International House

International House

Year: 1933

Runtime: 68 mins

Language: English

Director: A. Edward Sutherland

Comedy

Foreign investors converge on a Chinese luxury hotel to bid on a radioscope, but it becomes a comedy arena. Burns and Allen act as the in‑house doctors, a measles scare forces quarantine, and a flamboyant millionaire lands his autogyro at dinner. The hotel and radioscope showcase an all‑star lineup of comedians and musicians, from vaudeville legends to new talent.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – International House (1933)

Explore the full timeline and setting of International House (1933). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Early 20th century

The movie takes place during a period when technological inventions like the radioscope are emerging, indicating an early 20th-century setting. This time period is characterized by rapid innovations, international travel, and the rise of entertainment and celebrity culture.

Location

International House, Wuhu, China

International House is a large hotel located in the bustling city of Wuhu, China. It serves as a central hub where various characters converge, highlighting its significance as a metropolitan location. The hotel’s setting emphasizes its role as a backdrop for international interactions and comedy.

🏨 Hotel 🌆 Metropolis 🏯 Chinese city

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:49

Main Characters – International House (1933)

Meet the key characters of International House (1933), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Dr. Wong

A Chinese inventor eager to showcase his groundbreaking radioscope, capable of viewing distant events with audio. His invention sparks interest and chaos among the hotel guests, exemplifying his innovative yet eccentric personality.

👨‍🔬 Inventor 🧠 Genius 🌏 Tech pioneer

Prof. Henry R. Quail

A humorous, somewhat inept scientist traveling in his autogyro. His journey takes a comical turn as he becomes entangled with wealthy and glamorous characters, illustrating his role as the eccentric outsider.

🎩 Scientist 💸 Wealthy 🛩️ Eccentric

Peggy Hopkins Joyce

A glamorous American celebrity and socialite avoiding her ex-husbands. She is depicted as self-serving and opportunistic, seeking wealth and attention at the hotel, embodying celebrity culture of the era.

🎤 Celebrity 💃 Socialite 💅 Self-centered

General Petronovich

A jealous Russian military figure shadowed by suspicion and hostility. His aggressive demeanor adds tension and humor to the film's depiction of international personalities and conflicts.

🎖️ Military 😡 Jealous 🌍 International

Tommy Nash

An American electric company representative hoping to buy the radioscope and win his sweetheart. He is optimistic and ambitious, representing the driven and futuristic spirit of the era.

🔌 Businessman 💖 Romantic 🥇 Optimist

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:49

Major Themes – International House (1933)

Explore the central themes of International House (1933), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🤖 Technology and Innovation

The radioscope represents the curiosity and optimism about technological progress during the early 20th century. The film explores themes of innovation, global connectivity, and the impact of new inventions on entertainment and communication.

🎭 Entertainment and Show Business

The movie highlights various entertainment forms, including musical performances, comedy acts, and floor shows, showcasing the vibrant culture of entertainment in that era. The hotel acts as a venue for diverse entertainment, reflecting its importance as a cultural hub.

💼 International Characters and Gossip

With characters from different countries, the film emphasizes international interactions, misunderstandings, and the pursuit of personal or business goals. It also satirizes celebrity lifestyles and the pursuit of wealth.

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:49

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Explore Movie Threads

Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Madcap ensemble comedies in a single location like International House

Eccentric characters collide in a confined space, creating a whirlwind of comedy.If you liked the chaotic fun of International House, you'll enjoy these movies where a large cast of eccentric characters causes hilarious mayhem in a confined setting. This collection features films with a similar zany energy, fast pacing, and lighthearted tone, perfect for fans of ensemble-driven comedy farces.

zanymadcaplightheartedchaoticplayfulensemblefarceupbeat

Narrative Summary

Narratives in this thread are propelled by the convergence of multiple characters with conflicting goals in a shared space. The story is less about a single protagonist and more about the domino effect of comedic interactions, often involving romantic misadventures, social satire, and elaborate physical gags that build to a crescendo of absurdity.

Why These Movies?

These movies are grouped together because they share a specific comic DNA: a whirlwind of activity in a contained world, a large cast of distinct personalities, and a tone that prioritizes whimsical fun over deep narrative stakes, creating a uniquely energetic and joyful viewing experience.

Pre-Code Hollywood musical comedies like International House

A showcase of musical numbers, comedy acts, and star power from a bygone era.For viewers who enjoyed the musical comedy and vaudeville spirit of International House, this section highlights similar films from the early 1930s. Discover movies that combine catchy songs, hilarious gags, and an all-star lineup of performers, capturing the unique, uninhibited energy of Pre-Code Hollywood.

musicalvaudevilleglamorouseccentricupbeatnostalgicshowcasehilarious

Narrative Summary

The narrative often serves as a loose framework to connect a series of performances. The plot might involve a competition, a show being put on, or guests gathering at an event, but the real journey is from one spectacular act to the next, creating a revue-like structure that values spectacle over story.

Why These Movies?

These films are united by their format and era. They share a specific blend of music, comedy, and star-driven spectacle that defined a brief, creative period in film history before the enforcement of the Hays Code, resulting in a distinctive fast-paced and slightly risqué charm.

Unlock the Full Story of International House

Don't stop at just watching — explore International House in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what International House is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

International House Summary

Read a complete plot summary of International House, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

International House Summary

International House Timeline

Track the full timeline of International House with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

International House Timeline

International House Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of International House that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

International House Spoiler-Free Summary

More About International House

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about International House: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About International House

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Discover movies like International House that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.