Discuss Nothing Ever Happens
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Not-bad 1933 parody of Grand Hotel
posted by genplant29STAFFMOD on September 28, 2019 at 5:38 PM
This short 1933 comedic-musical parody of Grand Hotel is familiar to many Classic Films fans, not only because TCM (Turner Classic Movies) has aired it numerous times throughout the decades, but also because it's included as an extra on the Warner Bros. DVD release of Grand Hotel (1932).
Overall, this little flick is unremarkable, while being mildly entertaining and a pleasant curiosity.
The best thing about it is Charles Judels' parody performance as Waistline (= Otto Kringelein, the character portrayed by Lionel Barrymore in the MGM classic). Judels gives a good imitation of Lionel Barrymore's performance in the original.
Jane Gale, portraying Scramchen (= Joan Crawford's Flämmchen in the original), looks, at moments, uncannily like 1932 Joan Crawford.
I give this 6 out of 10 stars. It's not bad, for what it is.
Please check out the following list of titles and celebrities I've created TMDb threads for: https://www.themoviedb.org/list/118052
Reply by bratface
on September 28, 2019 at 8:10 PM
Here is a YouTube link to the short:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qmlqNUUu4gU
Reply by barrymost
on October 12, 2019 at 11:58 AM
Ah yes. I remember seeing Nothing Ever Happens over a year ago after my dad got Grand Hotel from the library. It was the first movie I saw in which Lionel Barrymore really grabbed my attention. I saw this parody when my dad was checking out the special features on the DVD, and was also amused by Charles Judels' spoof of Barrymore's Otto Kringelein, though, admittedly, I knew nothing whatsoever about Lionel at the time, having simply enjoyed his performance and made a mental note to check out more of his movies. And that's how I became the fanatic I am today.
Reply by genplant29
on October 12, 2019 at 9:14 PM
It's wonderful that you didn't automatically ignore/reject old movies like many in the younger generations do. As you've discovered, there's a real treasure trove of terrific films, and great performers and performances, to enjoy from throughout the pre-1960s decades. Not only are the oldies entertaining, appealing and interesting, but also they're historically insightful.
I'm very glad, barry, that you've become a true afficionado!
Reply by barrymost
on October 13, 2019 at 2:41 PM
Thank you! I must admit, several years ago (when I was quite young) I was not a fan of older, or especially black and white movies. Though now, I actually prefer them to anything made today. I even enjoy the very aspect of black and white.
I think my real interest started simply because I liked Basil Rathbone--and hence had to watch older films to see more of him. And my interest just steadily grew, and every so often I'd watch a film for a certain actor, and come away liking yet another actor. So one things usually leads to another for me. And I have a very good memory for little bits of film trivia and sometimes even surprise myself by spouting out whatever it is I happen to know. Anyway, I just enjoy the whole thing so much, and you're absolutely right about the great treasure trove of classics there is.