Small Hotel

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.

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.

A delightful little film with great performance from all concerned. A very short running time and I wished that it had been longer as I liked it so much. Some useful tips in it for the waiters and waitresses of today, boost those tips.

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.

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.