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Cult Review
Senior Film Conservator
If you enjoy black-and-white comedies where people speak just a little bit too loudly, you might get a kick out of Maiden vs. Monk. It is basically a long-running argument set in the mountains, perfect if you are in the mood for something that doesn't ask you to think too hard. If you prefer your movies with actual stakes or, heaven forbid, a quiet moment, you should probably skip this one and watch The Puritans instead.
The whole conflict is centered on two hotels, appropriately named 'The Maiden' and 'The Monk.' It is a classic setup for 1935. You have your usual cast of characters who seem to exist solely to run into each other in hallways.
Erika Biebrach is doing a lot of heavy lifting here with her expressions. There is one scene where she tries to sabotage the rival kitchen that lasts way longer than it needs to. I think I counted three separate times she almost trips over a mop bucket. It is almost like the director just forgot to yell 'cut'.
There is a real lack of polish that I actually kind of liked. You can tell they were trying to capture that Pink Pajamas energy, but everything feels a bit more frantic and dusty. The mountain scenery looks like it was painted on a napkin in some shots.
The supporting cast is… well, they are there. Sometimes they just stand in the background looking confused while the main actors argue. It reminded me a bit of the chaos in Great Gobs, though maybe a little less focused.
Honestly, the movie gets much better when they stop trying to be clever. There is a scene near the end involving a ladder and a bucket of water that is pure, unadulterated nonsense. It is the best part of the whole hour.
It is not a masterpiece. It is barely a coherent story. But watching these people act like the fate of the world depends on who gets the tourists is weirdly satisfying. Just don't go in expecting The Case of Lady Camber, because you will be disappointed. 🏔️