The Show-Off (1934)

Aubrey cons Amy into thinking he's a railroad bigwig. When he loses his job he takes one wearing a sandwich board. After he helps Joe sell his patent for a good price and an old railroad ... See full summary »

Director:

Charles Reisner

Writers:

George Kelly (play), Herman J. Mankiewicz

Stars:

Spencer Tracy, Madge Evans, Henry Wadsworth

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Spencer Tracy	...	J. Aubrey Piper
Madge Evans	...	Amy Fisher Piper
Henry Wadsworth	...	Joe Fisher
Lois Wilson	...	Clara Harling
Grant Mitchell	...	Mr. 'Pa'
Clara Blandick	...	Mrs. 'Ma'
Alan Edwards	...	Frank Harling
Claude Gillingwater	...	J.B. Preston

Storyline

Aubrey cons Amy into thinking he's a railroad bigwig. When he loses his job he takes one wearing a sandwich board. After he helps Joe sell his patent for a good price and an old railroad deal comes through, he's back on top and ready to marry Amy again.

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Plot Keywords:

railroad | marital separation | real estate agent | land sale | clerk | 

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Taglines:

HE WAS THE "TALK" OF THE TOWN - He knew everything --- except when to shut up!

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Genres:

Comedy

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Certificate:

Approved

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

9 March 1934 (USA)

Filming Locations:

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios - 10202 W. Washington Blvd., Culver City, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

77 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (Western Electric Sound System)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The part of J. Aubrey Piper was originally to be played by Lee Tracy, but his contract was terminated by MGM when, during the production in Mexico of Viva Villa!, he got drunk, urinated off a balcony onto a passing patrol of Mexican soldiers (who almost shot him) and was deported from Mexico. Spencer Tracy got the part with the help of Frank Morgan, and afterwards signed a long-term contract with MGM.

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Connections

Version of The Show Off (1926)

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Soundtracks

"Happy Days Are Here Again"
Written by Milton Ager and Jack Yellen
Whistled by Spencer Tracy

User Reviews

Comedy about hyperbolic lying features Spencer Tracy

This is an amiable version of an interesting play about a genial but dangerous bullslinger played by Tracy. He is just barely successful with personal relationships (his in-laws can't stand him) and gets fired from his job, but in the end triumphs! A good lesson about the way the corporation works, and why the rewards for a good salesman are so great.