dglink 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.

mountainkath I'm a huge classic film buff, but am just getting in to silent movies. A lot of silent films don't hold my attention, but Show People is a notable exception.Marion Davies and William Haines are simply wonderful in this picture. Davies, in particular, shows a wide range as she morphs from a giggly small town girl to a starlet who takes herself a bit too seriously.Show People is a fast paced film with a fantastic array of cameos by some of the biggest stars of the silent era. The movie captured my attention immediately and I actually forgot that it was a silent film. (I know that doesn't make much sense, but that's what happened.) The actors are so skilled in their craft that few dialogue cards are necessary.Show People is a perfect introduction to silent films. It is a fast paced, interesting film with two of the silent era's best stars. Add in the satire of Hollywood and Show People should be on the 'must see' list for all classic film buffs.

blanche-2 "Show People" is an absolutely delightful silent directed by King Vidor and starring Marion Davies and Billy Haines. What gems both of them are in this charming comedy about a young girl, Peggy Pepper, whose acting is the talk of Savannah trying to make it on the big screen. Though she's a success in comedy, what she wants to do is make "art" so she moves up to High Arts Studio. Soon she becomes Patricia Pepoire and is too good for the likes of her friend Billy.Many stars of the silent era have cameos in "Show People," including Davies herself without the curly hair and makeup. I'm sure when people saw the film in 1928, they recognized everyone who appeared in the elaborate lunch scene; sadly, nowadays, it's not the case, even for film buffs. In one part of the film, however, she does meet Charlie Chaplin; in another, author Elinor Glyn is pointed out to her, and Vidor himself has a cameo at the end of the film. Other stars who pop up in "Show People" are John Gilbert, Douglas Fairbanks, William S. Hart, Leatrice Joy, Bess Flowers, Renee Adoree, Rod LaRoque, Aileen Pringle, and many others.Davies was adorable and a lively comedienne. It's a shame William Haines quit the movies - he was cute and energetic, deservedly an enormous star back in the day."Show People" is a simple story told in a witty way. It's also a look back at an exciting era in Hollywood's history and contains performances by two wonderful stars.

MartinHafer I've seen hundreds of silent movies. Some will always be classics (such as Nosferatu, Metropolis, The General and Wings) but among them, my favorite is this film (it may not be the best--but a favorite, yes). In fact, when I looked it up on IMDb, I noticed I immediately laughed to myself because the movie was so gosh-darn cute and well-made. Marion Davies proved with this movie she really had great talent and was not JUST William Randolph Hearst's mistress.The story involves a hick from Georgia coming to Hollywood with every expectation that she would be an instant star! Her experiences and the interesting cameos of stars of the era make this a real treat for movie buffs and a must-see!