This is the story of the clocklike movements of a giant, big city New Orleans hotel. The ambitious yet loyal manager wrestles with the round-the-clock drama of its guests. A brazen sneak thief, who nightly relieves the guests of their property, is chased through the underground passages of the hotel. The big business power play for control of the hotel and the VIP diplomat guest with a secret add to the excitement.
Production
Practical hotel set so lavish you'll check for your room key.
Acting
Melvyn Douglas anchors the chaos with wounded dignity.
Costume
Merle Oberon's wardrobe alone justifies the Technicolor.

Director
Richard Quine
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Rod Taylor broke his hand punching a prop door that turned out to be solid wood, not balsa. Method acting, 1967 style.
This was the first Arthur Hailey adaptation—his formula of 'disaster/institution + ensemble cast' would later mint Airport and The Towering Inferno.