TCM Archives: The Laurel and Hardy Collection (The Devil's Brother / Bonnie Scotland)

This DVD collection is, at present, the best way to be introduced to the great comedy team of Laurel and Hardy on R1 DVD.Laurel and Hardy made their bests films in the `20s (at the tail-end of the silent era) and the `30s (with a mix of short films and features) at the Hal Roach studio, but precious few of that great material is currently available on home video. Luckily, these two films, produced during their `30s heyday at Roach, ended up in the hands of a different rights holder - who were more than happy to produce this extras-loaded DVD set.The Devil's Brother is a comic version of an old operetta with Laurel and Hardy as bumbling servants of notorious bandit Fra Diavolo ("The Devil's Brother"), and Bonnie Scotland has the boys traveling to Scotland and accidentally joining the Queen's army and being shipped off to India. The Devil's Brother is a better film overall, with some good acting from the rest of the cast and interesting subplots, while Bonnie Scotland has a lame romantic subplot but (in my opinion) funnier Laurel and Hardy scenes. Both feature Laurel and Hardy mainstay James Finlayson in nice supporting role and between both of these movies you can get a pretty good idea of what Laurel and Hardy are all about.This set has an introduction by TCM host Robert Osborne, commentaries on both films, and theatrical trailers on disc one. Disc two features a feature-length documentary on theatrical shorts in American cinema which covers Laurel and Hardy and the entire Hal Roach studio as well as a lot of other stuff, but my fav special feature is over half a dozen clips of Laurel and Hardy's guest starring roles in some early `30s flicks. These were films with little real plot and featured dozens of cameos from famous folks doing a single scenes or comedic bits, films made up entirely of cameo appearances. While these films might be a chore to sit through by themselves this DVD just takes out the Laurel and Hardy comedy routines - which can, by the way, be viewed with no knowledge of the rest of the movie. They're a joy to watch.Here's hoping that soon after this review is made (late 2010) the rest of Stan and Ollie's films get a first-class home video presentation.----------(Edit)A better L&H DVD set came out in late 2011. Laurel and Hardy: The Essential Collection collects all the talkie shorts and features not already released (which only excludes 3 films). It's the go-to set for someone who wants the best of Laurel and Hardy, collecting shorts like The Music Box and films like Way Out West - you know, the really good stuff!... but after you buy The Essential Collection, this TCM set is the follow-up buy!

About a year ago RHI Entertainment released a 10 DVD set of the Laurel and Hardy sound short subjects and features. While it is an amazing set some of the Laurel and Hardy features were not included. This set fills in two major gaps but also provides some delightful extras.The two features, "The Devil's Brother" and "Bonnie Scotland" look and sound great. Devil's Brother is one of the first of the Laurel & Hardy operetta film. They supply comic relief never envisioned by the composer when this was a stage play. It is said Hal Roach was hoping this film would establish his studio as a contender in the feature film market. The production values seen here certainly are well above his previous efforts. Bonnie Scotland is a military comedy although as it opens there is little hint it will end up in this genre. This time L&H are the stars and are on screen for most of the film.If you own the RHI set - it is highly recommended you add this set to your collection also. The bonus features on this set make it even move valuable than expected. Included are all the L&H sequences from other feature films in which they appeared in either short sequences or cameos. Additionally, since this set comes from Turner, these is an option to begin the films with an introduction by Robert Osborne and to hear full length commentaries for both films. Also included is a feature length documentary (narrated by Chevy Chase) covering the development and variety seen in short subjects and interviews with some of the performers who starred in these films.No about the title for this review. I had seen this film in stores where it was first released but chose not to buy it. A few months ago I discovered it was available for free loan at my local public library. Once I had screened both of the DVDs in this set I knew this had to become part of my collection. If you love Laurel & Hardy as much as I do , search for a copy of this DVD and get it before there are no more to be had.

Enjoyed both features, but The Devil's Brother, is the superb gem here. L & H in top form having a ball; watching the other actors playing it straight is a joy too.....my goodness TH was a hotty. One of my top L&H movies along with Sons of the Desert, and Way Out West.

A great story set in Northern Italy, an unusual venue for Laurel & Hardy films, but has all the comedy of a great comic pair, especially when trying to be bandits for the first time and being outclassed by their victim in the woods. Only a Laurel & Hardy film can make such a sketch so masterful.The inclusion of Thelma Todd as the lead female and avenue of Fra Diavolo's affections at the expense of her husband (James Finlayson), makes this film essential viewing for all ages.One of my favourite Laurel & Hardy films, and forever a gem in my movie library.

Excellent DVD very good condition and speedy delivery.

A classic from a bygone era. Arrived in good time for my purposes.

Love these funny film that remember good souvenir.