The Show Off (1926)

A blowhard who poses as a railroad executive (but is really just a $30-a-week clerk) catches a young bride and then drives her family's finances to the brink of ruin.

Director:

Malcolm St. Clair

Writers:

George Kelly (from the comedy by), Pierre Collings (screen play)

Stars:

Ford Sterling, Claire McDowell, Charles Goodrich

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Ford Sterling	...	Aubrey Piper
Claire McDowell	...	Mom Fisher (as Clare Mc Dowell)
Charles Goodrich	...	Pop Fisher (as C.W. Goodrich)
Lois Wilson	...	Amy Fisher
Louise Brooks	...	Clara
Gregory Kelly	...	Joe Fisher

Storyline

A blowhard who poses as a railroad executive (but is really just a $30-a-week clerk) catches a young bride and then drives her family's finances to the brink of ruin.

---

Plot Keywords:

rust proofing | office clerk | egotist | philadelphia pennsylvania | marriage | 

---

Genres:

Comedy | Drama

---

Certificate:

Passed

Details

Country:

USA

Release Date:

16 August 1926 (USA)

Also Known As:

O Fanfarrão

Filming Locations:

Broad Street Station - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Famous Players-Lasky Corporation

Technical Specs

Runtime:

82 min

Sound Mix:

Silent

Color:

Black and White

Did You Know?

Trivia

Two old Philadelphia newspapers are seen being read in the film, The (Morning) PUBLIC LEDGER (1845-1934) and THE EVENING PUBLIC LEDGER (1914-1942).

---

Quotes

Pop Fisher: Keep your damn hands to yourself! I never saw such a pest in my life!

---

Connections

Edited into The American Experience: Mary Pickford (2005)

User Reviews

Very enjoyable--unlike the later sound version with Spencer Tracy

This film was based on a play that has been around a long time and been made into films on several occasions. As far as I know, this is the earliest version, though I know they also made a 1930 version as well as an awful one in 1934 (starring Spencer Tracy) and yet another in 1946 with Red Skelton. I've seen the 1934 version and had I realized that this 1926 film was essentially the same plot, I probably wouldn't have watched it! That's because the 1934 film was horrible--with Tracy playing the most obnoxious and detestable character I can think of one film! While the plot is very similar to the 1934 film which I disliked, there is enough different about it so that I do recommend you see this film. First, this is a rare case where a film is better as a silent because listening to the title character brag and talk incessantly really gets on your nerves when it's a talkie. But, silencing the guy made it much more bearable. Also, the intensity of his boorishness is less in this film, as Tracy (still relatively new to acting) actually way over-played the part. Ford Sterling, in contrast, had a performance that was a bit more comical as well as not so unlikable.

I won't say much about the plot, as I don't want to spoil it. However, here's the basic outline: Sterling plays a braggart who is always making it sound as if he's a big-wig with the railroad. In reality, he's just another clerk. He manages to convince a dim girl from a nice family that he's rich and successful, so she marries him. Only after the wedding does she realize who he really is. Unfortunately, like for them is tough, as Sterling can't support them with his meager salary and extravagant spending. What happens next and how he manages to turn things around is just something you'll need to see for yourself.

A good film, though one that you don't need to rush to see. And please, do NOT see the 1934 version unless you are a glutton for punishment!