Before watching the Paramount 1937 Comedy "Hotel Haywire" I read several average to below average reviews of it. To my surprise, it was far better than expected. A hard to find Preston Sturges comedy, it was originally written for Burns and Allen. It is a madcap movie with enjoyable, wacky characters in the Sturges' mold. Lots of quick jokes, witty screwball dialogue surrounded by slapstick. Certainly not on par with his more famous early 1940s gems, it is still a fun romp. Lynne Overman and Spring Byington both shine as the lead characters, husband and wife, with great performances by Paramount's Porter Hall and Franklin Pangborn character actors. The frantic ending where everyone converges in adjoining hotel rooms is a gem. Not on par with "Libeled Lady" or "Palm Beach Story" but any fan of Sturges or Screwball comedies will enjoy it.
Review of Hotel Haywire
