Before the Show

About This Movie

So, 'Before the Show' from 1916 is kind of an interesting piece. It's set in a small-town vaudeville house, and you can really feel the bustling atmosphere of pre-show jitters. The main character, this vaudeville manager, is stuck in a bind when his property man pulls a fast one and quits—classic vaudeville chaos. Enter Slippery Pokes, who seems like a bit of a hustler and adds a nice dash of humor to the mix. The pacing is pretty tight, keeping the vibe lively, which is crucial for a film like this. It's not exactly groundbreaking, but it captures that old-time vaudeville spirit quite well, making it a charming watch for anyone into that era of entertainment.

This film is somewhat of a rarity, existing in a few archival collections, but it hasn't seen widespread home media releases. Its status as a silent comedy makes it particularly appealing to collectors interested in early American entertainment. The vaudeville theme resonates with those who appreciate the roots of performance art, and the film certainly holds a certain historical significance within that context.