Always at The Carlyle

Director: Matthew Miele
Year Released: 2018
Rating: 1.0

The legendary Carlyle Hotel in New York City's Upper East Side is the subject of this 'documentary,' which talks about the place's history as a not-so-secret 'hang out' for the rich and powerful - Woody Allen plays shows there - and gets many of the very loyal workers (several have been there for decades!) and long-time residents (Elaine Stritch, Roger Federer, etc.) to share their experiences working there.  While it's fun to hear about Jack Nicholson and Warren Beatty and John-John and Princess Diana and Marilyn Monroe scampering around the joint - Bill Murray even shows up! (it's clearly star-struck) - it also plays like a 90-minute advertisement for the establishment (sure 10k is a lot for a room ... but look at the view!) and refuses to offer anything juicy: the hotel has a reputation for being 'discreet,' which is fine and all, but imagine a "tell-all" book where the best parts are redacted.  Miele, too, doesn't keep his distance, and can be heard talking over his interviewees: I'm sure TMZ is hiring if you want to engage in a back-and-forth with your subjects.  But if Bourdain said the $20 martinis are worth it ... listen to the man.