Cult Review
Senior Film Conservator
If you like old French comedies that move at a frantic pace, you'll probably get a kick out of Les gaietés du palace. It’s light, silly, and doesn’t ask much of you. But if you’re looking for something that actually makes sense or has a tight script, look elsewhere. People who hate theater-style acting or movies where everyone is constantly shouting over each other will probably want to turn it off within ten minutes. 🏨
Honestly, watching this feels like walking into a lobby where the staff is already losing their minds. It’s not quite as sharp as something like
There’s a scene early on involving a luggage mix-up that lasts for, I don’t know, an eternity? It just keeps going. Most movies would cut away, but this one just lets the characters bumble around with their suitcases while the camera barely moves. It’s weirdly hypnotic, even if it isn't 'good' by modern standards. Jean Tissier is doing a lot of heavy lifting here. You can tell he’s the only one who knows the movie is a bit of a mess, so he just leans into the absurdity. He has this way of looking at the camera that makes you think he’s bored, too. It doesn't have the grit of polite fluff. I found myself checking my phone, then looking back up and realizing I hadn't missed a single plot point because, honestly, what plot? It’s just people running through doors. That one shot where the lead character trips over the rug? It wasn't even a good pratfall. He just kind of... collapsed. It stayed on screen for maybe three seconds too long. I laughed, but mostly because I felt bad for the guy. If you have an hour to kill and want to watch something that feels like it fell out of a time capsule, this fits the bill. It's not going to change your life, but it might make you smile if you're in the right mood. Just don't expect a masterpiece. It's just a hotel, and the guests are all acting a bit strange. 🛎️The Lobby Chaos

Year
1936
IMDb Rating
—

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Deciphering the legacy of transgressive cult cinema.
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