King Vidor's amusing and affectionate look at Hollywood, "Show People," features the under-appreciated Marion Davies and was arguably the finest film of William Haines's career. Peggy Pepper (Davies) arrives in Hollywood determined to become a serious dramatic actress in artistic films. However, she happens on slapstick star Billy Boone (Haines) and gets her start with a seltzer bottle and custard pie in low-grade comedies. Audiences who loved and were first introduced to silent film through last year's Oscar winner, "The Artist," will likely enjoy "Show People," a genuine classic from the late 1920's, when silent cinema reached its peak.
Both stars offer naturalistic performances, and viewers expecting the "grand style" of emoting associated with silent movies will be disappointed. Vidor has restrained Haines, who could be campy and flamboyant at times. Although Haines perfectly captures Billy Boone's light-hearted side and his slapstick is worthy of Keystone, Haines also displays feeling and depth during his dramatic scenes. Davies is good throughout, although she is most effective when clowning; her series of emotions displayed at the studio's employment office is priceless. A bevy of silent stars appear in cameos, which will delight those familiar with the era; however, even those who recognize Douglas Fairbanks, John Gilbert, and William S. Hart may wonder, "Who was Elinor Glyn?" King Vidor also appears as himself, and Marion Davies offers her own inside joke.
Consistent with films produced at MGM in the final years before sound, "Show People" has excellent direction, beautiful photography, and fine performances. This classic gem offers opportunities to discover the talents of Marion Davies and William Haines, whose films have sadly faded from public memory, and the skillful direction of King Vidor, whose other silent classics "The Crowd" and "The Big Parade" need to be restored and reissued on DVD. Perhaps the success of "The Artist" will stimulate new interest in silent film and more demand for these great films.
Both stars offer naturalistic performances, and viewers expecting the "grand style" of emoting associated with silent movies will be disappointed. Vidor has restrained Haines, who could be campy and flamboyant at times. Although Haines perfectly captures Billy Boone's light-hearted side and his slapstick is worthy of Keystone, Haines also displays feeling and depth during his dramatic scenes. Davies is good throughout, although she is most effective when clowning; her series of emotions displayed at the studio's employment office is priceless. A bevy of silent stars appear in cameos, which will delight those familiar with the era; however, even those who recognize Douglas Fairbanks, John Gilbert, and William S. Hart may wonder, "Who was Elinor Glyn?" King Vidor also appears as himself, and Marion Davies offers her own inside joke.
Consistent with films produced at MGM in the final years before sound, "Show People" has excellent direction, beautiful photography, and fine performances. This classic gem offers opportunities to discover the talents of Marion Davies and William Haines, whose films have sadly faded from public memory, and the skillful direction of King Vidor, whose other silent classics "The Crowd" and "The Big Parade" need to be restored and reissued on DVD. Perhaps the success of "The Artist" will stimulate new interest in silent film and more demand for these great films.