Show People (1928)

A young girl (Marion Davies) from Georgia comes to Hollywood with stars in her eyes and a big dream of breaking into the movies. Taken under the wing by a slapstick comic (William Haines), she soon becomes a popular star in comedies. But when she decides to switch to serious drama, it goes to her head and she deserts her old friends from her comedy days as vulgar and beneath her. Directed by King Vidor, this charming valentine to the era of silent comedies came the year after the debut of the first talkie, THE JAZZ SINGER. It's almost as if Vidor knew the golden era of silent comedy was over with the advent of talking pictures and he wanted to affectionately say goodbye. Davies' talent as a comedienne are on display here and she even gets to play herself as the real Davies when the character she is playing is unimpressed seeing her in person. Cameos from the some of the major silent stars of the day include Charlie Chaplin, John Gilbert, Douglas Fairbanks, William S. Hart, Norma Talmadge and even director King Vidor gets in the act playing himself. A must for fans of silent cinema.