Brothers by blood, but business is different
The documentary that Cass Warner put together is extremely informative. You get to see the building blocks that were put together that eventually made, what is today, one of the greatest studios in Hollywood (if not the world). She takes a look at the brothers growing up as kids and their migration to America to find fame and fortune. You’ll also get to see the different personalities of the brothers and how strongly their liberal beliefs played in Hollywood during very strong conservative moments.
The trail that Warner makes is interesting as you’re introduced to each Warner (Albert, Harry, Jack and Sam) and what part they played in the building of a studio. Along the way actors, critics and professors give their insight and opinions on the subjects at hand. What’s really interesting about this DVD is that Cass Warner doesn’t pull any punches when she’s telling the Warner story. She doesn’t take into consideration family feelings and doesn’t paint a bright light greatness during the entire documentary. For example, one particular subject that made the documentary very interesting is the division that Jack Warner created with is family when he took complete control over the studio. Having convinced his brothers to sell their share of it, he sold the studio for one day to a buyer and then proceeded to buy Warner Brothers back on his own (leaving his family out of it).
This type of non-bias view of the Warners is something that gives Cass’s creation good credibility. Most wealthy families typically want to show the best sides of the birth of their fortune. Cass Warner’s interest seems focused on telling the entire story, and not just the good parts.
WIth that said, the documentary isn’t perfect. While all the information that Warner is telling the audience is certainly paved with interest, the piece tends to jump around quite a bit. There isn’t a natural bridge between the birth of the studio, the fall of the economy and the eruption into a world war. It just seems to jump from even to even with no smooth transition, which is a bit jarring.
With that said, the documentary is going to interest the moviegoers out there and especially be of some importance to film history (and film professors). For me, I love film history and enjoyed the journey; I just wish it was a bit smoother.