Melvyn Douglas and Rod Taylor run this "Hotel," which was the inspiration for the 1980s TV show. One plot revolves around the fate of the St. Gregory Hotel, as it is facing financial trouble or something or other. I can't remember the details. But Kevin McCarthy wants some revenge by buying the place out from under Mr. Douglas, because Melvyn didn't give Kevin a job at the hotel years ago. Despite the fact this is very important to all those concerned, this plot was rather boring and didn't do much for me. Then, Kevin had a girlfriend, Catherine Spaak, of whom Rod was interested in. Who the heck is Catherine Spaak? They shared plenty of time together, her and Rod, but still that part disinterested me, on the whole, even though Rod Taylor is nice to look at. But they had no spark together at all. I've seen Rod Taylor in better material with better love interests.
One of the better subplots was Duchess Merle Oberon and Duke Michael Rennie, who are dodging the law because he was involved in a hit-and-run accident. They ultimately get house detective Richard Conte to drive the damaged car away and out of sight. Merle Oberon shines in one of her better roles during the last years of her career. She handles the scenes very well and is very moving towards the end. But the star and scene-stealer of the film is Karl Malden, as a thief, who steals room keys to get in while the occupant's out or asleep and take all their money or valuables. He darts about with a grin on his face, like he's enjoying his "work," and also I'm sure Karl Malden knew he had the best role in the film and was enjoying the spotlight.
All in all, I would say I enjoyed this film if for no other reason than Mr. Karl Malden, and also getting a chance to see Merle Oberon. While this may be a good time killer, I'd still recommend "The Oscar" first. But then, once you've seen it, the St. Gregory Hotel may seem like any other hotel.
One of the better subplots was Duchess Merle Oberon and Duke Michael Rennie, who are dodging the law because he was involved in a hit-and-run accident. They ultimately get house detective Richard Conte to drive the damaged car away and out of sight. Merle Oberon shines in one of her better roles during the last years of her career. She handles the scenes very well and is very moving towards the end. But the star and scene-stealer of the film is Karl Malden, as a thief, who steals room keys to get in while the occupant's out or asleep and take all their money or valuables. He darts about with a grin on his face, like he's enjoying his "work," and also I'm sure Karl Malden knew he had the best role in the film and was enjoying the spotlight.
All in all, I would say I enjoyed this film if for no other reason than Mr. Karl Malden, and also getting a chance to see Merle Oberon. While this may be a good time killer, I'd still recommend "The Oscar" first. But then, once you've seen it, the St. Gregory Hotel may seem like any other hotel.