Vicki Baum's novel 'Menschen in Hotel', inspired by her time as a chambermaid in two Berlin hotels, was the inspiration for Thalberg's star-studded hit, the film that CC Baxter is so excited to see is coming up in The Apartment (but the number of sponsored ads beforehand makes him give up). Garbo gets star billing but for us it's the twinning of John and Lionel Barrymore that makes it so watchable, particularly as their relationship is so great - John being an urbane, good-hearted burglar, Lionel a mild-mannered nothing who's dying and wants to enjoy his last days in the best hotel in Berlin. Completing the star line-up is a young Joan Crawford (appealing, all big eyes) and a gruff Wallace Beery, with Lewis Stone as the cynical resident who's commentary is 'Nothing ever happens', and Jean Hersholt as an expectant father. The ending is tragic, sweet and ironic.
Directed in long takes, almost like theatre, with some very sophisticated crane shots, all orchestrated by Garbo regular Bill Daniels. This is just before King Kong and a composed music score - thus the incidental score features odd bits of classical music, which gives it a very old-fashioned feel.
I noted the last time we watched this - 2009 - that 'everyone falls in love immediately in the Grand Hotel' - that's certainly true of Crawford for Barrymore J. and Barrymore J. for Garbo; but possibly also Barrymore L. for Barrymore J. L. (sorry I started this now) certainly gives a great performance. Most enjoyable.
Won Best Picture. Edited by Blanche Sewell, art direction by Cedric Gibbons.
Q thought we were watching the Rod Taylor Hotel, so that's I'm sure now on the horizon.
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