International House

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