This smoothly paced English made work has many advantages going: capable direction that includes thoroughgoing competence with editing processes, a talented internationally flavoured cast, striking settings, of which many are in Paris and along the French Riviera, a comedic yet accessible screenplay, and top-flight design of costumes and interiors for each scene. Beautiful Annabella has top billing as Ranie Racine whose financier father, despite his ostensible suicide, has to her mind been murdered, and in an attempt to determine the actual cause of her sire's death, Ranie links up with Paul de Brack, a British government agent seeking identical information (David Niven with his initial starring part in a major feature), the two formulating various undercover ploys during which they come upon a large banking scandal while, naturally, facing the pleasant bother of falling in love. Elegance is the keynote of the film, with the gowns and other costuming of René Hubert being specially effective in its fostering, while a Monte Carlo casino, a luxurious Mediterranean yacht belonging to a probable principal in the mentioned scandal, in addition to concordant venues, are harmoniously complemented by the breezy dialogue penned by Roland Pertwee with additions from Romney Brent who also plays as a journalist following along the same trail as are Ranie and Paul. From the cast come numerous fine performances, Annabella earning acting honours for her vivid turn as an amateur detective, and there are telling contributions from Francis L. Sullivan and Tyrell Davis, representatives of the Forces of Evil, Shakespearian player William Dewhurst as an enigmatic jeweller who aids Ranie with adornment for her disguises, radiant Nora Swinburne, who not surprisingly steals her two brief scenes and, ever at ease among the elite, Niven may not be overlooked in this pleasant cinematic soufflé.
11 Reviews
Dialogue and pace are the pluses here
clark-919 March 2001
Entertaining mystery for 30s film fans with decent dialogue and a plot that moves along smartly. Although predictable, the plot elements seem logical. David Niven is his usual charming self, and handles his confused love interest with a believable flair. One `groaner' moment near the end when the bad guy doesn't do you-know-what.
A showcase for the beautiful Annabella
blanche-224 November 2021
For French movie star Annabella, Darryl F. Zanuck was like God - he gaveth and he taketh away.
While he was in a giving mood, he starred her in 1937's "Dinner at the Ritz," also starring David Niven, Paul Lucas, and Francis L. Sullivan.
The scene is Paris. A banker, Racine, is giving a party at his estate, when he is shot dead. Racine had been troubled by problems at his bank - a conspiracy, in fact, that could be its downfall.
He had sent a letter naming six men who are most likely the guilty ones. However, the letter doesn't arrive. The police rule the death a suicide. His daughter (Annabella) is sure it was murder. She sets out to learn the truth and perhaps recoup money for her father's customers.
This quest takes her to Monte Carlo and London, and she at different times disguises herself as Spanish royalty and Indian royalty.
This is a sophisticated film, replete with beautiful gowns, real European locations, and some light comedy. A problem, however, was that at that point, Annabella's accent was not easy to understand. In spite of this, she is very good.
Then one day Annabella walked onto the set of Suez and met her costar, Tyrone Power. They fell in love. Contrary to popular belief, studio heads did not want their romantic leading men married.
When Zanuck saw the wedding bells on the wall, he offered Annabella three films that were to be made in Europe. Hmm.... Movies.... Tyrone Power...Guess what she chose. And Zanuck stopped her star build-up.
Annabella and Tyrone did radio and stage work together, and after their divorce, she returned to France. After an unhappy second marriage, Power visited her and asked to reconcile. However, it was too late.
That all happened later - see Annabella and David Niven, who in fact were to be involved in a tragedy in 1946 when Niven's wife died in the Power home, in happier times.
While he was in a giving mood, he starred her in 1937's "Dinner at the Ritz," also starring David Niven, Paul Lucas, and Francis L. Sullivan.
The scene is Paris. A banker, Racine, is giving a party at his estate, when he is shot dead. Racine had been troubled by problems at his bank - a conspiracy, in fact, that could be its downfall.
He had sent a letter naming six men who are most likely the guilty ones. However, the letter doesn't arrive. The police rule the death a suicide. His daughter (Annabella) is sure it was murder. She sets out to learn the truth and perhaps recoup money for her father's customers.
This quest takes her to Monte Carlo and London, and she at different times disguises herself as Spanish royalty and Indian royalty.
This is a sophisticated film, replete with beautiful gowns, real European locations, and some light comedy. A problem, however, was that at that point, Annabella's accent was not easy to understand. In spite of this, she is very good.
Then one day Annabella walked onto the set of Suez and met her costar, Tyrone Power. They fell in love. Contrary to popular belief, studio heads did not want their romantic leading men married.
