Show People.

Review #987: Show People.

Cast: 
Marion Davies (Peggy Pepper), William Haines (Billy Boone), Dell Henderson (General Marmaduke Oldfish Pepper), Paul Ralli (Andre Telfair), Tenen Holtz (Casting director), Harry Gribbon (Jim, comedy director), Sidney Bracey (Dramatic director), Polly Moran (Peggy's maid), and Albert Conti (Producer) Directed by King Vidor.

Review: 
This was a lighthearted look at Hollywood released near the end of the silent era, but it featured synchronized musical score and sound effects, with numerous cameo appearances from stars of the time throughout the film, such as Charlie Chaplin, Douglas Fairbanks, John Gilbert, with Davies and Vidor making cameos as themselves. Admittedly, it may feel a bit familiar to anyone who has watched a film about a person's rise (and their ensuing change in personality), but this is at least decent fare. This is an enjoyable film that utilizes some star power along with a ready amount of charm and well crafted direction to be good entertainment. Davies does a capable job, seemingly well suited for the comedic situations that happen (best signified by her reaction to being sprayed with a seltzer bottle). This is definitely a fine delight of a film, mainly because Davies proves quite capable at eliciting laughs while also being fairly interesting to watch to interact with the rest of the cast. Haines is a fairly decent counterpart for Davies, and he does help elicit some laughs as well. The rest of the cast also do fine jobs in their parts, but the real highlight is the amount of guest appearances, which are pretty charming; though I did not recognize all of the actors that make an appearance, they certainly feel useful enough without seeming obnoxious (my favorite of the cameos has to be Davies, as she and her character meet for one short scene). At 79 minutes, this is a clear pick for anyone looking for a nice enjoyable little clever comedy.

Overall, I give it 8 out of 10 stars.