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Brother Rat
Directed byWilliam Keighley
Written byRichard Macaulay
Jerry Wald
Based onBrother Rat
1936 play
by John Monks, Jr. and Fred Finklehoffe
Produced byRobert Lord
Hal B. Wallis
StarringRonald Reagan
Jane Wyman
Priscilla Lane
Wayne Morris
Johnnie Davis
Jane Bryan
CinematographyErnest Haller
Edited byWilliam Holmes
Music byHeinz Roemheld
Distributed byWarner Bros.
Release date
  • October 29, 1938 (1938-10-29)
Running time
89 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish

Brother Rat is a 1938 American comedy drama film about cadets at Virginia Military Institute in Lexington, Virginia, directed by William Keighley, and starring Ronald Reagan, Priscilla Lane, Eddie Albert (in his film debut), Jane Wyman, and Wayne Morris.

The film is an adaptation of the successful Broadway play of the same name written by two former VMI cadets, John Monks, Jr. and Fred Finklehoffe, which ran for 577 performances between December 1936 and April 1938. Albert and supporting actor William Tracy reprised their roles from the stage productions.[1]

After the film's production, Reagan married Wyman in 1940.[2] The title refers to the term used for cadets in their first year at the institute. Scenes of the film were shot on site in Lexington on the institute's historic parade ground, and the baseball game scene was filmed at Alumni Memorial Field.

Plot

[edit]

At the Virginia Military Institute, roommates Billy Randolph (Wayne Morris), Dan Crawford (Ronald Reagan) and Bing Edwards (Eddie Albert) are three good-natured troublemakers who are trying to clean up their act in the weeks leading up to graduation. Still, try as they might, they cannot seem to stop breaking the rules, which include sneaking girlfriends on campus, and pawning the college's valuable sword to get money to bet on a baseball game. When the secretly married Edwards learns his wife (Jane Bryan) is pregnant, his preoccupation leads to events that really send everything out of order.

Cast

[edit]

Reception

[edit]

Frank S. Nugent of The New York Times called the film "an excellent transcription of the play, loyal to all its screenable material and matching the playwrights' lively humors in the added scenes."[3] "None of the factors that made the play a success has been lost ... Albert gives a splendid performance," reported Variety.[4] Film Daily wrote that Keighley gave the film "warm, sympathetic direction and has injected many human touches," and called Eddie Albert "a definite screen 'find'."[5] Harrison's Reports declared it "A delightful comedy" with "excellent" performances.[6] John Mosher of The New Yorker called it "a serviceable time-filler."[7]

A sequel, Brother Rat and a Baby, with several of the same main actors, was released in 1940.

In 1952, Warner Brothers remade it as a Technicolor musical, About Face, with Gordon MacRae, Eddie Bracken and in his first film, Joel Grey.

References

[edit]
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Brother Rat

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Brother Rat is a comedy play written by John Monks Jr. and Fred F. Finklehoffe, premiered on Broadway on December 16, 1936, at the Biltmore Theatre in , and depicting the humorous escapades of three cadets at the (VMI) as they navigate secret marriages, impending fatherhood, and graduation pressures. The play draws directly from the authors' own experiences as VMI cadets in the Class of 1932, incorporating authentic military school customs and terminology, such as the term "brother rat" used for fellow first-year classmates. It ran for 577 performances until April 23, 1938, establishing it as a hit production praised for its exuberant energy and relatable portrayal of youthful mischief in a structured environment. In 1938, adapted Brother Rat into a film directed by , with a screenplay by Richard Macaulay and , faithfully capturing the play's blend of romance, comedy, and drama. The movie stars in his film debut as Bing Edwards, as Billy Randolph, as Dan Crawford, alongside , , and , and was released on October 29, 1938, with a runtime of 89 minutes. Notable for launching careers and sparking the real-life romance between Reagan and Wyman, who met during production and married in 1940, the film grossed over $2 million at the and led to a 1940 sequel, Brother Rat and a Baby.

