This page presents an annotated, worldwide bibliography of reviews, articles and other published material related to the 1926 film The Show-Off (link to LBS filmography page). This American film includes Louise Brooks in the role Clara, Joe’s girl. Under its American title, documented screenings of the film took place in Australia, Canada, China, Czechoslovakia, England, Isle of Man, and New Zealand. Elsewhere, this motion picture was known to have been shown under other-language titles including Moi; Moi… (Belgium); Se chlubit (Czechoslovakia); De Windbuil (Dutch East Indies); Aubreh, sa oled kangelane! (Estonia); Rahamehest (Estonia); Moi; Moi… (France); 駄法螺大当 り (Japan); Før og efter bryllupet (Norway); 쇼 오프 (South Korea), and El Fachendoso (Spain).
As research is ongoing, this page is a work in progress. It is understood that any given citation comes from an American source, unless otherwise noted. The intention of this bibliography is to be both comprehensive and useful. Most citations represent a substantial review or article. Capsule reviews, or significant shorter pieces — usually a paragraph or two in length — are so noted. Entries are arranged chronologically. Critical commentary regarding Brooks, or the film as a whole (excerpted from the material cited) is given as annotations. Some citations link to the material noted: some of these links reside on the Louise Brooks Society, while others reside elsewhere on the web.
Much can be gleamed from a bibliography such as this. Besides what critics thought of the film, one can follow the path of the film’s distribution — where it showed and when; sometimes, for example, the exhibition record might reveal if the film was shown before its official release date. As well, this bibliography shows which critics at which newspapers and magazines reviewed films. History, here, is in the details.
An * indicates that a copy of this citation is held in the archives of the LBS. This annotated bibliography has been compiled by Thomas Gladysz, and was last updated in October 2015. [Help wanted: If you know of additional citations, can provide further information on entries noted on this page, or can provide copies of citations not marked with an * but which are known to exist, please contact the LBS. The LBS would like to acquire material on the screening of this film in Alaska (if it was), as well as in Latin America, eastern Europe, the Soviet Union, and Asia.]
THE SHOW-OFF
released August 16, 1926
anonymous. “Two Kellys Help Make Film Show Off – George and Gregory.” Minneapolis Journal, May 30, 1926. *
— article in Minneapolis, Minnesota newspaper
Tinee, Mae. “Ford Sterling Almost a Perfect Bumptious, Bombastic Show Off.” Chicago Tribune, July 7, 1926. *
— ” . . . splendidly cast and acted.” – Chicago, Illinois newspaper
Reel, Rob. “You’ll Remember and Like Ford Sterling as Show Off.” Chicago Evening American, July 27, 1926. (United States)
— ” . . . is well done, and a lot of fun. You ought to like it.” – Chicago, Illinois newspaper
anonymous. “A Hit on the Stage; as Good on the Screen.” Chicago Evening Post, July 30, 1926. *
— “Louise Brooks and George Kelly also handle their parts most effectively.” – review in Chicago, Illinois newspaper
Barrett, Wilton A. “The Show-Off.” National Board of Review Magazine, August, 1926. *
— full page review; “The rest of the cast . . . prove competent and give life-like performances. An uncommonly fine little picture, every foot of which is worth seeing, and so clearly told as not to need many of the subtitles that go with it, unusually good as these invariably are.”
