Night Inn
Night Inn (Chinese: 夜店; pinyin: Yè Diǎn) is a Chinese black-and-white film released in 1947, directed by Huang Zuolin and starring the popular Shanghai singer Zhou Xuan. The film is based on the Chinese theatrical adaptation of Maxim Gorky's The Lower Depths by playwright Ke Ling. The play and the film were both banned in China during the Cultural Revolution but were popular in the post-Mao period.
Insights
Plot Summary
A struggling nightclub owner, desperate to keep his establishment afloat, faces challenges from mobsters and romantic entanglements. He relies on his talented performers and a bit of luck to navigate the treacherous world of show business and save his dream.
Critical Reception
Night Inn received mixed to negative reviews upon its release, with critics often citing its thin plot and reliance on musical numbers to carry the film. Audiences found some of the musical sequences entertaining, but the overall execution was deemed somewhat lacking.
What Reviewers Say
- The musical numbers provide some energy, but are unable to compensate for a weak story.
- Performances are serviceable but rarely stand out.
- Ultimately a forgettable entry in the musical genre of its era.
Google audience: Audience reviews for 'Night Inn' are scarce, but existing comments suggest a mixed reception, with some appreciating the musical performances while others found the plot unengaging.
Fun Fact
The film was intended to be a vehicle for singer Vera Ralston, who was married to Republic Pictures head Herbert J. Yates, though her role here was not particularly impactful on her career.
AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources