The Show (1922)
A silent slapstick short where backstage chaos reigns supreme, starring Larry Semon and a pre-fame Oliver Hardy.
The Show - Movie Information
- Original Title: The Show
- Release Year: 1922
- Directed by: Larry Semon, Norman Taurog
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Comedy, Action
- Runtime: 25m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: No Language
- Release Date (Theatrical): March 19, 1922 (United States)
- Production Companies: Larry Semon Productions, Vitagraph Company of America
- Production Countries: United States of America
The Show - Plot
A harried propman backstage at a theater must put up with malfunctioning wind machines, roosters that spit nitroglycerine, and a gang planning to rob the theater's payroll.
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The Show - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Larry Semon
- Norman Taurog
Main Cast
- Oliver Hardy
- Larry Semon
- Frank Alexander
- Lucille Carlisle
- Betty Young
- Alice Davenport
- Al Thompson
- Pete Gordon
- Frank J. Coleman
- Jack Miller
Writers
- Larry Semon
- Norman Taurog
Producers
- Larry Semon
- Albert E. Smith
The Show - FAQs
Who are the main actors in The Show?
The Show features Larry Semon as the hapless prop man and Oliver Hardy — billed here as Babe Hardy — as the stage manager. The cast also includes Frank Alexander, Lucille Carlisle, Betty Young, Alice Davenport, Frank J. Coleman, and Jack Miller as the villain.
What is The Show (1922) about?
The Show follows a frantic propman working backstage at a theater who finds himself juggling one disaster after another — from broken wind machines to nitroglycerine-spitting roosters — all while a gang schemes to steal the theater's payroll. It's pure slapstick chaos from start to finish.
Did Oliver Hardy appear in films before Laurel and Hardy?
Absolutely. Oliver Hardy had a prolific career before teaming up with Stan Laurel. The Show (1922) is a great example — Hardy appears here as the stage manager, credited as Babe Hardy, years before the iconic Laurel and Hardy duo became one of comedy's most beloved partnerships.
Who directed The Show (1922)?
The Show was co-directed by Larry Semon and Norman Taurog. Semon was also the star and co-writer of the film. Norman Taurog would go on to have a long Hollywood career, eventually winning an Academy Award for Best Director for Skippy in 1931.
How long is The Show (1922)?
The Show runs for approximately 25 minutes, making it a short film — typical of the comedy shorts that dominated early silent cinema. Despite its brief runtime, it packs in plenty of slapstick gags, physical comedy, and backstage mayhem.
When was The Show released?
The Show was released on March 19, 1922, in the United States. It was produced by Larry Semon Productions and distributed through the Vitagraph Company of America, one of the major early film studios of the silent era.
Where can I watch The Show (1922)?
You can watch The Show (1922) on Amazon Video, where it is available to buy. As a century-old silent short, it's a fascinating piece of early film history. Check JustWatch for the most up-to-date streaming and purchasing options available in your region.
What makes Larry Semon's comedy style distinctive?
Larry Semon was known for his wildly acrobatic, almost surreal brand of slapstick — think elaborate stunts, impossible gags, and relentless physical energy. The Show is a solid showcase of his style: a world where logic takes a back seat and every prop is a potential catastrophe waiting to happen.
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