Devil’s Brother, The (MGM 1933, Stan Laurel, Oliver Hardy)

This Laurel and Hardy comic opera stars the classic comedy duo as Stanlio and Ollio, who, after being robbed by highwaymen, decide to take up the robber’s trade themselves. As fortune would have it, their first victim turns out to be none other than notorious singing bandit Fra Diavolo (Dennis King). He takes pity on the luckless pair and makes them his personal servants, taking them along as he proceeds to rob the beautiful Lady Pamela (Thelma Todd) and assorted other victims, singing–and being upstaged by Laurel and Hardy–all the way. Based, very loosely, on an 1830 opera by Daniel F. Auber.

Former beauty queen Thelma Todd, who co-stars was a popular comedienne of the 1920s and 30s who, less than two years later, would die under mysterious–and still unsolved–circumstances.

production details
USA | MGM | 90 minutes | 1933

Directors: Hal Roach, Charles H. Rogers
Producer: Hal Roach
Cinematography: Hap Depew, Art Lloyd
Editors: Bert Jordan, William Terhune
Music: Auber, Leroy Shield
Script: Jeanie Macpherson

cast
Henry Armetta as Matteo
Thelma Todd as Lady Pamela
Lucile Browne as Zerlina
Stan Laurel as Stanlio
Oliver Hardy as Ollio
Dennis King as Fra Diavolo
James Finlayson as Lord Rocburg