THE BROTHERS WARNER DOCUMENTARY
THE BROTHERS WARNER DOCUMENTARY
“The Brothers Warner’ is a well-made, fascinating documentary. Cass has not only honored her grandfather’s legacy with this work, she’s also paid homage to one of the guiding principles of the four Warner brothers who founded the studio by producing a film that will educate, entertain and enlighten audiences.”
– Barry Meyer, Chairman & CEO of Warner Bros. Entertainment
The Brothers Warner Book
The Brothers Warner Documentary
THE BROTHERS WARNER is an intimate portrait of the four film pioneers who founded and ran Warner Bros. for over 50 years.
Baby Cass with Grandpa Harry
This is the inside story of the little known major player in the Warner Bros. studio legend, Harry Warner, honest Abe, visionary Sam, and volatile Jack — the original Hollywood independent filmmakers. This close-knit band of brothers was the first to use mass media to “educate, entertain, and enlighten”.
Their legendary scrappy rise from nothing, their overcoming of personal tragedies, and their battles are all woven together with the times they lived in. From opening their first storefront theater by hanging a sheet on the wall and borrowing chairs from a funeral parlor to creating one of the top studios in America, four brothers built an empire on a dream and revolutionized Hollywood creating the first major studio with a social conscience.
Cass Warner — Director’s Statement
It was an especially hot day at my summer camp. As I stood listening to my father on the phone tell me Grandpa Harry ‘passed on’, a thud happened in my universe. I could feel myself grabbing for fond memories that were turning from color to black and white without the presence of my grandfather in them.
The last time I saw him flashed into my mind: He lay on a perfectly starched bed in an anti-septic smelling bedroom. A mysterious force drew me to him as if he were a candle in the dark. It was a gentle force. His eyes were opened and moved to take me in. A slight smile came across his lips. I watched his hand start to slowly move across the sheet toward mine. My hand immediately wrapped around his. The enormously kind look in his eyes embraced me as it always did. I felt his grip strengthen transmitting and sealing an important request — something of great importance was being entrusted to me. I squeezed back. A promise was made!
I feel a great honor and privilege to have fulfilled that promise!
Most Sincerely,
Cass Warner Sperling
CONTRIBUTING ARTISTS
COMMENTS ABOUT THE DOCUMENTARY
“The Brothers Warner’ is a well-made, fascinating documentary. Cass has not only honored her grandfather’s legacy with this work, she’s also paid homage to one of the guiding principles of the four Warner brothers who founded the studio by producing a film that will educate, entertain and enlighten audiences.”
– Barry Meyer, Chairman & CEO of Warner Bros. Entertainment
“I was riveted by this story. It’s a wonderful, intimate, deeply interesting film about the actual Warner brothers, illuminating the personal history behind the studio.”
– Susan Lucy, Producer of AMERICAN MASTERS on PBS
“ Thank you for making this film and making it available to be seen on the big screen! I think it has one of the most important messages of any film in that it deals with the responsibility of the filmmaker for the world around him. Your ancestors set a very high bar in this respect. Well done on creating a film that ensures their courage and compassion will be remembered and will inspire future generations of filmmakers.”
– Michael O'Brien
“ Your film is deep, tangible and took the mystery of these unknown titans away for me. It successfully reflects the Everyman vulnerability in a touching and cinematic story of family. Brava!”
– Adrianne Davis
“Thank you so much for one of the greatest documentaries I’ve ever seen — the one on your family, that preceded the final installment of the Warners 3-parter. Bravo. So moving, and so well made. And you are so lucky to have such treasured moments captured on film. Thanks again for such a wonderful evening of entertainment.”
– Scott Schechter
“It was elegant, moving and walked the line between art, entertainment and history – a true feat!
…Your narration, family connection and moral through-line made the piece unique and important.
I know your grandfather and all the brothers rest more peacefully after your effort.”
– Alan Adler
“What a great accomplishment! Thank you for sharing your families history. The story kept me intrigued from start to finish.”
– Kim Brown
“I viewed your documentary yesterday and enjoyed it very much. It gave me strength to fight on as I have been scorned as your grandfather had. Not losing near as much; but being done wrong in this business has the pain of the projects and experiences lost not the money…. Seeing your film gave me strength to carry on and search out my success…. Great history, story and story telling through your vision. Thanks.”
– Grady Bishop
“I thought the documentary was excellent. I enjoyed it more than “The Warner Bros. Story.” There was such a nice, warm feeling to “The Brothers Warner.” Granddaughter Cass has a beautiful, beautiful voice, and made the lives of her Dad and uncles come to life. There was a lot of love in how the story was told. Cass Warner did a wonderful job.”
– Barbara Lewis