Brother Rat Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 16, 2026
Movie Overview: Brother Rat
| Movie | Brother Rat |
| Release Year | 1938 |
| Director | William Keighley |
| Genre | Comedy |
| Runtime | 87 minutes (1h 27m) |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Brother Rat (1938) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 6.0/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Comedy.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in Brother Rat are led by Ronald Reagan . The supporting cast, including Jane Wyman and Priscilla Lane , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
While Brother Rat does not fully realize its potential, it still contains moments that may appeal to viewers who enjoy Comedy films.
- Interesting concept or premise
- Some entertaining scenes
- Supporting cast delivers occasional highlights
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, Brother Rat has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.
- Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
- Some predictable plot developments
- May not appeal to audiences outside the Comedy fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: Brother Rat
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1938, Brother Rat is a Comedy film directed by William Keighley, written by Richard Macaulay. The narrative brings laughter through sharp writing and comedic timing, providing amusement while touching on deeper societal themes. As part of the Brother Rat Collection, it provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Ronald Reagan as Dan Crawford.
Ending Explained: Brother Rat
Brother Rat Ending Explained: Story of three buddies at the Virginia Military Institute. Directed by William Keighley, this 1938 comedy film stars Ronald Reagan (Dan Crawford), alongside Jane Wyman as Claire Adams, Priscilla Lane as Joyce Winfree, Wayne Morris as Billy Randolph. With a 6/10 rating, the ending has divided audiences.
What Happens at the End of Brother Rat?
Story of three buddies at the Virginia Military Institute. Cadet Bing Edwards is secretly married and soon to be a father.
William Keighley's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Ronald Reagan (Dan Crawford)'s journey. Cadet Bing Edwards is secretly married and soon to be a father.
As part of the Brother Rat Collection, the ending carries additional weight for fans following the franchise.
How Does Ronald Reagan (Dan Crawford)'s Story End?
- Ronald Reagan: Ronald Reagan's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
- Jane Wyman (Claire Adams): Jane Wyman's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Priscilla Lane (Joyce Winfree): Priscilla Lane's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of Brother Rat Mean?
Brother Rat's ending attempts to resolve the major plot threads, though some narrative elements involving Ronald Reagan may feel rushed. William Keighley's final act has been both praised for its ambition and criticized for its execution.
Brother Rat Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Is Brother Rat Based on a True Story?
No, Brother Rat is a work of fiction. While the comedy film directed by William Keighley and starring Ronald Reagan may incorporate realistic themes, the characters and plot are original creations.
Who Should Watch Brother Rat?
Age Advisory: Rated Not Rated.
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Comedy films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Ronald Reagan or the director
- Want some laughs and light entertainment
At just 87 minutes, it's a quick watch.
Brother Rat Parents Guide & Age Rating
1938 AdvisoryWondering about Brother Rat age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Brother Rat (1938) is 87 minutes (1h 27m). Directed by William Keighley, the film runs for 87 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.0/10, and global performance metrics, Brother Rat is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1938 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Brother Rat worth watching?
Brother Rat is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Comedy movies. It has a verified rating of 6/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Brother Rat parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Brother Rat identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of Brother Rat (1938)?
The runtime of Brother Rat (1938) is 87 minutes (approximately 1h 27m).
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
Useful Links
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