anonymous. “The Ritz.” Tulsa Daily World, August 1, 1926. *
— short article in Tulsa, Oklahoma newspaper
anonymous. “Lyceum.” Duluth News Tribune, August 2, 1926. *
— review in Minneapolis, Minnesota newspaper
anonymous. “Offerings at Local Theaters.” Washington Post, August 2, 1926. *
— “Louise Brooks, Claire MacDonlad and Gregory Kelly are well cast in the support.” – Washington D.C. newspaper
anonymous. “Amusements.” Washington Star, August 2, 1926. *
— “Louise Brooks is cast as something-or-other, but as usual is conspicuous for her figure, her dramatic ability being perhaps not so good.” – Washington D.C. newspaper
C., J. “Stardom at Last for Ford Sterling.” Washington Herald, August 2, 1926. *
— “Louise Brooks played the role of Clara, all made over to suit her.” – Washington D.C. newspaper
B., J. W. “Nothing Less Than Cheers For This.” Washington Times, August 2, 1926. *
— review in Washington D.C. newspaper
Craig, Betty. “Entertaining Film Offered To Patrons of Local Houses.” Denver Post, August 2, 1926. *
— review in Denver, Colorado newspaper
anonymous. “Famous Play on Screen.” Boston Post, August 7, 1926. *
— article in Boston, Massachusetts newspaper
anonymous. “Two New Films Hold Fans Interest.” Los Angeles Evening Herald, August 7, 1926. *
— “The cast includes Louise Brooks, who does a bit of excellent acting.” – Los Angeles, California newspaper
Barnes, Eleanor. “Ford Sterling Is Cure for Ailments In Met Picture.” Los Angeles Daily Illustrated News, August 7, 1926. *
— review in Los Angeles, California newspaper
Boyd, Leonard. “Ford Sterling Wins Laurels in ‘Show-Off’.” Los Angeles Examiner, August 7, 1926. *
— “The balance of the cast, Louise Brooks, Gregory Kelly, C. W. Goodrich and Joseph Smalley, had parts which kept them well in the background a large part of the time.” – Los Angeles, California newspaper
Harrison, P. S. “The Show Off – with Ford Sterling, Lois Wilson, Louise Brooks and Gregory Kelly.” Harrison’s Reports, August 7, 1926. *
— review in trade publication; “Louise Brooks makes a good sweetheart of the heroine’s brother; in the scenes where she is shown upbraiding the hero for having brought misery upon the heroine’s family, she is very good.”
Moulton, Herbert. “Sterling Shines in Show-Off.” Los Angeles Times, August 7, 1926. *
— “The sweetheart of the brother is played by Louise Brooks, who does well in a negligible role.” – Los Angeles, California newspaper
Starr, Jimmy. “The Show-Off Is Most Human.” Los Angeles Record, August 7, 1926. *
— review in Los Angeles, California newspaper
anonymous. “A Few Lines From a Movie Director.” Boston Post, August 8, 1926. *
— three caricatures (including Brooks) and text in Boston, Massachusetts newspaper
anonymous. “Empire Offers Sparkling Comedy.” San Antonio Light, August 8, 1926. *
— article in San Antonio, Texas newspaper
Hillman, Gordon. “Show Off Is Sparkling Film of Real Life.” Boston Daily Advertiser, August 9, 1926. *
— “Louise Brooks seems slightly insipid beside the brilliant characterizations of her more experienced fellows.” – review in Boston, Massachusetts newspaper
R. Jr., J. “A Four Flush.” Dallas Morning News, August 9, 1926. *
— review in Dallas, Texas newspaper
B., R. S. “Films of the Week.” Boston Evening Transcript, August 10, 1926. *
— review in Boston, Massachusetts newspaper
anonymous. “The Show-Off at Metropolitan.” Boston Globe, August 10, 1926. *
— “Her little brother and his girl, played by Louise Brooks and Gregory Kelly, look like the modern youths. They don’t act like them.” – review in Boston, Massachusetts newspaper
anonymous. “The Show-Off at Metropolitan.” Boston Herald, August 10, 1926. *
— “Louise Brooks is the Clara. The movie people decided that the unhappily married sister of the play was not suited to Louise, so the movie Clara turns up as a next-door neighbor, Joe’s girl friend. Miss Brooks has little to do but wear form-revealing gowns and ever so often utter a ‘wise crack,’ for all titles of this nature are put right in her mouth.” – review in Boston, Massachusetts newspaper
anonymous. “Ford Sterling Is Riot of Fun At Metropolitan.” Los Angeles Daily Illustrated News, August 10, 1926. *
