The review that follows was written following a preview of the film. As a result of such reviews, the final film was cut by nearly a half hour, to 9-reels. The second deluge of musical pictures is just starting, but if many more 'Fra Diavolos' are made and released in the footage this was screened for preview audiences, the musical deluge will only be a short summer shower. Too much of the original music is retained and too little of the lyrics are heard. Settings and ensembles are stage-like and a.k.
Nothing is done with camera or crowd manipulation to improve the original.
The comic team dish up some hearty sequences, notably a sleeping powder gag, wine cellar scene and laughing gag. Henry Armetta foils well for them, as does Dennis King, who sings and plays the title part with dash and ability. Thelma Todd looks her most seductive opposite him. The more spiritual love element is kicked somewhere in the background and is handled by Lucille Brown and Arthur Pierson. James Finlayson is Miss Todd's nearsighted husband and is good, too.