Show People (1928)

Speakeasy Cinema + Pay What You Can

Marion Davies knocks ’em dead in this witty comedy about showbiz. Made in 1928 the final and most artistically brilliant peaks of the silent era just as talking pictures were beginning to take over.  Marion plays a newcomer to Hollywood who wants to make her mark in drama. William Haines, a kindly slapstick comedian, takes her under his wing and her career begins to take off but she soon outgrows him.

Silent fans, one of numerous reasons to watch this film is for all the great cameos–few silents had quite so many. We see John Gilbert, Norma Talmadge, Renee Adoree, Douglas Fairbanks, William S. Hart (in his final onscreen appearance), and more. There’s even a worth-more-than-gold scene showing Charlie Chaplin himself, looking quite dapper out of makeup. The always-entertaining Marion Davies had wonderful comedy instincts and broad appeal. For decades it seemed like she was chiefly remembered as the mistress of newspaper mogul William Randolph Hearst, who had a heavy hand in her screen career. Throughout her career Marion starred in 46 films, including 16 talkies. Her versatility as an actress allowed her to excel in a variety of genres, from romantic comedies to historical dramas. Her performances were characterized by their authenticity and emotional depth, earning her a dedicated fan base and critical acclaim. Show People is one of her greatest films.

Rated TV-G

Running Time 78 minutes

Specialty Cocktail: French 75