Anderson has noted that the film was partly inspired by the writings of the late Viennese author Stefan Zweig and partly by stylish movies of the 1930s. What we get is mainly in flashback from the now dismal old world hotel of the title, located in a fictional country named Zubrowka, where it once flourished in happier days before that part of Europe was overrun by war, Nazis and Communists

It is a mistake to read too much politically into the romp Anderson is serving with the result likely to generate a good time for audiences. The most outstanding and interesting character in the film is unquestionably Ralph Fiennes as M. Gustov, the savvy hotel concierge who keeps everything under his flamboyant control and barks orders about details as if his mission in life is total perfection. He also has a charming way with elderly ladies, especially Tilda Swinton as Madame D, whose death helps fuel the plot.

Working under Gustov is Tony Revolori as the enterprising lobby boy Zero, primed to learn the service art in the mold of his boss. We meet the grown Zero as Mr. Moustafa (F. MurrayAbraham), who in 1968 recounts to a young writer (Jude Law) the adventures that led to his gaining possession of the now ghostly hotel. (First, we meet the writer in is older days as played by Tom Wilkinson.)

The flashback tale involves theft of a painting, villains, arrests, prison and escape, with convoluted action, maneuvers and manipulations. There’s also romance, given Zero’s affection for pretty Saoirse Ronan as Agatha, a baker’s assistant.

The cast Anderson has assembled also includes Mathieu Amalric, Adrien Brody, Willem Dafoe, Jeff Goldblum, Harvey Keitel, Bill Murray, Edward Norton, Jason Schwartzman, Léa Seydoux, Owen Wilson, Bob Balaban, Fisher Stevens and many more. With a roster like that, entertainment is virtually guaranteed.