— article in Los Angeles, California newspaper
anonymous. “Ford Sterling in The Show Off, at the Kettler Theatre Tuesday and Wednesday.” Palm Beach Post, August 15, 1926. *
— article in Palm Beach, Florida newspaper
anonymous. “The Show Off.” Wichita Beacon, August 15, 1926. *
— full page illustrated article; Wichita, Kansas newspaper
anonymous. “Movie Version Of Show Off Is At Orpheum.” Akron Beacon Journal, August 16, 1928. *
— article in Akron, Ohio newspaper
anonymous. “At the Des Moines.” Des Moines Register, August 16, 1928. *
— review in Des Moines, Iowa newspaper
anonymous. “Hilarious Comedy In Kelley Offering.” Santa Monica Evening Outlook, August 16, 1926. *
— article in Santa Monica, California newspaper
anonymous. “Ford Sterling Is Seen In Real Sterling Performance.” Venice Evening Vanguard, August 17, 1926. *
— review in Venice, California newspaper
anonymous. “Theaters: What the Press Agents Say.” Santa Barbara Morning Press, August 18, 1926. *
— article in Santa Barbara, California newspaper
anonymous. “Parkway.” Wisconsin State Journal, August 18, 1926. *
— article in Madison, Wisconsin newspaper
anonymous. “Attractions at Theaters Tersely Told.” Santa Barbara Daily News, August 19, 1926. *
— review in Santa Barbara, California newspaper
anonymous. “Theaters: What the Press Agents Say.” Santa Barbara Morning Press, August 19, 1926. *
— second article in Santa Barbara, California newspaper
anonymous. “Amusements.” Bridgeport Telegram, August 20, 1926. *
— review in Bridgeport, Connecticut newspaper
anonymous. “Theaters: What the Press Agents Say.” Santa Barbara Morning Press, August 20, 1926. *
— review in Santa Barbara, California newspaper
anonymous. “Theater und Musik.” New Yorker Volkszeitung, August 20, 1926. *
— brief write-up in German-language, New York City newspaper
anonymous. “Gregory Kelly Plays Leading Role in The Show Off.” Indianapolis Times, August 21, 1926. *
— article in Indianapolis, Indiana newspaper
anonymous. “The Show Off.” Reel Journal, August 21, 1926. *
— article in regional trade journal
anonymous. “Show Off to Strut On National Screen.” Stockton Daily Record, August 21, 1926. *
— short article in Stockton, California newspaper
anonymous. “Moviegrams.” Wisconsin Rapids Daily Tribune, August 21, 1926. *
— brief article in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin newspaper
anonymous. “The Show-Off at Strand.” World-Herald, August 22, 1926. *
— brief article in Omaha, Nebraska newspaper
anonymous. “Domestic Background For Picture at Strand.” Dayton Journal, August 23, 1926. *
— review in Dayton, Ohio newspaper
anonymous. “The Screen.” Indianapolis Daily Star, August 23, 1926. *
— “Though it is largely a one-man production, the rest of the cast has a chance to turn in some excellent bits of acting.” – review in Indianapolis, Indiana newspaper
anonymous. “The Show Off – Apollo.” Indianapolis News, August 23, 1926. *
— review in Indianapolis, Indiana newspaper
anonymous. “The Show-Off Less Interesting as Photoplay Than on Stage.” New York Post, August 23, 1926. *
— “Louise Brooks as Clara has very little to do, but she made a charming picture.” – New York City newspaper
author unknown. New York Graphic, August 23?, 1926.
— article in New York City newspaper
C., M. M. “Ford Is It.” Columbus Dispatch, August 23, 1926. *
— review in Columbus, Ohio newspaper
Hickman, Walter D. “Giving Place of Honor to The Show Off and to Fine Manners This Week.” Indianapolis Times, August 23, 1926. *
— review in Indianapolis, Indiana newspaper
McNulty, John. “The Show-Off – You May Not Like It But It Is Good.” Columbus Citizen, August 23, 1926. *
— “Louise Brooks (the bold thing) is as luscious as can be.”brief review in Columbus, Ohio newspaper
O., J. C. “The New Films.” Brooklyn Daily Times, August 23, 1926. *
— review in New York City newspaper
S., D. J. “Theaters & Movies.” Ohio State Journal, August 23, 1926. *
— review in Columbus, Ohio newspaper
Star-News Critic. “All-Star Cast is Enjoyed at Strand.” Pasadena Star-News, August 23, 1926. *
— review in Pasadena, California newspaper
T., A. “The New Film.” The World, August 23, 1926. *
