BROTHERS WARNER

Directed By: Cass Warner

Review By: Kim Jindra

No one who loves movies should miss seeing BROTHERS WARNER.  Cass Warner seemed on a mission to inform the public that Warner Bros is more than a brand name but a real family with a very real history. From her man on the street interviews to the studio insiders she weaves a fascinating, true life story of genius, and industry, love and betrayal, business and family.

She admits her motivation is not only educate but to rectify a wrong that occurred to her grandfather and uncle.  Her memories of her grandfather are touchingly sweet but the story of the family is not.

It started well enough when four of the 12 Warner siblings' fascination with the burgeoning Nickelodeon market.  Brothers Harry, Sam, Albert and Jack were soon operating a movie house in New Castle, PA complete with a sheet on the wall and sister Rose playing organ.

Soon they moved to California where eldest brother Harry became president of the new family business.  Sam was the quartet's visionary and peace keeper especially between youngest Jack and Harry.  It was actually Sam who saw the future in talkies.  His wife, Lana, begged him to sever his relationship with family and go to Paramount with his idea, but Sam stuck with the family.  The result was THE JAZZ SINGER.  And in the midst of all that success tragedy struck when Sam died of a cerebral hemorrhage.  Jack called the Jolson debut, 'an empty victory' and indeed it did take the shine out of the spotlight.  Before long Warner diversified.  Shortly after that Lewis, Harry's son and heir apparent died of an infected wisdom tooth.  The music went off in the Warner household for three years, according to Cass' mother and Lewis' sister.

That may have accounted for Warners' reputation of looking at the harsh realities in America.  Harry thought film should be used to educate as well as entertain. And Warner Brothers was the first Hollywood company to refuse to do business with Germany after hearing of relocation camps in 1934.

I admit I am a student of history.  But this film resonates on the business level as well.  I totally identified with Harry and Albert when Jack took over the family business.  My best friend from college experienced a similar situation only a few years ago. It hurts and it never stops.  Fortunately, for my friend she was able to move on but Harry and Albert were not.  It affects the whole family dynamic. 

Cass said her prurpose was to honor a promise she made to her grandfather but I think it was cathartic for her, her cousins, her mother as well as friends and associates.  All the stories are woven together seamlessly.   And there is a nice surprise at the end.  I would see this one again.