Show People (1928) in Color — Starring Marion Davies & William Haines

Plot Summary

Peggy Pepper arrives in Hollywood from Georgia with her devoted father, Colonel Pepper, determined to become a serious dramatic actress in the mould of the great tragedians she admires. Armed with an abundance of confidence, a flair for melodramatic poses, and virtually no understanding of how the film industry actually works, Peggy storms the studio gates expecting to be discovered immediately and cast in weighty dramatic roles.

Reality quickly intervenes when the only work Peggy can find is in slapstick comedies, where her job consists primarily of getting hit in the face with pies, drenched with water, and subjected to the full repertoire of physical comedy humiliations. To her surprise and initial dismay, she turns out to be a natural comedienne, and audiences adore her. With the help of Billy Boone, a charming and talented comedy actor who becomes her screen partner and would-be romantic interest, Peggy rises rapidly through the ranks of Hollywood’s comedy world.

Success goes straight to Peggy’s head as she trades her comedy roots for the dramatic career she always craved. Rechristening herself Patricia Pepoire, she adopts increasingly absurd affectations, drops her loyal friends including the heartbroken Billy, and surrounds herself with sycophants who feed her delusions of artistic grandeur. Her dramatic films are pretentious and unwatchable, but nobody in her new circle has the honesty to tell her the truth.

The film builds to a hilarious and touching climax as Peggy’s house of cards collapses and she is forced to confront the gap between her self-image and reality. Through a series of brilliantly staged comic reversals, she rediscovers the genuine talent and authentic personality that made her a star in the first place. King Vidor fills the film with real Hollywood cameos and insider references that make it both a love letter to and a gentle satire of the dream factory itself.

Cast & Crew

Director: King Vidor

Stars: Marion Davies, William Haines, Dell Henderson, Paul Ralli, Harry Gribbon, Polly Moran

Marion Davies gives a career-defining performance that showcases her extraordinary gifts as a comedienne, combining brilliant physical comedy with genuine dramatic ability and effortless charm. Her performance demolishes the misconception that she was merely William Randolph Hearst’s protégée, revealing a genuinely talented and delightful actress. Director King Vidor orchestrates the satire with a light but sure touch.

Why Buy This Classic in Color?

The colorization of Show People brings gorgeous new life to the Hollywood studio settings, glamorous costumes, and vibrant behind-the-scenes world of late 1920s filmmaking, with the contrast between the humble comedy lots and the pretentious dramatic sets beautifully enhanced by warm, natural colour tones. Now also available in colour. The colour presentation adds visual richness to the numerous celebrity cameos and Hollywood in-jokes that make this film such a unique treasure. Buy Show People (1928) Colorized – €15.00

Historical Significance

Show People is widely considered one of the greatest comedies of the silent era and the finest showcase for Marion Davies’s remarkable comedic talent, a talent that was often overshadowed by the controversy surrounding her relationship with publisher William Randolph Hearst. The film features cameo appearances by numerous real Hollywood stars of the era, making it an invaluable document of the late silent film industry. Through colorization, this brilliant comedy masterpiece has been preserved for modern audiences who can appreciate its wit, charm, and Davies’s extraordinary performance.

Technical Details

• Format: MP4 digital download
• Resolution: HD 720p
• Colorized: Yes — AI-assisted colorization
• Audio: Musical score accompaniment
• Runtime: Approximately 82 minutes
• DRM-free: Yes — play on any device
• Instant download: Yes
• Price: €15.00

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Movie-Specific Questions

Q: Is this a silent film?
A: Yes, Show People is a silent film with intertitles and a Musical score accompaniment. Silent (English intertitles) provide all the dialogue and narration needed to follow the story.

Q: Is Marion Davies really that good?
A: Absolutely. Show People is widely cited as the definitive proof of Davies’s genuine comedic genius, a performance that stands alongside the best work of any silent film comedian.

Q: Are there real Hollywood stars in the film?
A: Yes, the film features numerous cameo appearances by real Hollywood personalities of the 1920s, including Charlie Chaplin, making it a fascinating time capsule of the era.

Digital Download Questions

Q: What format is the download?
A: The film is delivered as a high-quality MP4 file that plays on virtually any modern device including computers, tablets, smartphones, and smart TVs.

Q: Is there DRM protection on the file?
A: No, the download is completely DRM-free, meaning you own the file outright and can watch it on any device without restrictions or internet requirements.

Q: How quickly can I watch after purchase?
A: The download is available instantly after payment is confirmed, allowing you to start watching within minutes of your purchase.

Related Colorized Classics

• Pigskin Parade (1936)
• Coquette (1929)
• The Pilgrim (1923)
• City Streets (1931)
• Lady of Burlesque (1943)