— “A comedy of characterization, done with sharpness and feeling, has been evolved brightly out of George Kelly’s The Show-Off by that tall young director, Malcolm St. Clair. A movie of more than just funny situations.” – New York City newspaper
C., E. “Braggart Played by Ford Sterling.” New York American, August 23, 1926. *
— “Mal St. Clair and a competent cast can make a trifling plot into a witty picture. With a worth-while play to work on they’ve turned out a film quite as excellent.” New York City newspaper
Cohen Jr., John S. “Picture Plays and Players.” New York Sun, August 23, 1926. *
— “Directed by Malcolm St. Clair, the film boasts of exceptional naturalistic acting on the part of Ford Sterling, Lois Wilson, Claire McDowell, C. W. Goodrich, Gregory Kelly and – in one sequence – Louise Brooks. . . . Miss Brooks is best in the scene where she burlesques the pantomime employed by Mr. Sterling to describe his automobile experience.” – New York City newspaper
Cutler, Grace Cutler. “The Flickering Film.” Brooklyn Daily Eagle, August 23, 1926. *
— brief discussion in film column in New York City newspaper
Cutler, Grace Cutler. “The Cinema Circuit.” Brooklyn Daily Eagle, August 23, 1926. *
— “Excellent acting is done by the rest of the cast.” – review in New York City newspaper
Divine, Charles. “Unreeling the Films.” New York Telegram, August 23, 1926. *
— “But nothing is gained by the close-ups of Joe and his girl, Clara – parts played without conviction by Gregory Kelly and Louise Brooks.” – New York City newspaper
Hall, Mordaunt. “The Braggart.” New York Times, August 23, 1926. *
— “Louise Brooks, an emphatic type, with her dark hair and eyes and straight eyebrows, is bound to be noticed. Her histrionic efforts in this picture, however, are negligible.” – New York City newspaper
Herzog, Dorothy. “The Show Off.” Daily Mirror, August 23, 1926. *
— “Louise Brooks spitfires, prisses, oogles and calls it a day of heavy emoting. Miss Brooks is a distinct type, but she seems to suffer from inefficient direction and miscasting. She also appears a trifle rounded, for and aft, in this opera, but this may be due to her skin-tight dresses.” – New York City newspaper
Pelswick, Rose. “New Pictures on Broadway.” New York Evening Journal, August 23, 1926. *
— “Louise Brooks is decorative as the girl next door.” – New York City newspaper
Strauss, H. David. “George Kelly’s The Show Off Opens at the Rivoli Theatre.” Morning Telegraph, August 23, 1926. *
— “The added character of the sweetheart next door is played by Louise Brooks, whose youth and beauty make up for her lack of warmth and spontaneity in characterization.” – review was repeated in August 23rd edition; New York City newspaper
Thirer, Irene. “The Show-Off On Screen Beats Stage In Some Ways.” Daily News, August 23, 1926. *
— “Louise Brooks, that pretty little thing drafted from the chorus to the movies, is absolutely lost. Just one close-up of her and Gregory Kelly lets you know she’s in the movie at all.” – New York City newspaper
Watts Jr., Richard. “Show-Off Preserves in Photoplay Much Of Original Charm.” New York Herald Tribune, August 23, 1926. *
— “Louise Brooks, Gregory Kelly and C. W. Goodrich (here playing his original stage role) do well.” – New York City newspaper
Rush. “The Show-Off.” Variety, August 25, 1926. *
— “Louise Brooks looks the part of the modern flapper type”
anonymous. “Olympic Theatre.” Jewish Criterion, August 27, 1926. *
— Louise Brooks is referenced in article in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania publication
anonymous. “The Show-Off Is True to Life American Comedy.” Stockton Daily Record, August 27, 1926. *
— article in Stockton, California newspaper
anonymous. “Stage – Music – Photoplay.” Detroit Saturday Night, August 28, 1926. *
— short write-up in weekly Detroit, Michigan entertainment newspaper
anonymous. “The Show-Off Now at National.” Stockton Daily Record, August 28, 1926. *
— brief article in Stockton, California newspaper
anonymous. “The Show Off.” Film Daily, August 29, 1926. *
— capsule review; “Louise Brooks is an added attraction but her part in the story isn’t important.”