Origins

Broadway Production

Brother Rat was written by John Monks Jr. and Fred F. Finklehoffe, both graduates of the , and premiered on December 16, 1936, at the Biltmore Theatre in under the direction of . The production transferred to several other theaters during its run, including the Hudson, National, and , before closing on April 23, 1938, after a total of 577 performances that marked it as a major commercial success on Broadway. The original cast included in the lead role of Bing Edwards, a talented facing personal dilemmas, with as Billy Randolph, Jose Ferrer as Dan Crawford, and Kathleen Fitz as Kate Rice. These performances captured the youthful vigor of the ensemble, portraying a group of VMI s navigating the rigors of academy life. Set at the in , the play is structured as a fast-paced exploring the daily challenges and escapades of military cadets, including rituals, budding romances, and schemes to evade strict rules while maintaining institutional honor. Themes of camaraderie among roommates, the tension between discipline and mischief, and the pressures of impending graduation provide the backdrop for its humorous scenarios, emphasizing the spirited resilience of young men in a structured environment. Broadway critics acclaimed Brother Rat for its lively humor, energetic staging, and relatable depiction of youthful antics, which resonated with audiences and fueled its extended run as the third military school comedy of the season to achieve widespread popularity. Reviews highlighted the play's ability to blend broad comedy with authentic insights into cadet life, making it a feel-good brightened theaters during the late . The success of the stage production later led to its into a 1938 film.

Film Development

Following the success of the Broadway production, which ran for 577 performances from December 16, 1936, to April 23, 1938, acquired the film rights in early 1938, having previously backed the stage show, with the intent to produce a swift cinematic adaptation to leverage its ongoing popularity. The was adapted by Richard Macaulay and , who preserved the play's core elements of cadet comedy and romance while condensing the narrative for film, shortening the runtime to 89 minutes and enhancing pacing for cinematic flow. Casting emphasized continuity with the stage version alongside studio contract talent; was selected to reprise his Broadway role as "Bing" Edwards, while contract players (as "Dan Crawford") and (as "Billy Randolph") were chosen for their emerging appeal in light comedies, with cast as the female lead. Pre-production was expedited to coincide with the play's closing, enabling principal photography to commence in early 1938 and wrap by early August, allowing for an October release.

Story and Characters

Plot Summary

Brother Rat is set at the (VMI) in , during the final year of three cadets: Bing Edwards, Billy Randolph, and Dan Crawford, as they approach graduation. Bing, played by , is secretly married to Kate Rice and learns that she is pregnant, which violates VMI regulations and threatens his expulsion if discovered. His roommates Billy and Dan rally to support him, engaging in various schemes to keep the secret while navigating their own romantic pursuits—Billy woos Joyce Winfree amid competition from a rival cadet, and Dan develops a relationship with Claire Adams, who turns out to be the colonel's daughter. The cadets' antics escalate as they attempt to sneak their girlfriends onto the restricted campus, leading to comedic mishaps involving rituals and disciplinary close calls. To fund Bing's impending fatherhood, the friends pawn a ceremonial saber to bet on a crucial game where Bing, a talented , must perform despite his distractions; they also help him prepare for a vital chemistry exam. These efforts highlight the tight-knit "brother rat" camaraderie among the cadets, who break rules in solidarity while striving to reform enough to graduate. In the climax, Bing's secret nearly unravels during preparations, but through a series of chaotic revelations and interventions, the group manages to pull through. Bing passes his exam, wins the game, avoids expulsion, and welcomes a son shortly after; meanwhile, Billy secures Joyce's affection, and Dan's romance with Claire blossoms. The film ends on a note of triumphant camaraderie, with the cadets graduating together amid the resolved comedies of errors, underscoring themes of young love, friendship, and the challenges of .

