The Devil’s Brother

The Devil’s Brother

Year: 1933

Runtime: 90 mins

Language: English

Director: Hal Roach

MusicComedy

Great lords find their treasure vanished, and noblewomen surrender their affection to a charismatic figure. Two aspiring thieves enlist under a handsome aristocrat who in secret assumes the mantle of the infamous outlaw Fra Diavolo, leading them into daring escapades and covert romance.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – The Devil’s Brother (1933)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Devil’s Brother (1933). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

early 18th century

The narrative unfolds in a period of grand estates, swaggering nobles, and banditry across rural Northern Italy. Carriages, inns, and country mansions frame the action as Fra Diavolo schemes, with social mores of the era coloring the humor. The era provides a backdrop where wit and mischief collide with aristocratic propriety.

Location

Northern Italy, Rocburg estate, inn

Set in Northern Italy during the early 18th century, the story moves between the Rocburg estate, a bustling carriage route, and the inn where schemes unfold. The landscape blends aristocratic grandeur with rustic village charm, offering a backdrop for disguises and comic chases. The encampment of Fra Diavolo and the threat of banditry punctuate the setting, giving the film its swashbuckling, farcical tone.

🗺️ Northern Italy 🏰 Rocburg estate 🏨 Inn

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 15:02

Main Characters – The Devil’s Brother (1933)

Meet the key characters of The Devil’s Brother (1933), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Lady Pamela Rocburg (Thelma Todd)

A sophisticated noblewoman entangled in a jewel heist, Pamela is guarded and quick-witted, using charm to protect her possessions while remaining vulnerable to Diavolo’s schemes. Her pride and attachment to her jewels propel much of the plot. She wields influence over events, even as she navigates deception and danger.

🎭 Aristocrat 🏰 Noblewoman

Fra Diavolo, alias The Marquis De San Marco (Dennis King)

A notorious bandit who disguises himself as a nobleman to seduce Pamela and steal her jewels. He orchestrates complex schemes to acquire wealth and status. His charismatic bravado masks a ruthless grab for riches, until events force a reckoning.

🎭 Outlaw 🗡️ Bandit

Stanlio (Stan Laurel)

A bumbling, well-meaning would-be bandit who partners with Ollio in a not-so-slick imitation of Fra Diavolo. His innocent misjudgments propel much of the chaos and humor. He often blunders through situations, turning danger into comic relief.

🎭 Comedic foil 🗺️ Adventurer

Ollio (Oliver Hardy)

Stanlio’s equally earnest companion, Ollio brings physicality and stubborn optimism to the caper. His attempts at swaggering as a bandit collide with his habit of getting tangled in his own plans. He contributes to the film’s slapstick dynamism and momentum.

🎭 Comedic foil 🗺️ Adventurer

Lord Rocburg (James Finlayson)

Pamela’s aristocratic companion and husband figure whose wealth and status anchor the social setting. His concerns about estate and reputation drive some of the plot’s tensions. The character embodies the era’s political and social power dynamics within a comic frame.

🎭 Aristocrat 🏰 Noble

Captain Lorenzo (Arthur Pierson)

A military captain who finds himself accused of theft by Diavolo and determined to clear his name. He collaborates with others to expose the con, bringing discipline and resolve to the farce. His integrity anchors the narrative’s moral counterweight.

⚓ Military 🧭 Authority

Matteo (Henry Armetta)

Innkeeper whose establishment becomes a focal point for the caper. He supports Lorenzo’s efforts to save the inn from financial ruin and provides a stable, communal hub amid chaotic scheming. His generosity contributes to the film’s redeeming arc.

🎭 Supporting 🏨 Innkeeper

Zerlina (Lucile Browne)

A member of Pamela’s circle within the Rocburg milieu, contributing to the social texture of the tale. Her presence heightens the aristocratic atmosphere and provides additional interpersonal dynamics. She participates in the ensemble’s comic misadventures.

🎭 Social Figure 🏰 Noblewoman

Lorenzo's Lieutenant (Lane Chandler)

A lieutenant who supports Captain Lorenzo, adding a layer of military order to the plot. He becomes tangled in the misdirections and ultimately aids in resolving the theft accusations. His role helps balance the comedic caper with a touch of official duty.

⚔️ Soldier 🧭 Assistant

The Prospective Groom (Matt Mchugh)

An eager suitor drawn into the caper, whose aspirations intersect with the jewel intrigue. His enthusiasm misfires in humorous ways, contributing to the film’s lighthearted chaos. He embodies the theme of aspirational romance against a backdrop of schemes.

🎭 Comic Foil 💍 Groom

The Timorous Woodchopper (James C. Morton)

A timid woodsman whose presence amplifies the film’s slapstick energy. His reactions and hesitations escalate the farce, creating moments of suspense and laughter. He represents the everyday person caught in a larger comic heist.

🏞️ Villager 🪵 Woodsman

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 15:02

Major Themes – The Devil’s Brother (1933)

Explore the central themes of The Devil’s Brother (1933), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🎭 Disguise

Disguise and impersonation drive the plot, from Fra Diavolo’s masquerade as the Marquis de San Marco to Stanlio and Ollio attempting to imitate his exploits. Mistaken identities create suspense and comic tension as danger lurks behind each disguise. The humor arises from the clash between deception and the characters’ earnest attempts to outsmart one another.

💎 Treasure

The pursuit of Pamela’s jewels and a hidden purse sewn into her petticoats motivates actions and double-crosses. Greed tests trust among the bandits, the aristocrats, and the bumbling duo. The treasures function as a MacGuffin that ultimately leads to restitution rather than ruin.

⚖️ Redemption

Despite chaos and capture threats, the story pivots to mercy and restitution. Diavolo relinquishes the stolen money to Lorenzo, allowing Matteo’s inn to be saved. The ending pairs slapstick gallantry with a humane gesture, underscoring a theme of redemption over mere con artistry.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 15:02

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The Devil’s Brother Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Devil’s Brother, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

The Devil’s Brother Summary

The Devil’s Brother Timeline

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The Devil’s Brother Timeline

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