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Submitted by Mark Fuller

The Bioscope
March 30th 1932

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Hotel Splendide (1932)

4,810 ft

Here is one of those unostentatiously produced British pot-boilers, made with an eye on the cash-box, which may be expected to hold its own in the family house, chiefly as a second feature. Its light comedy and mystery atmosphere will get it past an unsophisticated audience.

Jerry Mason inherits the Hotel Splendide, at Speymouth, and his disapointment at first sight of it is tempered by his determination to boost it. To the hotel, whose existing guests are an invalid lady (Mrs Le Grange) and her grand-daughter, and a vacuous young couple called Meek, come Gentleman Charlie, a released convict, and his confederate, there to recover the Dysart Pearls, which were buried some years previously at the spot where the hotel now stands. Charlie believes erroneously that his rival, "Pussy" Saunders, is in prison.

Jerry discovers the packet, without knowing its contents, and it comes into the hands of Charlie. Mrs Le Grange is seen by Jerry taking the packet from Charlie's room; and explains that 'she' is a detective and asks him to take charge of the jewels. When she wants them back, Jerry has forgotten the combination of the safe, and Mrs. Le Grange's granddaughter induces Charlie to open it that night.

Having opened the safe, Charlie is confrontedby Mrs Le Grange, whom he realises to be "Pussy" Saunders, and in the ensuing struggle is presumably killed. The house is aroused, the spineless Meek takes charge, proving to be a genuine detective, and Saunders is cornered. Meek discovers the packet to be empty, when Jerry produces the pearls from his pocket, claiming the £10,000 reward offered for their recovery.

Obviously great things are not to be expected from such a creaky story, and never does it convince. Nowhere does the acting reach a high standard, but more forceful direction could have tightened up the production. Other technical qualities are just adequate.

Suitability; Satisfactory quota offering for less critical audiences.

Analysis
Story and dialogue	11 out of 20
Direction	12 out of 20
Acting	12 out of 20
Recording and photography	14 out of 20
General appeal	10 out of 20
Total	59 out of 100

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