Hotel Sahara (1951)

When WWII breaks out, a hotel in North Africa finds itself occupied in turn by various forces and changes sides with each new arrival. First, the Italians then the British then the Germans then the French and Americans. The hotel owner (Peter Ustinov) is upset than his fiancee (Yvonne De Carlo) shamelessly flirts with each occupying force. Directed by Ken Annakin (BATTLE OF THE BULGE), this comedic farce is moderately amusing but truth to tell, while I love farces I'm not all that partial to war comedies. Though not a musical, De Carlo has two songs and a dance number and gets to use her underused talent for comedy while Ustinov underplays and frets nicely. The film could have used a little more madness and one can't help but wonder what an expert farceur like Peter Sellers might have done with it. At its best, it remains a pleasant diversion. With David Tomlinson (MARY POPPINS), Roland Culver, Ferdy Mayne and Mireille Perrey.