Vaudeville

Narrated by Ben Vereen, this fascinating look at the biggest variety show ever combines first-hand accounts from living vaudevillians (such as Billy Barty and Rose Marie, who was once a precocious 6-year-old with a strong voice), interviews with family members and admirers, and extensive early footage to explore the rich tapestry of vaudeville. We all know the big names (Charles Chaplin, Fred Astaire, Shirley Temple, Burns and Allen, Bob Hope, Fanny Brice, etc.), but the film also looks at the small-time performers who filled the bill on the small, medium, and big time circuits across the U.S, performing acts ranging from the conventional (singing sisters) to the very exotic (regurgitators, who would swallow a live goldfish and a baby shark, and then ask the audience which one they wanted to see again first). Viewers will also see the black vaudeville circuit which spawned such greats as Moms Mabley, Ethel Waters, Eubie Blake, and countless others. In the end, the technology of radio and movies drew the curtain (or in some cases, the big hook) on vaudeville. But for a time, vaudeville was the hottest ticket in town. Highly recommended. Editor's Choice. Aud: H, C, P. (C. Block)