anonymous. “For Film Fans.” Philadelphia Inquirer, August 29, 1926. *
— brief article in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania newspaper
Hall, Mordaunt. “Phlegmatic Mr. Keaton Is a Stylist as Jester.” New York Times, August 29, 1926. *
— review in New York City newspaper
anonymous. “The New Movies in Review.” Detroit News, August 30, 1926. *
— “Gregory Kelly and Louise Brooks also appear prominently.” – review in Detroit, Michigan newspaper
anonymous. “Show-Off at California.” San Francisco Bulletin, August 30, 1926. *
— ” . . . one of the best comedies of the American screen.” – San Francisco, California newspaper
anonymous. “The Show-Off Dramatizes Familiar American Type.” Stockton Daily Record, August 30, 1926. *
— “Stockton is enjoying Paramount’s new comedy, The Show-Off, which concludes tomorrow night at the National theater.” – brief review in Stockton, California newspaper
Bartels, Louis John. “Stage Show-Off Sees Screen Show Off and Applauds It.” San Francisco Chronicle, August 30, 1926. *
— review of the film by the actor who created the role of Aubrey Piper; the stage play was then in performance in San Francisco when the film opened; San Francisco, California newspaper
C., O. “The Current Cinema.” New Yorker, August 30, 1926. *
— short review
H., R. “Show-Off Is Merry.” Detroit Times, August 30, 1926. *
— review in Detroit, Michigan newspaper
Jones, Idwal. “Sterling Plays The Show Off.” San Francisco Examiner, August 30, 1926. *
— Idwal Jones (1890 – 1964) was a well regarded journalist, novelist and writer on food; San Francisco, California newspaper
Krull, Don. “Out in Front.” San Francisco Call and Post, August 30, 1926. *
— ” . . . Louise Brooks portraying Clara, the girl who marries Joe, also do good work.” – San Francisco, California newspaper
Marsh, W. Ward. “The Show-Off.” Cleveland Plain Dealer, August 30, 1926. *
— short review in Cleveland, Ohio newspaper
McCormick, Ella H. “Reel Players.” Detroit Free Press, August 30, 1926. *
— review in Detroit, Michigan newspaper
Swint, Curran D. “The Show Off at California.” San Francisco News, August 30, 1926. *
— “A romance has been developed between Joe Fisher, the inventor son, given a distinctive performance by Gregory Kelly, and girl next door, fetchingly portrayed by Louise Brooks.” – San Francisco, California newspaper
anonymous. “The Show Off.” Philadelphia Inquirer, August 31, 1926. *
— brief review in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania newspaper
anonymous. “Photoplay Attractions on Local Screens This Week.” Philadelphia Public Ledger, August 31, 1926. *
— review in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania newspaper
anonymous. “At Loew’s Theatre.” Toronto Globe, August 31, 1926. (Canada) *
— brief article in Toronto, Ontario newspaper
anonymous. Screenland, September, 1926.
— short review
anonymous. “New Pictures.” Exhibitor’s Herald, September 4, 1926. *
— film synopsis in trade journal
anonymous. “The Show-Off Delightful Comedy.” Hamilton Daily News, September 4, 1926. *
— article in Hamilton, Ohio newspaper
anonymous. “Show-Off Human Farce at American.” Oakland Post-Enquirer, September 4, 1926. *
— article in Oakland, California newspaper
anonymous. “The Show-Off to Be Attraction at the National.” San Jose Evening News, September 4, 1926. *
— article in San Jose, California newspaper
Chartier, Roy. “Film: The Show-Off.” Billboard, September 4, 1926. *
— ” . . . has emerged considerably worse for the wear in its trip from the legit. to the silver screen.”
Patton, Peggy. “Old Soak Ranks with Year’s Best Films.” Wisconsin News, September 4, 1926. *
— “Louise Brooks, adds a dash of color to the offering with her daring personality.” – brief article in Milwaukee, Wisconsin newspaper
anonymous. “The Show Off Now at Regent.” Battle Creek Enquirer and Evening News, September 5, 1926. *
— article in Battle Creek, Michigan newspaper
anonymous. “Show-Off at Grand Central, Capitol and Lyric Skydome.” St. Louis Globe-Democrat, September 5, 1926. *
— article in St. Louis, Missouri newspaper
anonymous. “Ford Sterling Stars For Tonight Only at Hawaii: Plays In the Show Off.” Honolulu Advertiser, September 5, 1926. *
— article in Honolulu, Territory of Hawaii newspaper
anonymous. “The Show-Off Is a Rollicking Comedy.” Lansing State Journal, September 6, 1926. *
— short review in Lansing, Michigan newspaper
anonymous. “New Pictures.” Time, September 6, 1926. *
— capsule review; “The acting is excellent.”