When Zanuck saw the wedding bells on the wall, he offered Annabella three films that were to be made in Europe. Hmm.... Movies.... Tyrone Power...Guess what she chose. And Zanuck stopped her star build-up.
Annabella and Tyrone did radio and stage work together, and after their divorce, she returned to France. After an unhappy second marriage, Power visited her and asked to reconcile. However, it was too late.
That all happened later - see Annabella and David Niven, who in fact were to be involved in a tragedy in 1946 when Niven's wife died in the Power home, in happier times.
Nice mystery with a twist, a fine cast, and romance in Europe
SimonJack24 November 2020
"Dinner at the Ritz" is a crime, murder mystery and romance. It's a 20th Century Fox film made through its London offices and filmed at Denham Studios. Although the title simply refers to a dinner meeting where the film ends, it otherwise has nothing to do with the story. It's an interesting plot that starts in Paris, moves to the Riviera and Monaco, and then jumps up to London. The film editing seems a little choppy and the overall quality of the DVD I have is not very good
The film has a superb cast. The leads are Annabella, Paul Lukas, David Niven and Francis L. Sullivan. A slew of well-known supporting actors of the day contribute nicely to the story.
It's a very nice and interesting mystery with a couple of unusual twists. This is a film that could use restoring. Mystery fans should like it, and the romance between Niven's Paul de Brack and Annabella's Ranie Racine is developed very nicely.
The film has a superb cast. The leads are Annabella, Paul Lukas, David Niven and Francis L. Sullivan. A slew of well-known supporting actors of the day contribute nicely to the story.
It's a very nice and interesting mystery with a couple of unusual twists. This is a film that could use restoring. Mystery fans should like it, and the romance between Niven's Paul de Brack and Annabella's Ranie Racine is developed very nicely.
Very cute romance and mystery!
HotToastyRag15 February 2018
Annabella is engaged to Paul Lukas, but when her fiancé's car crashes into David Niven's car, it's love at first sight! But Dinner at the Ritz isn't a love triangle; it's a mystery. . . Shortly after the arrival of the "other man", Annabella's father is murdered during a house party. The police have ruled it a suicide, but the devoted daughter knows better, and with a bit of help, she sets out to find her father's killer.
The plot of Dinner at the Ritz was very entertaining. The biggest problem was the casting. Most of the actors, save David Niven and Paul Lukas, never grew up to be very famous, and there were two or three men who looked so similar I kept getting them confused. And when one of them was very clearly a good guy, and the other just as clearly a bad guy, I would have preferred one of the pseudo-twins to have dyed his hair or grown a mustache! The two leads were very cute, though. Annabella was charming, The Niv was dashing, and they both were very convincing in their pursuit of their young love. All in all, it's a cute movie, and if you like oldies, you could do a lot worse than Dinner at the Ritz.
The plot of Dinner at the Ritz was very entertaining. The biggest problem was the casting. Most of the actors, save David Niven and Paul Lukas, never grew up to be very famous, and there were two or three men who looked so similar I kept getting them confused. And when one of them was very clearly a good guy, and the other just as clearly a bad guy, I would have preferred one of the pseudo-twins to have dyed his hair or grown a mustache! The two leads were very cute, though. Annabella was charming, The Niv was dashing, and they both were very convincing in their pursuit of their young love. All in all, it's a cute movie, and if you like oldies, you could do a lot worse than Dinner at the Ritz.
what good actors can do with a weak plot.
agamemnon328 August 2007
The plot reveals itself early, there isn't any suspense to speak of and most of the jokes are weak. However! There are some bright spots:
If you remain interested after the first 45 minutes, you will find more jokes to be entertained by, although some of these moments are merely incidental. Shooting on-location in Europe provides a welcome change of pace. The dialog, which is smoothly and stylishly delivered by a "classic" cast of capable actors, adds to the film's overall camp value. The cast provides some worthwhile moments, but you must be patient. I also enjoyed the costumes but if I am going to watch a movie from this era solely for costumes and dialog, this wouldn't be my first pick. If you like film from this era (I do) and already are familiar with the cast (I am), then I might recommend it. If you are not familiar with the period and the actors, I recommend finding something else to watch. The film isn't immensely popular so if you've come this far then you probably know what you're getting into.
