Small Hotel

To say they don't make films like this anymore may be a cliche, but in this case it is delightfully true. 'The ups & down of the staff of a small country hotel' may sound boring, but this gem of a film makes every character shine, especially the sweet-as-anything Janet Munro, the wily Gordon Harker and the always excellent Irene Handl. There are some great 'bon mots' and calculated put-downs from Harker and Marie Lohr, and the whole thing leaves one happy and impressed. Charming.

This film has a great cast for such a low budget film.The star is undoubtedly Gordon Harker.He started in the twenties in Hitchcock,s films and this was his penultimate film.Marie Lohr made her first film in 1916 and went on till 1971.Irene Handel started in the 1930s and 146 roles later was still acting when she died in 1997.John Loder was another with a long career.Perhaps best known for being Gracie Fields leading man in the 1930s.he was a rather wooden actor and here he is very true to form.On the younger side we have Janet Munro who quickly established herself as a leading lady only to die far too young.then there is Billie Whitelaw at the start of an illustrious career.With actors like these this B feature has an entertainment value which far exceeds its relatively short running time.Just shows what really good B features were being turned out by British studios in the 1950s.

With a pretty good cast, a good assortment of characters, and an amusing story, this light comedy works quite well. Gordon Harker, a good character actor, gets the chance to be in the leading role as the scheming waiter Albert. Janet Munro is energetic and sympathetic as a young waitress, and Marie Lohr is mostly believable as a bad-tempered justice of the peace. They get help from a supporting cast that includes John Loder and a young Billie Whitelaw. There are no big laughs, but a fair number of smiles, and a story that moves quickly and easily holds your interest.

The story starts when Loder, as a representative of the chain that owns the hotel where Harker and Munro work, decides to meddle with their way of doing things. Soon there is a rather involved battle of wills and wits among all of the characters. There might not be much depth to any of it, but it is entertaining, and unlike a lot of similar films, they don't push things farther than the premise justifies. You won't see too many B-comedies better than this, and it is definitely recommended if you enjoy low-budget comedies from the 40's and 50's.

One of the better films on talking pictures for what is basically a 4 hander set in 1 room it holds your attention incredibly well,didn't use my fast forward once which is always a good sign.

A wonderfully balanced trio of Gordon Harker, Marie Lohr and Irene Handl are the heart of this utterly charming, warm and lovely gem of a film. They are simply perfect for each other and Harker in particular is a delight.

Billie Whitelaw provides solid meat, although would have benefited from more nuance/shading.

Really, the only reason I don't give this a 10/10 is I found the others parts either thinly drawn or acted.

What an absolutely delightful find and thanks to those who resurrected it.