Aston, Frank. “Comedy of Home Seen in Show-Off.” Cincinnati Post, September 6, 1926. *
— “And henceforth and forever when we think of The Show-Off we shall picture Louise Brooks and her display of hosiery.” – review in Cincinnati, Ohio newspaper
Feldkamp, Frances V. “Movie Reviews.” St. Louise Globe-Democrat, September 6, 1926. *
— “Adequate, but not outstanding support is given Sterling by Lois Wilson as Amy, Louise Brooks as Clara, Gregory Kelly as Joe, and Clara McDowell as the mother.” – review in St. Louis, Missouri newspaper
Goldenburg, William Smith. “Photoplay Reviews.” Cincinnati Enquirer, September 6, 1926. *
— review in Cincinnati, Ohio newspaper
Hughston, Josephine. “Ford Sterling Is Admirable in Play at the National.” San Jose Mercury Herald, September 6, 1926. *
— “Lois Wilson is the amiable and trusting little wife and Louise Brooks has the other principal feminine role as Brother Joe’s sweetheart.” – San Jose, California newspaper
Nie. “New Films.” St. Louis Post-Dispatch, September 6, 1926. *
— brief review in St. Louis, Missouri newspaper
Soanes, Wood. ” ‘The Show-Off’ Shown on American Screen.” Oakland Tribune, September 6, 1926. *
— capsule review in film column; “Ford Sterling in the title role lives the part, ably supported by Lois Wilson, Louise Brooks and a well-balanced cast.” – Oakland, California newspaper
Waldorf, Norman. “Cat Pajamas at California Show-Off Is Real Comedy Hit.” Evening News, September 6, 1926. *
— “. . . these are the reasons why The Show-Off is undoubtedly one of the biggest comedy hits of the year.” – review in San Jose, California newspaper
anonymous. “Capable Acting Marks Show Off.” Calgary Daily Herald, September 7, 1926. (Canada) *
— review in Calgary, Alberta newspaper
anonymous. “Ford Sterling at Gladmer in The Show-Off.” Lansing Capital News, September 7, 1926. *
— review in Lansing, Michigan newspaper
anonymous. “Royal Theatre Tonight.” Cherryvale Republican, September 9, 1926. *
— small front page item in Cherryvale, Kansas newspaper
anonymous. “The Show-Off, wuith Ford Sterling, Now at Capitol.” Davenport Democrat And Leader, September 9, 1926. *
— review in Davenport, Iowa newspaper
anonymous. “Strand Picture Brings A Unique Plot to Screen.” Cedar Rapids Tribune, September 10, 1926. *
— article in Cedar Rapids, Iowa newspaper
anonymous. “Pre-release Reviews of Features.” Motion Picture News, September 11, 1926. *
— “The picture is funnier than the play.” – review, with five scene stills, in trade journal
Hanley, Thomas F. “The Show-Off One of Finest Comedies.” Bakersfield Californian, September 11, 1926. *
— review in Bakersfield, California newspaper
Sargent, Epes W. “Ford Sterling Scores Heavily in Stage Success That Makes Thoroughly Enjoyable Audience Film.” Moving Picture World, September 11, 1926. *
— review in trade publication; “Louise Brooks, Gregory Kelly and C.W. Goodrich form the remaining members of the essential cast.”
anonymous. “Photoplay Reviews.” Democrat & Chronicle, September 13, 1926. *
— review in Rochester, New York newspaper
anonymous. “At the Theaters.” Providence Journal, September 13, 1926. *
— review in Providence, Rhode Island newspaper
anonymous. “Rich Comedy in Show Off at Piccadilly.” Rochester Evening Journal & Post Express, September 13, 1926. *
— review in Rochester, New York newspaper
Croughton, Amy H. “Screen News.” Rochester Times-Union, September 13, 1926. *
— review in Rochester, New York newspaper
L., R. C. “The Show Off Is Sterling’s Best Picture.” Cedar Rapids Republican, September 13, 1926. *
— article in Cedar Rapids, Iowa newspaper
Sherwood, Robert E. “The Silent Drama.” Life, September 16, 1926. *
— “He has taken a simple play of average American life and made a genuinely tender, touching, sympathetic picture of it. . . . a worthy reproduction of a great comedy.”
