Chaplin edited, wrote, directed, and starred in this film which pokes fun at the music halls of his youth. Chaplin must have known from an early age that he was destined to be an entertainer. Here he's already commenting on the horrible acts he must have born witness to, as he was working as a comedy apprentice growing up. He also seems to be saying something about the classes with him playing Mr. Rowdy in the balcony and Mr. Pest in the orchestra seat and then the tier. Perhaps it's that one doesn't need to be a member of the upper class to understand and determine what makes bad entertainment. Also, what unfolds appears to be a competition between Mr. Rowdy and Mr. Pest for the audience's attention. Mr. Rowdy wins hands down in the end. Chaplin may be telling us one doesn't have to be a talented or high-minded artist to entertain the masses either. One just has to be funny, and funny he is in this film, which gets funnier as it goes along. The film builds to a crescendo of snakes, fruit/egg/pie-throwing and a fire hose cooling everyone down. Look for Lloyd Bacon in the balcony. **1/2 of 4 stars.
Review of A Night in the Show
