The Brothers Warner

Written and narrated by Cass Warner Sperling, the granddaughter of Harry Warner, The Brothers Warner tells the story of four Brothers who saw the potential in a fledgling new invention, called motion pictures. Pooling their money, and pawning a family heirloom, they purchased a used projector, and begin their empire by showing films on a white sheet with borrowed funeral parlor chairs. They quickly learned that distributors made more money than exhibitors, and producers made the most of all. They moved their operation to California, and Warner Brothers Pictures was born.

Instilled with a strong work ethic, and equally strong family ties, the Warner brothers began to create films that educated as well as entertained, celebrating American ideals, social reform, ripped from the headlines subject matter, they brought art and culture to the masses. They were innovators, risk takers and visionaries. They were the original independents.

This documentary tells the Warner Brother’s story from a family perspective. It is full of interesting information and insight into the men behind a studio that has become iconic. Few people know about the Warner Brothers as individual men. Harry the eldest, and head of the family, Abe, the peacemaker, Sam, the innovator, and Jack, the showman. As bothers, they fought, bickered, and challenged each other, until a final betrayal brought their empire to an end. I highly recommend this film for everyone. For those interested in Hollywood, it’s a must see.

Rating: Must See Interesting, educational, entertaining