Despite the positive public reception of "Just Imagine" and "Mr. Lemon of Orange," it was judged that Brendel could not carry an expensive film. He continued to play leads in B-pictures, but served in more prestigious fare mainly in supporting roles, mostly with his trademark Swedish accent. In 1933, he left Fox and had a brief tenure at Warner Bros. Studios making two-reelers, and for the next few years, was a freelance actor. His former director David Butler cast him in two major features, "Little Miss Broadway" with Shirley Temple, and "If I Had My Way" co-starring Bing Crosby and Gloria Jean.