HOTEL RESERVE is a a reasonably good attempt at a suspense thriller, yet it could have been so much better with a more inspired director and cameraman at the helm. As another reviewer mentioned, one wonders what Hitchcock could have done with HOTEL RESERVE if it landed in his more-than-capable hands.
Nevertheless, HOTEL RESERVE does offer an interesting plot and some occasional visual flair. A young man holidaying in the French Riviera (James Mason)is mistaken for a spy after his camera, with incriminating non-vacation snaps, is seized. To clear his name, he must find the real spy amongst the ten holiday makers who are also sharing the hotel.
Leading man James Mason turns in his usual committed performance, elevating the production by a mile through his sheer presence and acting talent. Mason, with his distinct, mellifluous voice, lifts the average script just by speaking his lines. Herbert Lom, soon to star with Mason in the much better THE SEVENTH VEIL, also does well as a villain. Mason gets a pretty yet bland love interest in Lucie Manheim.
HOTEL RESERVE is entertaining enough- Mason fans would enjoy this most.
Nevertheless, HOTEL RESERVE does offer an interesting plot and some occasional visual flair. A young man holidaying in the French Riviera (James Mason)is mistaken for a spy after his camera, with incriminating non-vacation snaps, is seized. To clear his name, he must find the real spy amongst the ten holiday makers who are also sharing the hotel.
Leading man James Mason turns in his usual committed performance, elevating the production by a mile through his sheer presence and acting talent. Mason, with his distinct, mellifluous voice, lifts the average script just by speaking his lines. Herbert Lom, soon to star with Mason in the much better THE SEVENTH VEIL, also does well as a villain. Mason gets a pretty yet bland love interest in Lucie Manheim.
HOTEL RESERVE is entertaining enough- Mason fans would enjoy this most.