Watch The Brothers Warner

The Brothers Warner is a documentary film that explores the rise of Warner Bros. Pictures, one of the most influential studios in Hollywood history. The film is directed by Cass Warner, the granddaughter of Harry Warner, one of the four Warner brothers who founded the studio in the early 20th century. The film begins with a brief history of the Warner family, tracing their roots back to Poland and following their immigration to the United States in the late 19th century. The brothers - Harry, Albert, Sam, and Jack - grew up in poverty in Ohio, but through hard work and ingenuity, they eventually found success in the film industry. The Brothers Warner charts the studio's rise from its early days as a small film distribution company to its position as a major player in Hollywood.

The documentary is filled with interviews and archival footage that shed light on the Warner brothers and their impact on the film industry. We hear from industry legends like Dennis Hopper, Martin Scorsese, and Clint Eastwood, as well as members of the Warner family themselves. Through these interviews, we come to understand the unique vision and personality of each of the Warner brothers, from the conservative Harry to the flamboyant Jack.

The film covers all of the major milestones in Warner Bros. history, including the studio's success with talkies in the 1920s, the rise of gangster films and film noir in the 1930s and '40s, and the groundbreaking social commentary of films like Rebel Without a Cause in the 1950s. We learn about the studio's innovative marketing strategies, like the use of newsreels to promote their films and the famous "Warner Night at the Movies" concept. We also see how the Warner brothers' personal lives intersected with their professional careers, from Harry's clash with the Catholic Church over The Exorcist to Jack's scandalous affair with actress Joan Crawford.

One of the most interesting aspects of The Brothers Warner is how it explores the relationship between the studio and the wider world. The Warner brothers were Jewish, and at times their religion put them at odds with the largely Protestant Hollywood establishment. The studio also played a role in major world events like World War II, with films like Casablanca and Air Force helping to shape public opinion.

At the heart of the film is Cass Warner's personal connection to the Warner legacy. As the granddaughter of Harry Warner, she has a unique perspective on the family and the studio's history. She narrates the film and conducts many of the interviews, giving it a very personal feel. Her passion for her family's story is apparent throughout the film, and it's clear that she sees it as a way to honor her grandfather's legacy and the legacy of Warner Bros. Pictures as a whole.

Overall, The Brothers Warner is an engaging and informative documentary that will appeal to both film buffs and casual viewers. It's a celebration of the Warner legacy and a fascinating look at the history of Hollywood itself. If you're interested in the stories behind some of the biggest films in cinema history, this is a film you won't want to miss.

The Brothers Warner is a 2008 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 34 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2.