IMDb > The Great Gabbo (1929)

The Great Gabbo (1929) More at IMDbPro »

Photos (see all 6 | slideshow) Videos
The Great Gabbo (1929) -- An insanely, egocentric ventriloquist, even though he is possessed by his wooden dummy, is in love with a dancer who is in love with another. The dummy gives advice to the ventriloquist.

IMDb Holiday Movie Guide

Overview

User Rating:
6.6/10   221 votes
MOVIEmeter: ?

Down 11% in popularity this week. See why on IMDbPro.

Director:

James Cruze
more

Writers:

Ben Hecht (story)
Hugh Herbert (continuity)
more

Contact:

View company contact information for The Great Gabbo on IMDbPro.

Release Date:

12 September 1929 (USA) more

Genre:

Drama | Musical | Romance more

Plot:

An insanely, egocentric ventriloquist, even though he is possessed by his wooden dummy, is in love with a dancer who is in love with another. The dummy gives advice to the ventriloquist. full summary | add synopsis

Plot Keywords:

more

User Comments:

disappointing film, powerful performances more (14 total)


Cast

  (Credited cast)
Erich von Stroheim ... Gabbo
Betty Compson ... Mary
Donald Douglas ... Frank
Marjorie Kane ... Babe (as Margie 'Babe' Kane)
Marbeth Wright ... Dancer
rest of cast listed alphabetically:
John F. Hamilton ... Neighbour
Helen Kane ... Helen
Harry Ross ... Performer
more
Create a character page for: ?

Additional Details

Runtime:

92 min

Country:

USA

Language:

German | English

Color:

Black and White | Color (Multicolor)

Sound Mix:

Mono | Mono (Western Electric Recording)

Certification:

USA:Passed (National Board of Review)


Fun Stuff

Trivia:

The "Gaga Bird" production number is presumed lost. Please check your attic. more

Quotes:

[first lines]
Gabbo: Well, Otto, my boy, how do you feel today?
Otto: Oh, I feel fine, thank you. How do you feel, Gabbo?
more

Movie Connections:

Featured in "Fractured Flickers: (#1.19)" (1963) more

Soundtrack:

Ickey (Lollipop Song) more


FAQ

What is the name of Gabbo's dummy?
List: Ventriloquists who have disturbing relationships with their dummies.
Can I watch this film online?
more
8 out of 13 people found the following comment useful.
disappointing film, powerful performances, 23 July 2002
Author: Claude Cat from United States

Though I agree with previous reviewers' comments about the good performances turned in by Erich Von Stroheim and Betty Compson, I thought the movie was disappointing overall. There isn't really much of a story, the dramatic scenes are often slow, and the rather bizarre musical numbers are poorly integrated into the plot. I'm not sure why this movie isn't classified as a musical, though; it has as many numbers as "42nd Street" and other similar titles from about the same period. Unfortunately, as a previous reviewer said, these scenes are not as creatively done as those by Busby Berkeley; the choreography is often unappealing, and the dancers don't look very well-rehearsed, though there are some bright spots.

Interestingly, the contemporary "Variety" review mentioned a color sequence in the film, which was not present on the Video Yesteryear VHS copy I watched. I wonder if this piece is lost, or available on other editions?

Was the above comment useful to you?
more (14 total)

Message Boards

Discuss this movie with other users on IMDb message board for The Great Gabbo (1929)
Recent Posts (updated daily)User
German language podcast on The Great Gabbo tom-strillo
Runtime? 68 vs 92 min burungku
Gabbo Gabbo GABBO! julianrockz
more

Recommendations

If you enjoyed this title, our database also recommends:
- - - - -
Across the Universe The White Countess Home from the Hill Bitter Victory Singin' in the Rain
IMDb User Rating:
IMDb User Rating:
IMDb User Rating:
IMDb User Rating:
IMDb User Rating:
Show more recommendations

Related Links

Full cast and crew Company credits External reviews
IMDb Drama section IMDb USA section Add this title to MyMovies

You may report errors and omissions on this page to the IMDb database managers. They will be examined and if approved will be included in a future update. Clicking the 'Update' button will take you through a step-by-step process.