Brother Rat (1938) in Color — Starring Ronald Reagan & Jane Wyman

Brother Rat (1938) — Buy This Classic in Color

Welcome to a vibrant reimagining of the 1938 comedy classic Brother Rat, directed by William Keighley. This fast-paced romp stars Ronald Reagan, Jane Wyman, Wayne Morris, and Priscilla Lane, alongside a young Eddie Albert in his film debut. Set within the hallowed halls of a military academy, the story follows three cadets facing expulsion on the eve of a crucial football game. Their madcap schemes and heartfelt camaraderie have charmed audiences for decades. Now, you can experience this beloved film in rich, period-accurate color. Own this classic movie in color as a DRM-free MP4 digital download for just €15.00.

Plot Summary

At the Virginia Military Institute, three inseparable friends—cadets Dan Crawford (Ronald Reagan), Billy Randolph (Wayne Morris), and “Bing” Edwards (Eddie Albert)—are barely scraping by. Dan is the level-headed leader struggling to keep his buddies out of trouble, Billy is a carefree womanizer who neglects his studies, and Bing is a nervous, accident-prone cadet who secretly marries his sweetheart Claire (Jane Wyman) against academy rules. Their world is turned upside down when they learn that an official inspection is imminent, and any infraction could mean expulsion.

The trio’s primary concern is Billy’s relationship with a local girl, Joyce (Priscilla Lane), and his chronic demerits. Meanwhile, Dan tries to court Kate (Jane Bryan), the daughter of the stern commandant (Henry O’Neill). When the commandant discovers Billy’s repeated absences, he threatens to dismiss all three unless they shape up immediately. Bing’s secret marriage adds a ticking clock: if revealed, he will be expelled, and with a child on the way, he cannot afford to lose his scholarship.

In a last-ditch effort to save their skins, the cadets hatch a series of increasingly absurd plans. They try to bribe underclassmen, sneak out after curfew, and even impersonate officers. The comedy escalates when Billy must choose between passing a crucial exam and attending a football game key to the academy’s pride. Dan, caught between loyalty to his friends and his own integrity, faces a moral dilemma that could cost him his own future.

The subplot thickens when Bing’s wife Claire arrives on campus, forcing him to hide her in a dormitory closet. A series of close calls with the suspicious commandant and a nosy matron keep the audience laughing. Meanwhile, Billy’s antics reach a climax when he is caught sneaking back into barracks, leading to a disciplinary hearing that will decide all their fates.

As the cadets brace for the worst, the academy’s big football game approaches—a match they were counting on Billy to win. The tension builds as the commandant uncovers the full extent of their rule-breaking. The final act brings a surprising turn that tests the bonds of friendship and honor, raising the question: can these three brothers in arms redeem themselves before it’s too late?

Cast & Crew

Director: William Keighley
Stars: Ronald Reagan, Jane Wyman, Priscilla Lane, Wayne Morris, Eddie Albert

Why Buy This Classic in Color?

This colorized edition of Brother Rat breathes new life into a Depression-era comedy. The professional colorization restores the original black-and-white footage to vivid, period-accurate hues, revealing the rich uniforms of the VMI cadets, the warm tones of the dormitory common rooms, and the golden afternoon light on the football field. Faces become more expressive, costumes pop, and the 1930s setting feels immediate and inviting. The process is subtle and respectful, never overwhelming the performances—instead it enhances the warmth of Reagan’s earnestness and Wyman’s spirited charm. In fact, this is a carefully colourised restoration that preserves the film’s original texture while inviting a new generation to discover its humour. Whether you’re a classic film buff or a newcomer, this version makes the story feel fresh. Download your DRM-free MP4 in HD 720p today for just €15.00 and see Brother Rat as you’ve never seen it before.

Historical Significance

Brother Rat stands as a charming snapshot of late-1930s American cinema, blending the military school genre with screwball comedy. Directed by William Keighley—a Warner Bros. stalwart known for The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938) and Each Dawn I Die (1939)—the film showcases his ability to balance slapstick and sentiment. Most notably, it marked the screen debut of Eddie Albert, who would go on to a distinguished career spanning seven decades. The film also brought together future President Ronald Reagan and his eventual wife Jane Wyman, who married two years later. Their on-screen chemistry in Brother Rat was a launching pad for both performers.

The film was a modest box-office success, praised for its fast pacing and the natural camaraderie of its young cast. It spawned a sequel, Brother Rat and a Baby (1940), and remains a fondly remembered example of Warner Bros.’ B-movie efficiency. Today, Brother Rat is valued as a time capsule of pre-war college life and the enduring appeal of buddy comedies. By offering this film in colorized form, we bring its warmth and humour to modern audiences who may not otherwise seek out black-and-white cinema, ensuring these performances continue to entertain for decades to come.

Technical Details

• Format: MP4 / MKV digital download
• Resolution: HD 720p
• Colorized: Professionally colorized from original black and white
• Audio: English original mono
• Runtime: 87 minutes
• DRM-free: Yes — watch on any device
• Instant download: Available immediately after purchase
• Price: €15.00

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Movie-Specific Questions

Q: Was Brother Rat originally filmed in color?
A: No, the film was originally shot in black and white. The version offered here is a later professional colorization that adds period-accurate colors to the original footage.

Q: Did Ronald Reagan and Jane Wyman meet on the set of Brother Rat?
A: Yes, they met while filming this movie. They married in 1940, two years after Brother Rat was released, and went on to star together in several other films.

Q: Why is the movie called Brother Rat?
A: The title refers to a nickname for freshmen cadets at military academies, who are often called “rats” as a term of endearment. The “brother” part emphasises the close bonds between the three main characters.

Digital Download Questions

Q: What format is the download?
A: The film is delivered as MP4 and MKV files that play on virtually any device.

Q: Is there DRM on the file?
A: No. The download is completely DRM-free so you can watch it on any device without restrictions.

Q: How quickly can I watch after purchase?
A: Your download link is available instantly after payment, so you can start watching within minutes.

Related Colorized Classics

• To the Last Man (1933)
• Four Men and a Prayer (1938)
• Dirty Hands (1951)
• The Phantom Light (1935)
• Billy the Kid (1941)