anonymous. “George Kelly’s The Show Off Capitol feature This Evening.” Hartford Courant, September 26, 1926. *
— article in Hartford, Connecticut newspaper
anonymous. “The Orpheum.” Daily Courier, September 28, 1926. *
— article in Connellsville, Pennsylvania newspaper
anonymous. “Human Volcano on Capitol Stage.” Hartford Daily Times, September 28, 1926. *
— article in Hartford, Connecticut newspaper
O., H. H. “Stage and Screen.” Ann Arbor Times News, September 28, 1926. *
— “Louise Brooks as Clara, her sister, almost runs away with the picture.” – brief review in Ann Arbor, Michigan newspaper
anonymous. “Noted Comedian At Best in The Show Off.” Santa Rosa Press Democrat, October 3, 1926. *
— article in Santa Rosa, California newspaper
anonymous. “Stage and Screen.” Flint Journal, October 4, 1926. *
— “Louise Brooks and Gregory Kelly acquit themselves with distinction.” – review in Flint, Michigan newspaper
anonymous. “Show-Off Dramatizes Familiar American Type.” Anderson Daily Bulletin, October 7, 1926. *
— article in Anderson, Indiana newspaper
anonymous. “The Show Off to be Pictured at Antlers.” Helena Independent, October 11, 1926. *
— article in Helena, Montana newspaper
anonymous. “Kid From West Philly.” Chico Daily Enterprise, October 12, 1926. *
— brief article in Chico, California newspaper
anonymous. “Ford Sterling in Show-Off.” Sacramento Bee, October 13, 1926. *
— short review in Sacramento, California newspaper
anonymous. “Capitol Screens The Show-Off.” Sacramento Union, October 14, 1926. *
— “The photoplay is a a screen version of the famous stage play which ran for two years at the Playhouse in New York. Sterling’s clever work is making a hit of the picture version.” – Sacramento, California newspaper
K., K. T. “Asbestos.” New Orleans Times-Picayune, October 15, 1926. *
— “Louise Brooks looks like a seat for the Follies.” – review in New Orleans, Louisiana newspaper
anonymous. “Rialto Screens Stage Comedy The Show Off.” Atlanta Constitution, October 17, 1926. *
— article in Atlanta, Georgia newspaper
anonymous. “Many Stars Perform in The Show Off, Feature At Rialto During Week.” Atlanta Georgian, October 17, 1926. *
— review in Atlanta, Georgia newspaper
anonymous. “Ford Sterling Comes In the Show Off.” Modesto News-Herald, October 17, 1926. *
— article in Modesto, California newspaper
anonymous. “The Show Off Shows Modern Family Life.” Modesto News-Herald, October 19, 1926. *
— review in Modesto, California newspaper
O., J. K. “The Show Off is Picture at Rialto.” Atlanta Journal, October 19, 1926. *
— review in Atlanta, Georgia newspaper
anonymous. “Pictures Playing Atlanta This Week.” Weekly Film Review, October 23, 1926. *
— review; “Mr. Sterling is perfect in the role; the direction is excellent; the story is clever; the laughs are frequent . . . .” – Atlanta, Georgia trade journal
anonymous. “The Show-Off is True-to-Life American Comedy.” The Bee, October 25, 1926. *
— article in Danville, Virginia newspaper
anonymous. “The Show Off and Frolic at Mosque.” Newark Star-Eagle, October 25, 1926. *
— “Lois Wilson is seen as the girl who believes in him, and Louise Brooks as the girl who doesn’t.” – review in Newark, New Jersey newspaper
anonymous. “The Show-Off – Comedy Drama.” Motion Picture, November, 1926. *
— capsule review with scene still; “The Show-Off is a disappointment in that it has lost much of its transference from stage to screen.”
anonymous. “Current Pictures in Brief Review.” Oregon State Journal, November 1, 1926. *
— review in Portland, Oregon newspaper
anonymous. “Ford Sterling Has Role That Fits in the Show-Off Hero.” Portland Oregonian, November 1, 1926. *
— preview article in Portland, Oregon newspaper
anonymous. “At the Theaters.” Daily Californian, November 1, 1926. *
— “Brooks shows her usual ability to portray character parts.” – University of California, Berkeley student newspaper
anonymous. “The Show Off to Have Final Showing.” Berkeley Daily Gazette, November 2, 1926. *
— “Lois Wilson, Louise Brooks, and Gregory Kelly acquit themselves with distinction.” – Berkeley, California newspaper
anonymous. “Reviews of the Week.” Kinematograph Weekly, November 4, 1926. (England) *
— brief review; “Louise Brooks is good as the son’s fiancee.”
anonymous. “Stage and Screen.” Kalamazoo Gazette, November 8, 1926. *
— “The Show Off has caught the fancy of the town.” – short review in Kalamazoo, Michigan newspaper
anonymous. “Show-Off is True to Life Comedy.” Mansfield News, November 10, 1926. *
— article in Mansfield, Ohio newspaper
anonymous. “The Show Off.” The Bioscope, November 11, 1926. (England) *
— capsule review; “The rest of the cast is adequate without being in any way distinguished.”
