Watch The Devil's Brother

The Devil's Brother is a 1933 comedy film starring the legendary duo of Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy, with Dennis King also appearing in a prominent role. The movie is a musical adaptation of the opera Fra Diavolo by Daniel Auber and is set in 18th-century Italy. Stan and Ollie play two wandering vagabonds, also known as zanni, who are in search of food and shelter. They come across a notorious bandit called Fra Diavolo (Dennis King) who terrorizes the countryside with his gang, robbing wealthy travelers and eluding the law. Fra Diavolo is impressed by the duo's musical talents and recruits them as his personal assistants.

Stan and Ollie are overjoyed at the prospect of good food and a warm bed, oblivious to the fact that they are now part of a criminal enterprise. They unwittingly help Fra Diavolo plan his next heist, but their bumbling and incompetence lead to numerous comedic mishaps.

The plot thickens when Fra Diavolo falls in love with Lady Pamela (Thelma Todd), a wealthy noblewoman staying at a nearby inn. He decides to rob her and her husband (played by James Finlayson) but his plans are thwarted by Lady Pamela's admirer Lorenzo (Henry Armetta), an Italian officer who is also in love with her.

As the story progresses, Stan and Ollie find themselves in increasingly dangerous situations, trying to protect themselves from both the police and Fra Diavolo's gang. The film culminates in a dramatic and hilarious chase scene where all the characters cross paths.

One of the highlights of The Devil's Brother is the musical numbers, which are intricately woven into the story. Dennis King delivers a powerful performance as Fra Diavolo, showcasing his singing and acting talents. Stan and Ollie's musical interludes add to the comedic tone of the movie and are a testament to their versatility as performers. Thelma Todd and James Finlayson also give memorable performances, adding to the overall charm of the movie.

The film was directed by Hal Roach and Charley Rogers, with cinematography by Art Lloyd. The screenplay was written by Jeanie Macpherson, Felix Adler, and Harry Langdon. The Devil's Brother was one of the first Laurel and Hardy films to be shot in multiple languages, with different versions produced for American, German, and French audiences.

Overall, The Devil's Brother is a delightful comedy film, showcasing the talents of its star-studded cast. It is an excellent example of the kind of movies that were made during the Golden Age of Hollywood, providing wholesome entertainment for audiences of all ages.

The Devil's Brother is a 1933 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1.