Small Hotel
Small Hotel is a British comedy film from 1957, categorized as a 'B' movie, directed by David MacDonald. The cast features Gordon Harker, Marie Lohr, John Loder, and Janet Munro. The screenplay, penned by Wilfred Eades, adapts Rex Frost's 1955 play of the identical title.
Premise
At the countryside inn The Jolly Fiddler, Albert, an experienced and shrewd waiter, instructs junior employees on optimizing gratuities and utilizing leftover kitchen provisions. Upon learning that he is considered too old and is to be replaced by the strict young waitress Miss Mallet, Albert must formulate new plans to maintain his employment.
Cast
- Gordon Harker as Albert
- Marie Lohr as Mrs Samson-Fox
- John Loder as Mr. Finch
- Irene Handl as Mrs Gammon
- Janet Munro as Effie Rigler
- Billie Whitelaw as Caroline Mallet
- Ruth Trouncer as Sheila
- Francis Matthews as Alan Pryor
- Frederick Schiller as a foreigner [speaking German then English]
- Derek Blomfield as Roland
- Dorothy Bromiley as Rosemary
Production
Gordon Harker initially portrayed the lead in Rex Frost's stage play The Jolly Fiddler, which premiered in Liverpool in 1954. Frost, who had experience managing a small hotel alongside his wife after working as a waiter himself, drew from these experiences for the narrative. The play was recognized as a "pleasant vehicle" showcasing Harker’s talents.
After being retitled Small Hotel in 1955, the play opened in London in October and ran through January, gaining traction especially among amateur theatre groups. Critics described it as a "gentle, pensive comedy" and "modest but amusing." Peggy Ramsay, the agent representing the play, attributed much of its acclaim to Harker’s performance.
The film version was produced at Elstree Studios. Janet Munro accepted her role due to dissatisfaction with her personal circumstances; her work on this film contributed to her later casting in The Young and the Guilty.
Critical reception
TV Guide assigned the film a rating of two stars out of five, labeling it an "Average comedy." Filmink praised Munro’s portrayal as "very sweet."
David McGillivray of the Radio Times also gave two out of five stars, describing the movie as "no great shakes as comedy," but acknowledging its interest as a project centered on a beloved British actor nearing the end of his career.
According to Britmovie, Gordon Harker delivers a commanding performance reprising his role as a cantankerous hotel waiter; the modestly budgeted production leans heavily on his refined skills. The review additionally highlighted early appearances by Billie Whitelaw and Janet Munro, with Irene Handl portraying the lively cook.
In The British 'B' Film, Steve Chibnall and Brian McFarlane included this film among fifteen notable British B movies produced between World War II and 1970, singling out performances by Lohr, Handl, and Harker for particular commendation.
External links
- Copy of play
- Review of film at The Spinning Image