Hotel Sahara

"Hotel Sahara" is billed as a comedy, romance and war film. It takes place during the early days of World War II in North Africa. And, various men in the uniforms of Italy, England, Germany and France are part of the story. But that's about all there is to do with the war, except for some firing of rifles in one scene and a couple of mines exploding. The romance is questionable, and the comedy is very slight. What there is of it is situational.

There's no dialog in this film that will make one laugh of even chuckle. There are no antics, pratfalls or incidents of slapstick. The film has considerable frenzied activity, mostly with the hotel staff scurrying about to change motifs from one nationality to another. Changing a wall picture hanging from Mussolini to Hitler is the height of humor.

Yvonne De Carlo sings some songs - it seems to be a vehicle mostly for her to play different roles as the fiancé of the hotel owner. Peter Ustinov is good in his role, and most of the rest of the cast are fine. So, just for their effort and a good set with filming I stretch and give this film six stars. But, if one is looking for a good comedy or a time to have some laughter, it's best to try another film.