Opening Night (1931)
A sharp seven-minute comedy from the Vitaphone era that skewers the pomp and pretension of theatrical opening nights.
Opening Night - Movie Information
- Original Title: Opening Night
- Release Year: 1931
- Directed by: Roy Mack
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Comedy
- Runtime: 7m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): January 5, 1931 (United States)
- Alternative Titles: Vitaphone Varieties (1930-1931 Season): Opening Night (US)
- Production Companies: The Vitaphone Corporation, Warner Bros. Pictures
- Production Countries: United States of America
Opening Night - Plot
This short film satirizes theatrical opening nights.
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Opening Night - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Roy Mack
Main Cast
- Helen Eby-Rock
- Leo Hoyt
- Dorothy Sands
Writers
- Benjamin M. Kaye
Opening Night - FAQs
What is Opening Night (1931) about?
Opening Night is a seven-minute short comedy that takes a witty jab at the rituals and pretensions surrounding theatrical opening nights. It follows a couple navigating the social theater of the event itself, poking fun at the audience as much as the performers on stage.
Is Opening Night a short film?
Yes, Opening Night runs just seven minutes, making it a short film. It was produced by The Vitaphone Corporation and Warner Bros. Pictures as part of the Vitaphone Varieties series, a popular program of short subjects released in the early sound era.
Where can you watch Opening Night (1931)?
You can check current streaming and viewing options for Opening Night (1931) on JustWatch, which tracks availability across platforms in your region. Options may include rental, purchase, or free streaming depending on where you are.
Who directed Opening Night (1931)?
Opening Night was directed by Roy Mack, a prolific director of Vitaphone short subjects during the early 1930s. Mack helmed dozens of these brief comedy and musical shorts for Warner Bros., making him a key figure in the early sound-era short film format.
Who stars in Opening Night (1931)?
The cast features Helen Eby-Rock as the Box Office Cashier, Leo Hoyt as Mr. Walter Pendleton, and Dorothy Sands as Mrs. Walter Pendleton. Dorothy Sands was a stage actress known for her sharp comedic timing, which suits this theatrical satire perfectly.
What is the Vitaphone Varieties series?
Vitaphone Varieties was a series of short films produced by Warner Bros.' Vitaphone subsidiary in the late 1920s and early 1930s. These shorts showcased comedy sketches, musical acts, and vaudeville-style performances, serving as popular supporting features before main attractions in movie theaters.
Is Opening Night (1931) based on a true story?
No, Opening Night is not based on a specific true story. Written by Benjamin M. Kaye, it's an original comedic sketch that draws on the familiar social rituals of Broadway-style opening nights, using exaggeration and satire to get its laughs rather than real events.
What are some films similar to Opening Night (1931)?
If you enjoy Opening Night's theatrical comedy, you might like Noises Off... (1992), a hilarious backstage farce, or Kiss Me, Kate (1958), a musical romp set in the world of theater. Stage Beauty (2004) offers a more dramatic but equally theatrical experience worth exploring.
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