Blame It on the Bellboy

“Blame It on the Bellboy” is a comedy film released in 1992, directed by Mark Herman. The movie features an ensemble cast, including Dudley Moore, Bryan Brown, Richard Griffiths, Patsy Kensit, and Penelope Wilton.

The plot revolves around three guests staying at the same Venice hotel, who coincidentally share similar names and check-in times. The mix-up starts when the bumbling and eager-to-please bellboy, Melvyn Orton (played by Dudley Moore), confuses the names and delivers their messages and requests to the wrong guests.

One of the guests, Maurice Horton (played by Dudley Moore), is a mild-mannered and henpecked husband who is supposed to meet with a potential employer to secure a job. However, due to the mix-up, Maurice ends up in a series of comedic misadventures, leading to misunderstandings with a dangerous hitman.

Meanwhile, the suave and charming Mike Lorton (played by Bryan Brown) is a hitman on a mission to eliminate a wealthy target. The mix-up results in Mike being mistaken for a love interest by a lonely and flirtatious British woman, Caroline Wright (played by Patsy Kensit).

The third guest, the pompous and arrogant gangster gangster, Maurice Horton (played by Richard Griffiths), is expecting to meet with his associates for a business deal. However, the confusion causes him to interact with a group of hapless tourists.

As the film unfolds, the misunderstandings and comedic situations escalate, leading to a series of hilarious encounters and mistaken identities. The characters’ paths cross, and they find themselves entangled in a web of chaos and confusion.

“Blame It on the Bellboy” is a classic farce with slapstick humor, mistaken identities, and misunderstandings. The film pays homage to the screwball comedies of the past, delivering laughs through its clever plot twists and witty dialogue.

While “Blame It on the Bellboy” received mixed reviews from critics upon its release, it has gained a small following among fans of light-hearted and silly comedies. The film’s ensemble cast delivers entertaining performances, with Dudley Moore’s double role adding to the fun.

Overall, “Blame It on the Bellboy” is a lighthearted and amusing comedy that offers an enjoyable escape into a world of misunderstandings and comedic mishaps. It is a delightful reminder of the charm and appeal of classic farce and slapstick humor.