If you remain interested after the first 45 minutes, you will find more jokes to be entertained by, although some of these moments are merely incidental. Shooting on-location in Europe provides a welcome change of pace. The dialog, which is smoothly and stylishly delivered by a "classic" cast of capable actors, adds to the film's overall camp value. The cast provides some worthwhile moments, but you must be patient. I also enjoyed the costumes but if I am going to watch a movie from this era solely for costumes and dialog, this wouldn't be my first pick. If you like film from this era (I do) and already are familiar with the cast (I am), then I might recommend it. If you are not familiar with the period and the actors, I recommend finding something else to watch. The film isn't immensely popular so if you've come this far then you probably know what you're getting into.
Annabella to the Rescue!
JohnHowardReid29 November 2017
Warning: Spoilers
Annabella (Ranie Racine), David Niven (Paul de Brack), Paul Lukas (Philip de Beaufort), Romney Brent (Jimmy Raine), Francis L. Sullivan (Brogard), Stewart Rome (Racine), Frederick Leister (Tarade), William Dewhurst (Devine), Tyrrell Davis (Duval), Vivienne Chatterton (Marthe), Ronald Shiner (Sydney), Nora Swinburne (Lady Railton), Raymond Huntley (Gibout), Ralph Truman (auctioneer), Billy Shine (waiter), O. B. Clarence (messenger), Frederick Culley, Patricia Medina.
Director: HAROLD D. SCHUSTER. Screenplay: Roland Pertwee, Romney Brent. Scenario and dialogue: Roland Pertwee. Photography: Philip Tannura. Supervising film editor: James B. Clark. Art director: Frank Wells. Costumes: René Hubert. Camera operator: Wilkie Cooper. Special effects: Ned Mann. Music and songs: Lee Sims. Music director: Muir Mathieson. Production manager: Leslie F. Baker. Assistant director: Frederick James. Sound recording: A. W. Watkins, J. C. Cook. Western Electric Sound System. Producer: Robert T. Kane.
Copyright 26 November 1937 by 20th Century-Fox Film Corp. New York opening at the Roxy: 3 December 1937. U.S. release: 26 November 1937. Australian release: 2 June 1938. 8 reels. 77 minutes.
SYNOPSIS: In the middle of a party at his house Racine, a Parisian banker, is shot dead. He had been concerned about a conspiracy that could ruin his bank. He had revealed that he had posted a letter containing the names of six men, known only to himself, whom he thinks may be the guilty ones. The letter never arrives.
COMMENT: Annabella is the star. The camera focuses on her. She even does two atrocious impersonations: a Spanish countess and an Indian princess. Niven and Lukas are much as usual. It is left to Francis L. Sullivan and Tyrrell Davis (particularly the former) to really steal the acting limelight. Ronald Shiner has a small part as a sneak- thief porter.
Production values are okay, though there is evidence of skimping. Direction remains steadfastly dull throughout, a surfeit of dialogue over-weighs the script, predictability and incredulity dog the plot. The climax, alas, is disappointingly short on action, the villain being disposed of by a single shot. (Incidentally, there is no mystery as to his identity. We, the audience, know who he is all the time).
In short, a naive script designed primarily to show off the beauty and talents of the lovely Annabella. And why not?
Director: HAROLD D. SCHUSTER. Screenplay: Roland Pertwee, Romney Brent. Scenario and dialogue: Roland Pertwee. Photography: Philip Tannura. Supervising film editor: James B. Clark. Art director: Frank Wells. Costumes: René Hubert. Camera operator: Wilkie Cooper. Special effects: Ned Mann. Music and songs: Lee Sims. Music director: Muir Mathieson. Production manager: Leslie F. Baker. Assistant director: Frederick James. Sound recording: A. W. Watkins, J. C. Cook. Western Electric Sound System. Producer: Robert T. Kane.
Copyright 26 November 1937 by 20th Century-Fox Film Corp. New York opening at the Roxy: 3 December 1937. U.S. release: 26 November 1937. Australian release: 2 June 1938. 8 reels. 77 minutes.
SYNOPSIS: In the middle of a party at his house Racine, a Parisian banker, is shot dead. He had been concerned about a conspiracy that could ruin his bank. He had revealed that he had posted a letter containing the names of six men, known only to himself, whom he thinks may be the guilty ones. The letter never arrives.
COMMENT: Annabella is the star. The camera focuses on her. She even does two atrocious impersonations: a Spanish countess and an Indian princess. Niven and Lukas are much as usual. It is left to Francis L. Sullivan and Tyrrell Davis (particularly the former) to really steal the acting limelight. Ronald Shiner has a small part as a sneak- thief porter.
