A Night in the Show (1915)

Mr. Pest tries several theatre seats before winding up in front in a fight with the conductor. He is thrown out. In the lobby he pushes a fat lady into a fountain and returns to sit down by... See full summary »

Director:

Charles Chaplin (uncredited)

Stars:

Charles Chaplin, Phyllis Allen, Lloyd Bacon

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Charles Chaplin	...	Mr. Pest / Mr. Rowdy - in the Balcony

Storyline

Mr. Pest tries several theatre seats before winding up in front in a fight with the conductor. He is thrown out. In the lobby he pushes a fat lady into a fountain and returns to sit down by Edna. Mr. Rowdy, in the gallery, pours beer down on Mr. Pest and Edna. He attacks patrons, a harem dancer, the singers Dot and Dash, and a fire-eater.

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Plot Keywords:

fire | fire eater | snake | snake charmer | pie in the face | 

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Genres:

Comedy | Short

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Certificate:

Not Rated

Did You Know?

Trivia

The film was restored in 2014 through the Chaplin Essanay Project thanks to the financial support of The George Lucas Family Foundation, The Film Foundation and The Material World Charitable Foundation.

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Goofs

When the snake charmer is near Mr Rowdy, you can see she is barefoot. But, a shot after, she is wearing low heeled boots.

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Connections

Featured in Criminal Minds: Legacy (2007)

User Reviews

Interesting Chaplin Short

In "A Night in the Show", one of Charlie Chaplin's many short films, Charlie plays two roles as two spectators at a music-hall show. It has a few good laughs and also provides an interesting look at old-fashioned theater entertainment.

During the first part, there are some misadventures as Charlie's characters settle into their seats, with one of his characters being the kind of chronic seat-changer that we've all had to deal with. During the second part, the show begins, and the audience and the various performers compete with each other for attention.

Chaplin used a lot of comic ideas in this one, some slapstick and some more subtle. It is also very interesting as a look (though probably exaggerated) at the kind of often off-beat live entertainment that was so popular in the days before television and radio.

This is an interesting short, and worth a look.

Details

Official Sites:

Instagram

Country:

USA

Language:

None English

Release Date:

20 November 1915 (USA)

Also Known As:

A Night in the Show

Company Credits

Production Co:

The Essanay Film Manufacturing Company

Technical Specs

Runtime:

24 min 19 min (theatrical)

Sound Mix:

Silent

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1