Principal Cast

The principal cast of Brother Rat (1938) features a ensemble of contract players portraying cadets and their romantic interests at the . stars as Billy Randolph, the charming cadet leader who navigates the group's antics while pursuing his love interest. plays Dan Crawford, Billy's loyal and rambunctious friend, whose energetic performance pairs effectively with his on-screen girlfriend. portrays Bing Edwards, the troubled newlywed cadet whose anxiety stems from hiding his secret marriage and the impending arrival of his baby from school authorities. Priscilla Lane appears as Joyce Winfree, Billy's spirited love interest and a key figure in the film's romantic subplots. is cast as Claire Adams, Dan's bespectacled bookworm girlfriend, whose role highlights a budding on-screen chemistry with Reagan that foreshadowed their real-life marriage in 1940. rounds out the leads as Kate Rice, Bing's supportive but hidden wife, adding emotional depth to the newlyweds' predicament. In supporting roles, Johnnie Davis provides comic relief as "Tad" (A. Furman Townsend Jr.), the wisecracking cadet who amplifies the group's humorous escapades. plays Colonel Ramm, the stern commandant overseeing the academy's strict discipline. The cast also includes minor roles filled by athletes and faculty members, such as Gordon Oliver as Captain "Lacedrawers" Rogers, contributing to the film's depiction of military life. Notably, was the only actor to reprise his role from the original Broadway production, marking his film debut in the process.

Production

Direction and Writing

William Keighley directed Brother Rat, bringing his experience from Broadway to the screen while emphasizing fast-paced humor and ensemble dynamics in his comedies, such as the 1937 musical Varsity Show. His vision for the film focused on authentic depictions of Virginia Military Institute (VMI) life, utilizing the camera's mobility to expand beyond the stage play's limitations by incorporating real cadet drills and dormitory scenes filmed on the actual VMI grounds with over 700 cadets participating. This approach highlighted the camaraderie among "Brother Rats"—the term for bonded classmates—through scenes of mutual support and pranks, maintaining the play's spirit without major deviations while enhancing visual energy. The screenplay was adapted by Richard Macaulay and from the 1936 Broadway play by John Monks Jr. and Fred F. Finklehoffe, with the writers streamlining the dialogue for cinematic flow and incorporating visual gags, such as cadet pranks involving mock uniforms and antics, to amplify the comedic elements. Their script preserved the blend of and light drama, centering on youthful rebellion amid romantic entanglements and , while integrating VMI-specific rituals like the designation of freshmen as "Rats" and their subjection to upperclassmen oversight. The film runs 89 minutes and was edited by William Holmes to ensure snappy pacing that matched Keighley's rhythmic style, with musical direction by Leo F. Forbstein overseeing the score to underscore the ensemble's lively interactions.

Filming Locations and Techniques

The production of Brother Rat incorporated on-location shooting at the in , to authentically capture the environment of a . Key exterior scenes, including those in the , on the parade grounds, and depicting the graduation ceremony, were filmed directly on the VMI campus, utilizing its historic grounds for realism. Interiors, along with select exterior action sequences, were completed at the Warner Bros. studios in , allowing for controlled staging of dialogue-heavy and comedic elements. Cinematographer shot the film in black-and-white on standard 35mm , adhering to conventional Hollywood practices of the era for a comedy-drama. Principal spanned several months in 1938, concluding in time for the film's October premiere.

Release and Commercial Aspects

Premiere and Distribution

Brother Rat world premiered on October 20, 1938, at the State Theatre in , the home of the (VMI), to honor the institution's role in the story and production. This event tied directly to the film's authentic depiction of VMI cadet life, with local screenings emphasizing the military academy's traditions and the original Broadway play's legacy. The general release followed on October 29, 1938, distributed nationwide by . Warner Bros. handled the wide U.S. distribution through its extensive theater chain, positioning the film as a comedic adaptation of the hit Broadway play that had run for over two years. The rollout targeted urban and regional theaters, leveraging the studio's promotional infrastructure to ensure broad accessibility across the country. Marketing efforts highlighted the star power of , , and , alongside the film's VMI authenticity, with posters and advertisements featuring cadets in uniform and taglines like "Brother Rats today... Generals tomorrow!" Campaigns included military-themed tie-ins such as parades with VMI cadets and ROTC groups, a "VMI Day" on featuring drills and events, contests with scenes, and radio spots promoting songs and discussions on cadet life. Lobby displays and over 20 pre-made ad mats were provided to theaters to capitalize on the film's humorous take on traditions. The film runs 89 minutes in black-and-white with mono sound, adhering to the standard technical specifications of productions at the time. The film was approved for release by the Motion Picture Production Code Administration and was considered suitable for general exhibition. Internationally, distribution was limited, beginning in early 1939 primarily in English-speaking markets such as the on February 12 and on May 8. Subsequent releases occurred in countries like in July 1939, reflecting a cautious overseas rollout focused on regions with interest in American military comedies.

