The Show of Shows
The Show of Shows

The Show of Shows

1929Movie128 minEnglish

Now hear this. The studio that gave the cinema its voice offered 1929 audiences a chance to see and hear multiple silent-screen favorites for the first time in a gaudy, grandiose music-comedy-novelty revue that also included Talkie stars, Broadway luminaries and of course, Rin-Tin-Tin. Frank Fay hosts a jamboree that, among its 70+ stars, features bicyclers, boxing champ Georges Carpentier, chorines in terpsichore kickery, sister acts, Myrna Loy in two-strip Technicolor as an exotic Far East beauty, John Barrymore in a Shakespearean soliloquy (adding an on-screen voice to his legendary profile for the first time) and Winnie Lightner famously warbling the joys of Singing in the Bathtub. Watch, rinse, repeat!

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Insights

IMDb5.8/10
Director: John G. AdolfiGenres: Musical, Comedy, Variety

Plot Summary

This revue-style film showcases a collection of musical numbers, sketches, and variety acts from Warner Bros. studios. It features a vast array of stars performing songs and dances, interspersed with comedic bits and dramatic interludes. The film aims to present a grand spectacle of entertainment, highlighting the talent available at the studio during the dawn of the sound era.

Critical Reception

Upon its release, 'The Show of Shows' was met with a mixed reception. While its technical achievements in sound were notable for the time, many critics found the episodic nature and the sheer volume of acts to be overwhelming and lacking a cohesive narrative. However, individual performances and musical numbers often received praise for their energy and star power.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its early sound technology and ambitious scope.
  • Criticized for its lack of narrative cohesion and excessive length.
  • Individual musical numbers and performances were often highlighted as strong points.

Google audience: Audience reviews are scarce for this historical film, but available commentary suggests appreciation for its pioneering use of sound and the impressive collection of performers for its era, despite the sprawling format.

Fun Fact

The film was one of the first major productions to extensively utilize Vitaphone sound-on-disc technology, showcasing the studio's commitment to the new sound era.

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