The Kid Brother (1927)

This movie is the proof that the world is becoming a sick and dumb place

Simply Perfect

Captivating movie !

A movie that not only functions as a solid scarefest but a razor-sharp satire.

Harold Lloyd lives on a ranch with his father and two older brothers, and he's never allowed to join in what they perceive to be man's business, because he's just a squirt. Well no one calls Lloyd a squirt and gets away with it for long."The Kid Brother" was by all accounts one of Lloyd's personal favorites, and it also took longer to make than most of his other films. It's not one of my personal favorites -- I like the more physical Lloyd comedies that allow him to show off his athleticism and derring do. But for Lloyd fans, or fans of silent comedy in general, there's a lot to like here.Grade: B

Lloyd is the neglected younger brother of a rough country family. His foolish antics result in a suspect medicine show staying in town, who are then believed to have stolen money. To impress a girl, Lloyd must save the day.'The Kid Brother' follows the exact same story template as his earlier film 'Grandma's Boy'. It is also his most Keaton like effort. There are Western family feud elements that recall 'Our Hospitality' (1923) (including the famous shot of an animal disguised as a lady in a dress), haunted ship elements that recall 'The Navigator' (1924), as well as inventive mechanical humour, which recalls much of Keaton's work. So it is entertaining enough with a few chuckles, but not very original, and none of it matches the work of the master he is imitating. I would seek that out instead.

Although there is a lot to like in Harold Lloyd's The Kid Brother, perhaps the most understated and least applauded aspect is the chemistry and intermixing shenanigans that results from Jobyna Ralston's character showing up on the scene. Both Lloyd and Ralston had shared the screen before in previous antics, but their interlocking here is as sweet and endearing as can be. It would be their last date on screen before Jobyna would retire a couple of movies into the "talkie" era because of an unfortunate lisp, but if anything, it's a fitting and memorable farewell. Aside from the romance, The Kid Brother also has more than a handful of laughs up its sleeves and while I'm not a big fan of the movie's switch to elaborate stunts in the third act, the majority of the film showcases a somewhat restrained and down to earth tone that is both laugh-out-loud funny and charming at the same time.

In some ways it's a shame that Harold Lloyd is so associated with the film Safety Last. This is not because it is a bad film (in fact it's one of his better ones) but because it represents a style of film that is based almost completely on physical humor, whereas his best films also included significantly more plot, exceptional cinematography and a lot of heart. Among my favorites is THE KID BROTHER. It is very funny at times, but all the humor takes a back seat to the plot involving Lloyd falling for Jobyna Ralston (as he had in many previous films). The camera work is just unbelievable and just goes to show that just because this is a silent film doesn't mean it wasn't a very artistic film. A funny, sweet, beautiful and memorable film! And, because of it's gorgeous and beautifully crafted scenes, it's highly reminiscent of the best of Chaplin's full-length films, such as CITY LIGHTS. This film certainly has a lot of heart and will shock anyone expecting slapstick.So is THE KID BROTHER or THE FRESHMAN Lloyd's best film--it's hard to say. The FRESHMAN is more enjoyable and funny, but there is an elegance to THE KID BROTHER that help it transcend the genre--making it truly a work of art. As for me, I love them both and recommend you see them soon!