Show Folks (1928): cast, story & where to watch

Released in 1928, Show Folks is a comedy, drama, romance and music film directed by Paul L. Stein, running about 70 minutes. “Back Stage Life!” — that tagline sets the tone.

What it’s about. 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.

Who’s in it. Show Folks stars Eddie Quillan as Eddie Kehoe, Lina Basquette as Rita Carey, Carole Lombard as Cleo (as Carol Lombard) and Robert Armstrong as Owens - Promoter, among others.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Show Folks page.

If you liked it. Fans of Show Folks tend to enjoy Forrest Gump, Parasite, Life Is Beautiful and Fight Club.