Production values are okay, though there is evidence of skimping. Direction remains steadfastly dull throughout, a surfeit of dialogue over-weighs the script, predictability and incredulity dog the plot. The climax, alas, is disappointingly short on action, the villain being disposed of by a single shot. (Incidentally, there is no mystery as to his identity. We, the audience, know who he is all the time).
In short, a naive script designed primarily to show off the beauty and talents of the lovely Annabella. And why not?
Another Hitchcock wannabe
bkoganbing2 April 2006
Dinner at the Ritz was done while David Niven was making his first visit back to the old country. Sam Goldwyn who made as much money with Niven by selling his services to major studios as using Niven himself, lent him out to 20th Century Fox for this European production.
The chief recommendation for Dinner at the Ritz is the location shooting in Paris, Monte Carlo, and London. It was good for American audiences to see the real deal as opposed to studio set recreations. It wasn't bad for our audiences to see the beautiful Annabella who would be marrying Niven pal Tyrone Power shortly.
Annabella is the daughter of a banker who allegedly commits suicide after telling her he was going to confront one of a group of six men who pulled off a swindle on his bank. Of course Annabella doesn't believe it, neither does detective David Niven who's after these guys for other crimes.
Since we already know who the murderer is, there's no real suspense in Dinner at the Ritz. It's whether she can catch them and prove it and will she realize Niven ain't one of the gang.
I will say this, the gimmick used to get her father's money back is pulled off with quite a bit of style.
Look for some good performances by Francis L. Sullivan and Paul Lukas as two of the gang of six. But the film really could have used some Hitchcock touches.
The chief recommendation for Dinner at the Ritz is the location shooting in Paris, Monte Carlo, and London. It was good for American audiences to see the real deal as opposed to studio set recreations. It wasn't bad for our audiences to see the beautiful Annabella who would be marrying Niven pal Tyrone Power shortly.
Annabella is the daughter of a banker who allegedly commits suicide after telling her he was going to confront one of a group of six men who pulled off a swindle on his bank. Of course Annabella doesn't believe it, neither does detective David Niven who's after these guys for other crimes.
Since we already know who the murderer is, there's no real suspense in Dinner at the Ritz. It's whether she can catch them and prove it and will she realize Niven ain't one of the gang.
I will say this, the gimmick used to get her father's money back is pulled off with quite a bit of style.
Look for some good performances by Francis L. Sullivan and Paul Lukas as two of the gang of six. But the film really could have used some Hitchcock touches.
dull thriller
malcolmgsw11 August 2019
This Dinner Looks Good But Needs Salt
daoldiges10 March 2024
David Niven, location shots in 30's Paris, and someone named Annabella, I just had to check it out Dinner at the Ritz. Niven is as pleasant and enjoyable as I was expecting. Annabella was as beautiful as I imagined and not completely lacking in acting skills either. There's sparkling jewels, a jewel heist, a yacht, lovely gowns, music and dancing, along with a murder hunt. Unfortunately the story and script in large part let all of those wonderful elements down. There isn't really much intrigue or suspense, nor even a thrill, it just kinds of moves along and looks nice. Despite the shortcomings it's not completely unwatchable, which I guess makes it kind of watchable, at least for the genuinely curious.
Hard To Swallow, But Fun
boblipton15 February 2024
Stewart Rome's bank has gone bust, and Rome has been trying to track down the swindlers who conned him. Then he seems to have committed suicide, leaving his daughter, Annabella, to penniless as the auction of his effects and belongings will go to his depositors. Meanwhile, Romney Brent is trying to get the name of the six men who did the swindle. It's in a letter from Rome, but the bad guys, led by Paul Lucas and Francis L. Sullivan are trying to get their hands on it before the authorities, in the person of David Niven do. When Annabella is in Monte Carlo, deliberately losing at baccarat to enable a jeweler to get top dollar for his wares, they all meet.
It's a preposterous series of events, carried on the charms of Annabella, and she does a very good job of it, both in her native guise, and imitating a Spanish noblewoman. Brent worked with Roland Pertwee on the screenplay, and director Harold Schuster seems to have been trying for a screwball comedy. The result is erratic, but always watchable. With Frederick Leister, Bill Shine, Nora Swinburne, and an uncredited role for Patricia Medina in her first screen appearance.
It's a preposterous series of events, carried on the charms of Annabella, and she does a very good job of it, both in her native guise, and imitating a Spanish noblewoman. Brent worked with Roland Pertwee on the screenplay, and director Harold Schuster seems to have been trying for a screwball comedy. The result is erratic, but always watchable. With Frederick Leister, Bill Shine, Nora Swinburne, and an uncredited role for Patricia Medina in her first screen appearance.
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