Box Office Performance

Brother Rat achieved moderate commercial success upon its release, ranking #35 among the top-grossing films of 1938 in the United States. The film earned $1,160,000 in domestic rentals, according to Warner Bros. financial records. This performance was driven by the enduring popularity of the source Broadway play, which had enjoyed a successful run of 577 performances, and the appeal of its youthful ensemble cast featuring emerging stars like Priscilla Lane, Eddie Albert, and Ronald Reagan, resonating particularly well with audiences in urban theaters. With a under $500,000, the film delivered a profitable return for Warner Bros., bolstering the studio's output of light comedies during the late . Its financial viability was further enhanced by re-releases in the , which capitalized on heightened in stories amid , generating additional rental revenue.

Reception

Critical Reviews

Upon its release, Brother Rat garnered generally favorable reviews from contemporary critics, who appreciated its faithful and energetic adaptation of the Broadway play into a lighthearted about life. Frank S. Nugent of praised the film as an "excellent transcription of the play," highlighting its rollicking humor and loyalty to the original's spirit, while singling out Eddie Albert's screen debut as a standout performance that infused the role of the anxious cadet with infectious vitality. Variety described it as a "snappy" comedy that remained true to the stage production, emphasizing the strong chemistry among the young cast of cadets and their romantic interests, which contributed to its breezy entertainment value. Overall, critics valued the movie's youthful energy and escapist appeal, though some noted minor criticisms regarding the predictable nature of its plot developments.

Audience Response

Upon its release in late 1938, Brother Rat enjoyed strong initial popularity among young adults and families, who were drawn to its relatable depiction of life at the , complete with pranks, romances, and the challenges of military discipline. The film's wholesome humor and light-hearted take on academy antics resonated particularly well in regional theaters, where it generated brisk business and positive local interest, as evidenced by successful roadshow engagements in venues like Brooklyn's Werba Theatre and Newark's Shubert Theatre. Fan magazines captured enthusiastic viewer feedback, praising the film's blend of humor and romance while highlighting Ronald Reagan's emerging likability as a fresh-faced lead. Publications promoted Reagan as a teen idol following the movie's success, reflecting audience appreciation for his boy-next-door charm amid the story's comedic escapades. The film particularly appealed to crowds and Depression-era audiences craving feel-good narratives, offering a comedic escape through the camaraderie and youthful antics of its cadet protagonists. Its retention of the Broadway play's lively spirit contributed to this resonance, positioning Brother Rat as accessible, family-oriented fare that balanced laughs with relatable coming-of-age themes. Overall, audiences regarded Brother Rat as fun, , with enduring affection for its charismatic stars and the infectious energy of its ensemble. The picture's wholesome comedy and romantic subplots left viewers with a sense of nostalgic enjoyment, cementing its status as an agreeable diversion from the era's hardships.

Legacy

Sequels and Remakes

A to the film, titled Brother Rat and a Baby, was released in 1940 by . Directed by Ray Enright and written by John Monks Jr., Fred F. Finklehoffe, and Earl Baldwin, it reunited much of the original cast, including as Billy Randolph, as Bing Edwards, as Dan Crawford, as Joyce Winfree, and as Claire Terry. The story shifts focus to the cadets' post-graduation lives, where Bing aims to return to the as a coach amid comedic schemes involving their wives, girlfriends, and the arrival of a new baby, adding family-oriented elements to the narrative. In 1952, produced a musical remake called About Face, directed by Roy Del Ruth and based on the original play by Monks and Finklehoffe. Starring as Tony Williams, as Biff Roberts, Dick Wesson as Dave Crouse, as Betty Long, and featuring in his film debut, the adaptation updates the cadets' antics at a with romantic rivalries, pranks, and a secret marriage leading to impending fatherhood, all resolved during a game and graduation. It incorporates nine new songs by composers Peter De Rose and Charles Tobias, transforming the comedy into a lighter musical format while retaining the setting. Beyond these, there have been no major television adaptations or large-scale stage revivals of Brother Rat since 1952, though the original play has seen occasional local restagings, such as commemorative productions tied to Virginia Military Institute events.

