It was a delight to see this film again. I last (and first) saw this roughly 28 years ago and it managed to stay within my psyche. Unlike other films watched so many years ago, Brother Orchid remains as I first saw it - a charmer of a gangster movie. To call it a gangster movie is a little unfair. Rather it is a human interest film with a gangster backdrop.
Edward G Robinson ("see") is 'Little' Johnny Sarto, a crime boss who runs a protection racket. He has delusions of grandeur and resigns his operation, letting Humphrey Bogart take over the reins of the racket, and goes to Europe to gain 'class'. He fails and after 5 years returns to resume his position. But Bogey won't have this (quite understandably really) and suddenly a war starts up. Edward G is shot and is rescued and taken in by a monastery where he realises he is in the perfect place to hide out, recuperate and plan his return. But he slowly learns that the monks' life of no material possessions, charity and quiet contemplation has more 'class' than anything that he ever aspired to before.
While today we can look at this film and easily predict how it will end, this somewhat forgotten film fully engages the viewer and delights on many levels. As with most pre-Casablanca movies, Bogart is the bad guy, but is not given much to do, although the fight between him and Edward G at the end is surpringly well realised. A perfunctory film perhaps, but one that draws you in and leaves you satisfied.
No comments:
Post a Comment