Hotel Haywire

"Hotel Haywire" is a comedy with a zany plot but not many laughs. As all other directors, writers and movie makers, Preston Sturges sometimes had films that weren't top quality. This is one. The quality of this Paramount film hints that it's a B-level picture. That, and the cast signal that it may not be much more than fair. While it has a couple of well-known supporting actors in Spring Byington and Leo Carrillo, the lead role is played by Lynne Overman. He had just a few lead roles in the mid-1930s before becoming a supporting actor until he died in 1943 of a heart attack at age 55.

Overman was fair at comedy, as was Byington. Most of the rest of the cast in this film weren't even well known in that time. It's a zany plot, but the screenplay is choppy and has holes here and there. If the script had some comedy or witty dialog, it would lift this film considerably. But, it's just fair as is - and a long-shot on audience enjoyment. Most likely of interest only to those who enjoy the old black and white films.