Cultural and Personal Impact

Brother Rat marked the film debut of Eddie Albert, who reprised his Broadway role as cadet Bing Edwards, propelling him into a prolific Hollywood career that spanned over six decades. The production also sparked a real-life romance between co-stars Ronald Reagan as cadet Dan Crawford and Jane Wyman as Claire Adams; their on-set relationship culminated in a marriage on January 26, 1940, in Glendale, California, though the union ended in divorce in 1948. Reagan's portrayal of the earnest cadet represented one of his early leading roles, predating his transition to politics by decades and highlighting his affable screen persona. The film played a significant role in shaping public perceptions of military academies, particularly by spotlighting (VMI) traditions like the "Rat Line"—the intense period for freshmen, or "rats"—and the affectionate term "Brother Rat" for classmates bound by shared hardships. Through its comedic lens on cadet life, Brother Rat helped embed these rituals into broader American cultural narratives about discipline, camaraderie, and youthful rebellion at service institutions. Notable production trivia includes the use of actual VMI cadets as extras to capture authentic and ground scenes, with key footage shot directly on the institute's historic campus in . The soundtrack incorporates the popular 1938 standard "," composed by J. Fred Coots and , adding a romantic underscore to the cadets' escapades. In 2014, Home Entertainment's Archive Collection issued Brother Rat on DVD, restoring access to this pre-war comedy for modern audiences. The title streams periodically on (TCM), fueling ongoing appreciation for Reagan's formative screen work amid interest in his pre-presidential . As a quintessential production, Brother Rat embodied the studio's formula for lighthearted youth comedies centered on institutional mischief, paving the way for later cinematic explorations of service academy dynamics in films like (1955).

References

  1. https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/brother-rat-9743
  2. https://cadetnewspaper.com/news/649/85th-anniversary-of-brother-rat/
  3. https://www.nytimes.com/1936/12/17/archives/the-play-brother-rat-in-which-the-military-school-is-examined-as-a.html
  4. https://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title/595/brother-rat
  5. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0029949/
  6. https://ia802809.us.archive.org/19/items/bestplaysof1936300mant/bestplaysof1936300mant.pdf
  7. https://www.jstor.org/stable/4249036
  8. https://catalog.afi.com/Catalog/moviedetails/4251
  9. https://www.nytimes.com/1938/11/05/archives/the-screen-accent-on-youth-brother-rat-at-the-stranddeanna-durbin.html
  10. http://www.rouge.com.au/9/unquiet_american.html
  11. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0029949/fullcredits/
  12. https://archive.org/download/pressbook-wb-brother-rat/pressbook-wb-brother-rat.pdf
  13. http://s1030794421.onlinehome.us/econ/movies.html
  14. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0029949/locations/
  15. http://www.filmreference.com/Writers-and-Production-Artists-Gi-Ha/Haller-Ernest.html
  16. https://www.reaganlibrary.gov/reagans/ronald-reagan/ronald-reagans-filmography
  17. https://www.nytimes.com/1938/10/20/archives/news-of-the-screen-goldwyn-reported-negotiating-for-film-rights-to.html
  18. https://www.virginiachronicle.com/?a=d&d=LG19381014.1.1
  19. https://www.allmovie.com/movie/brother-rat-am33225
  20. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0029949/releaseinfo/
  21. https://www.ultimatemovierankings.com/1938-top-grossing-movies/
  22. https://archive.org/download/variety132-1938-10/variety132-1938-10.pdf
  23. https://slate.com/human-interest/2013/08/photo-page-from-fan-magazine-shows-reagan-s-status-as-teen-idol.html
  24. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0032286/
  25. https://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title/27273/about-face
  26. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2005-may-28-me-albert28-story.html
  27. https://www.upi.com/Archives/1981/10/31/Reagans-First-Wife-One-of-A-Kind/8231373352400/
  28. https://www.vmi.edu/cadet-life/cadet-leadership-and-development/class-system/
  29. https://scholar.lib.vt.edu/VA-news/ROA-Times/issues/1997/rt9704/970422/04220112.htm
  30. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0178512/fullcredits
  31. https://www.blu-ray.com/dvd/Brother-Rat-DVD/78219/
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