You are here:

Show Folks

Name: Show Folks
Director: Paul L. Stein
Released: 1928
Duration: 70 min

Representation Score

1.8/10

Minimal

1928

Passed

Director

Paul L. Stein

Runtime

70 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Show Folks is a quintessential product of the late 1920s, relying heavily on the standard clichés of the vaudeville era. The narrative prioritizes professional ambition and romantic pairings that align with the social norms of the time. The film lacks complexity in its portrayal of diverse identities, focusing instead on a homogeneous theatrical world. Character motivations are driven by conventional meritocracy and the pursuit of fame within a traditional social hierarchy. Ultimately, the work does not challenge systemic structures or offer nuanced social critiques, functioning instead as a light musical comedy centered on established archetypes.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Show Folks have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film centers on heterosexual relationships and traditional gender roles, without addressing non-straight identities or challenging conventional gender norms.

How does Show Folks portray gender?

Fair

Rita Carey is shown as a professional performer, but her storyline is closely tied to a male character. Other characters like Cleo embody period stereotypes of women as opportunistic social actors.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Show Folks?

Minimal

The setting and cast appear predominantly white and lack diversity, with no indication of non-Anglo-Saxon characters or multicultural casting.

How does Show Folks represent religion and culture?

Limited

The story unfolds within the typical Western frameworks of capitalism and social morality, emphasizing individual professional success and traditional romantic resolutions.

Does Show Folks include disability representation?

Minimal

There are no characters identified as having visible or invisible disabilities within the narrative.

Present on Screen

Rita Carey is portrayed as a professional performer with her own established act.
The film offers a clear glimpse into the professional ambitions within the 1920s vaudeville circuit.

Limited or Absent

The narrative relies on reductive gender clichés, such as the 'gold-digger' stereotype.
There is a lack of racial and ethnic diversity within the cast and setting.
The story adheres to traditional heterosexual standards without exploring diverse identities.

Official Synopsis

Eddie Kehoe is a young vaudeville hoofer who thinks his inability to hit the big time is the fault of stage managers, agents, musicians...everybody but himself. Eddie likes to tell others how good he is, but seldom shows them. Kitty Mayo, an old-time burlesque queen, who is with the McNary Vaudeville Company, advises Eddie to get himself a partner, as his solo abilities can only be stretched so far. He decides to follow her advice and, while in a theatrical supply shop, he sees Rita Carey rehearsing her dancing act that includes a trained duck. Eddie tells Rita he is a good friend of McNary's, and, with him as her partner, her future in show business will be secured. She agrees to join him and Eddie promptly names the act "Eddie Kehoe and Partner". Despite his conceit, Rita likes Eddie, as do others in the troupe, including Cleo a little gold-digger.

How are these scores produced? →