Show Folks

Eddie Quillan stars in this mildly interesting vaudeville drama. The title page calls it a drama/comedy/musical, but there is too little humor to call it a comedy and it's a silent - what music? There are scenes of musical numbers and of people dancing, but they could be mimes for all we know.

As stated, Quillan is the star, playing a vaudeville hoofer but he is too egotistical and self-centered to generate any sympathy for his character. It is noteworthy for the appearance of Carole Lombard in a featured role, but she is the heavy and a gold-digger and does not have that much screen time. The best player is Lina Basquette as Rita, who Eddie finds in a pet shop and persuades her to be part of his act, and she turns out to be more entertaining and bankable than Eddie, much to his chagrin. She is very likable and vivacious and is the best thing about this mediocre backstage story.

The outcome is predictable and probably wasn't original even in 1928. It is a museum piece at best and an undistinguished one at that. This print was from the Library Of Congress collection and was shown at Capitolfest, Rome NY, 8/13.