Hollywood Hotel

Set in the glamorous world of Hollywood in the late 1930s, the movie Hollywood Hotel is an enjoyable musical-comedy that shines a light on both the sparkle and drama of Tinseltown. This Warner Bros. film is directed by the talented Busby Berkeley, known for his extravagant dance sequences, and features an ensemble cast led by Dick Powell, Rosemary Lane, and Lola Lane.

The film's narrative gravitates around the character of Ronnie Bowers (portrayed by Dick Powell), a humble country boy and saxophonist. Bowers is a part of a small band situated in a speakeasy in Elmwood, Indiana. This vibrant lead character leaves his modest life behind as he's unexpectedly propelled into the glitzy world of Hollywood when he is chosen to star in a film. His simple and sincere mannerisms offer a contrast to the artificiality and pretentious nature of Hollywood.

On his arrival, Bowers stays at the glamorous Hollywood Hotel, the residence of choice for many movie stars, which serves as a central character in the movie. Every turn in this joint is a star-studded affair, filled with random celebrity encounters giving viewers the chance to witness many cameo appearances from a variety of Warner Bros. stars of the era.

Rosemary Lane and Lola Lane play the dual roles of aspiring actress Virginia Stanton and her famous actress sister Mona Marshall. The twists and turns in this movie embark when Bowers is mistakenly led to believe that he is dating the famous actress, Mona Marshall, while he is, in fact, seeing the charming but lesser-known Virginia Stanton.

The film boasts of a solid supporting cast including the likes of Hugh Herbert, Glenda Farrell, and Alan Mowbray. They add a richness to the film with their impressive comedic timing, including Mowbray's performance as an overly theatrical elocution teacher. However, it's the comical genius of Ted Healy, playing the beleaguered publicist of Mona Marshall, that truly stands out, providing some of the funniest moments in the film.

At the heart of Hollywood Hotel is its music, showcasing several memorable tunes. Peppered throughout the film are catchy performances by the Benny Goodman orchestra, one of the biggest names in the Swing era. But it's the legendary song "Hooray for Hollywood," sung by Johnnie Davis and Frances Langford, accompanied by Benny Goodman and his orchestra, that infuses the cinema with unforgettable energy and leaves an enduring mark on Hollywood movie music. This iconic song became an unofficial anthem of Hollywood and has been featured in numerous films since.

What the film effectively manages to do through its narrative is to weave a story that glitters with the allure of Hollywood while also revealing its pitfalls and falsehoods. The contrast between the simplicity of Bowers' life back home and the artificial glitz of Hollywood is beautifully portrayed. It offers a commentary on the darker side of fame in a light-hearted manner. Yet, the movie is predominantly an upbeat affair, filled with dance numbers, musical performances, and a series of comedic situation that underline the film's familial charm.

The conclusion of the film provides a satisfying resolution to the character relationships and career aspirations, ending on a high note and leaving audiences with a sense of fulfillment.

Featuring an engaging storyline filled with comedy, romance, and plot twists, along with iconic musical numbers, Hollywood Hotel delivers a delightful insight into the best and worst of Hollywood’s Golden Age. Its appeal lies not just in its engaging plot and stunning musical numbers, but also in its unique take on Hollywood, a place where people and dreams change so quickly, it’s hard for anyone to hold onto reality. This movie is a must-see for any cinephile interested in the classic era of Hollywood cinema.