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.

International House (1933) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

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The bustling International House hotel in the vibrant Chinese city of Wuhu becomes a crossroads of ambition and absurdity, where a revolutionary invention promises to reshape global observation. Dr. Wong—a brilliant yet frantic scientist—has gathered foreign investors to showcase his “radioscope,” a device that can peer into distant events without a camera, sparking a fevered buzz among diplomats, entrepreneurs, and curious onlookers alike. The hotel’s opulent corridors and rooftop gardens provide a lavish stage for this high‑tech spectacle, setting a tone that blends sleek modernity with the timeless charm of a grand hospitality hub.

Amid the technological fervor, the film’s comedic heart beats through its eccentric staff and unexpected guests. Prof. Henry R. Quail arrives by accident, his autogyro having dropped him far from his Kansas City plans, and his bewildered wanderings quickly turn the hotel into a playground of slapstick. The resident physicians, Dr. Burns and his delightfully clueless assistant Gracie Allen, are thrust into a comedic crisis when a measles scare forces an impromptu quarantine, prompting a cascade of humorous misunderstandings that ripple through the guest rooms and dining halls.

Among the crowd, Tommy Nash represents an eager American electric company, his professional mission tangled with a personal quest to win the affection of Carol, a poised guest who shares his fascination with the radioscope’s possibilities. Nearby, Peggy Hopkins Joyce weaves her own drama, trying to elude the jealous advances of General Petronovich, while eyeing any opportunity that promises wealth or excitement. The hotel’s manager, ever meticulous, scrambles to keep order as flamboyant personalities collide, each adding a layer of levity to the bustling environment.

The atmosphere pulses with a lively mix of music and mirth; celebrated crooners and bandleaders—Rudy Vallée, Cab Calloway, and a youthful Rose Marie—transform common spaces into spontaneous stages, their performances echoing through the corridors and drawing guests into impromptu celebrations. This kaleidoscope of invention, romance, and comedic chaos captures a whimsical slice of life, inviting viewers to linger in a world where ambition and humor dance together amid the grandeur of International House.

Last Updated: August 20, 2025 at 17:51

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Characters, Settings & Themes in International House

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