Until 1935 he shot more minor documentaries as an amateur, turning professional later that year when he assisted director Leitão de Barros on As Pupilas do Senhor Reitor.
In 1936–37, after several unsuccessful productions Brum do Canto directed his first feature film, A Canção da Terra; it was well received at its premiere.
From 1953 to 1959 he interrupted his cinematic career and left his home in Lisbon, establishing himself on Porto Santo Island in Madeira (where he owned large properties) and dedicating himself to agriculture and sport fishing.
He acted successfully in Paddy Chayefsky's O Grande Negócio and Reginald Rose's Twelve Angry Men, both directed by Artur Ramos.
Still acting, Brum do Canto returned to RTP in 1975 in the TV series Angústia para o Jantar directed by Jaime Silva.