance every step of the way.
Taking home the coveted Hot Toasty Rag trophy for Best Picture of 1940, as well as Best Actor for Eddie G, Brother Orchid is one of my favorite classics. I’ve seen it probably twenty times, and it never fails to make me cry. Those who are new to old movies or the beloved “Do it my way, see?” gangster will become an instant and eternal fan after watching this movie. If you’re going to watch just one film of his, make it Brother Orchid.
Want to watch it? Click here to see it on ok.ru and thanks "Classic Movies Kristine Rose" for posting!
More Edward G. Robinson movies here!
Hot Toasty Rag Awards:
Best Picture of 1940
Best Actor: Edward G. Robinson
Hot Toasty Rag Nominations:
Best Musical Score: Heinz Roemheld