Is Brother Orchid Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, Brother Orchid is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Comedy movies.
It features a runtime of 88 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to mature audiences.
Brother Orchid Review
Last updated: January 9, 2026
The Premise
Released in 1940, Brother Orchid enters the Comedy genre with a narrative focused on When retired racket boss John Sarto tries to reclaim his place and former friends try to kill him, he finds solace in a monastery and reinvents himself as a pious monk. Under the direction of Lloyd Bacon, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.
Cast & Performance
The film is anchored by performances from Edward G. Robinson, Ann Sothern, Humphrey Bogart. While the cast delivers competent performances, the script occasionally limits their range.
Technical Aspects & Direction
From a technical standpoint, Brother Orchid offers a competent presentation. The cinematography aligns well with the tone, keeping the narrative moving at a brisk pace.
Where to Watch
As of January 2026, Brother Orchid is available in theaters worldwide. For streaming audiences in the US and UK, look for availability on major platforms roughly 45 days after the theatrical release. Check your local listings for specific showtimes.
Final Thoughts
With an audience rating of 6.5/10, the reception has been generally positive. For fans of Comedy, Crime, Drama, Romance, it serves as a worthy addition to the watchlist.
Cast of Brother Orchid
- Edward G. Robinson – Little John T. 'Johnny' Sarto
- Ann Sothern – Florence 'Flo' Addams
- Humphrey Bogart – Jack Buck
- Donald Crisp – Brother Superior
- Ralph Bellamy – Clarence P. Fletcher
Top Highlights
Edward G. RobinsonLittle John T. 'Johnny' Sarto
Ann SothernFlorence 'Flo' Addams
Humphrey BogartJack Buck
Donald CrispBrother Superior
Ralph BellamyClarence P. Fletcher
Allen JenkinsWillie 'The Knife' Corson
Charles D. BrownBrother Wren
Cecil KellawayBrother Goodwin
Morgan ConwayPhiladelphia Powell
Richard LaneMugsy O'Day
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.5/10, and global collection metrics, Brother Orchid stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1940 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Brother Orchid movie hit or flop?
Brother Orchid has received mixed reviews with a 6.5/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Brother Orchid worth watching?
Brother Orchid is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Comedy, Crime, Drama movies, but read reviews first.
What genre is Brother Orchid?
Brother Orchid is a Comedy, Crime, Drama movie that When retired racket boss John Sarto tries to reclaim his place and former friends try to kill him, he finds solace in a monastery and reinvents himsel...
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Critic Reviews
A very unusual film which really exemplifies the fine acting range of Robinson, as he decides to give up gangsterism and its high life for the subtle rewards of joining a monastery and finding there's more to offer him from a life of solitude and serving others. A minor classic.