International House

At the International House hotel in Wuhu, China, Dr. Wong is showcasing his innovative 'radioscope,' a device that can view events around the world without a camera, functioning like an electronic telescope. He is soliciting bids for the rights to his invention from various interested parties. The device's capabilities excite many hotel guests and visitors, highlighting its groundbreaking technological potential.

People from around the world gather at the hotel, each with their own motives—Prof. Henry R. Quail arrives unexpectedly, aiming to use his autogyro, while others like Peggy Hopkins Joyce and Tommy also make their appearances. The hotel becomes a hub of diverse characters, setting the stage for misunderstandings and comic interactions. Prof. Quail's arrival is unplanned, adding a layer of chaos to the gathering.

Prof. Quail, intending to land in Kansas City via his autogyro, accidentally flies off course and ends up at the hotel. His unexpected arrival causes confusion among the guests. Quail is later seen driving through public areas and fleeing the hotel after attracting attention, demonstrating his comical and frantic nature.

Peggy Hopkins Joyce, a four-times-divorced celebrity, is at the hotel trying to avoid her jealous ex-husband, General Petronovich. She learns about Prof. Quail's wealth and quickly attaches herself to another wealthy suitor, shifting her attention to her next potential sugar daddy. Her actions reflect her manipulative and self-serving personality.

Tommy, representing an American electric company, hopes to purchase Dr. Wong's radioscope and marry his sweetheart Carol. His plans are driven by the technological promise of the invention and his romantic aspirations. The negotiations and excitement underscore the significance of the radioscope in the story.

After several frantic attempts, Prof. Quail manages to escape the hotel's chaos by driving his automobile into the hold of his autogyro and taking off. His escape signifies his desire to flee the chaos and his role as a comic foil in the story. This action also showcases his eccentric personality.

Instead of viewing the scheduled indoor bicycle race in New York, the radioscope streams unexpected performances from popular entertainers like Rudy Vallée, Cab Calloway, and Baby Rose Marie. This mix-up creates humorous confusion among the guests and highlights the device’s unpredictable nature. A rooftop floor show also takes place, adding to the entertainment chaos.

The hotel features impromptu performances by well-known singers and comedians, turning the event into a lively entertainment spectacle. Sterling Holloway and Lona Andre perform in the rooftop garden, emphasizing the star-studded chaos that unfolds within the hotel. The performances entertain but also contribute to the overall disorder.

Tommy successfully secures the rights to the radioscope and wins the affection of his sweetheart, Carol. Their union marks the culmination of his ambitions and romantic pursuit within the chaotic hotel events. It represents a resolution for Tommy amidst the comedic chaos.

After learning about Quail's wealth, Peggy quickly moves on, attaching herself to another wealthy man as her next partner. Her swift departure underscores her opportunistic nature. Her actions reflect her focus on personal gain over genuine relationships.

Prof. Quail, after causing a scene in his frantic getaway, manages to escape the hotel in his autogyro, flying away amidst the chaos. His departure symbolizes the culmination of the comedic misunderstandings and chaos he contributed to. His flight marks the end of his unintended adventure at the hotel.