International House

”International House”, Paramount’s wacky and almost incomprehensible comedy musical Pre-Code from 1933, is an unforgettable romp through Hollywood’s version of China. Starring W.C. Fields, Burns and Allen, Rudy Valle, Peggy Hopkins Joyce ( a quick trawl through Wikipedia tells us that she was a socialite, erstwhile film star, divorcee, columnist and dancer), Baby Rose Marie, Cab Calloway, Franklin Pangborn (at his most camp!) and Bela Lugosi sans vampire teeth in this film.

No real plot to speak of, but many hilarious vignettes and a few good musical numbers. You just have to hear child star Baby Rose Marie’s low-down and dirty version of “My Bluebirds Singing the Blues” and a wild Cab Calloway and his Orchestra telling us about “The Reefer Man” (yes, it is all about marijuana!).

Quality is only fair and the transfer could have done with a proper clean-up and restoration but it is great fun.