Bahn, Chester B. “Sterling, Fine Show Off.” Syracuse Herald, November 14, 1926. *
— review in Syracuse, New York newspaper
anonymous. “New Theater Attractions.” Syracuse Post-Standard, November 15, 1926. *
— review in Syracuse, New York newspaper
anonymous. “Amusements.” Fitchburg Sentinel, November 20, 1926. *
— article in Fitchburg, Massachusetts newspaper
anonymous. “Fargo.” Fargo Forum, November 21, 1926. *
— brief article in Fargo, North Dakota newspaper
R., M. E. “Good Film Version of The Show Off, Majestic.” Grand Rapids Press, November 22, 1926. *
— review in Grand Rapids, Michigan newspaper
anonymous. “Movie Notes.” Chicago Heights Star, November 30, 1926. *
— article in Chicago, Illinois-area newspaper
Lusk, Norbert. “The Screen in Review: We All Know Him.” Picture-Play, December, 1926. (United States)
— capsule review; “Lois Wilson tossed aside opportunities for shrewd characterization by wearing Paris frocks as a daughter of the Philadelphia poor. Louise Brooks, another little sister of poverty, likewise offended.”
anonymous. “Philadelphians’ Illusions Destroyed.” Denton Journal, December 4, 1926. *
— article about Lois Wilson and the making of The Show-Off; Denton, Maryland newspaper
anonymous. “Show Off to Strut on the McSwain Screen.” Ada Evening News, February 4, 1927. *
— article in Ada, Oklahoma newspaper
anonymous. “The Show Off at Rex – Last Times Tonight.” Daily Northwestern, February 5, 1927. *
— article in Oshkosh, Wisconsin newspaper
Sherwood, Robert. “The Film of the Month.” McCall’s, December, 1926. *
— named a recommended film
Lane, Tamar. “Best Pictures and Performances of 1926.” Film Mercury, December 10, 1926. *
— named one of the best eight films of the year in film trade journal
anonymous. “Wonderland.” Heimskringla, December 15, 1926. (Canada) *
— brief article in Icelandic community newspaper based in Winnipeg, Manitoba
anonymous. “Vaudeville and Pictures at The Rialto.” Lowell Sun, July 30, 1927. *
— article in Lowell, Massachusetts newspaper
Overton, Grant. Mirrors of the Year, New York: Frederick A. Stokes Company, 1927. *
— “a remarkable artistic achievement” – essay by Carl Hovey, “On the Hollywood Front,” names The Show-Off one of the best films of 1926
Vincent, Carl. “Moi ….” L’Indépendance Belge, December 14, 1927. (Belgium) *
— “Louise Brooks, Lois Wilson, Gregory Killey l’entourent. L’une et l’autre jouent avec beaucoup d’aisance et de naturel.”
anonymous. “Noticias y Gacetillas.” El Imparcial, March 28, 1928. (Spain) *
— brief write-up in Madrid newspaper
Soanes, Wood. ” Curtain Calls: Old Book Recalls Stars of the Past.” Oakland Tribune, March 14, 1940. *
— “Ford Sterling, who died not so long ago in straightened circumstances, was getting his big chance in The Show-Off in 1926 with Lois Wilson and Louise Brooks in his support.” – referenced in article in Oakland, California newspaper
anonymous. “Film Notes – The Show Off.” Pacific Film Archive, February 19, 1983. (United States)
— brief program notes from the PFA Film Series entitled “Louise Brooks: A Rediscovered Silent and a New Documentary”
King, Susan. “These Faces Were Aces in Hollywood.” Los Angeles Times, June 18, 1998. *
— one of four video releases reviewed; “Though Brooks just has a supporting role, she manages to steal every scene she’s in as the winsome next-door neighbor.” – Los Angeles, California newspaper
Klepper, Robert. “The Show Off.” Classic Images, July 1998. (United States)
— review of video release
Johnson, Gary. “They Had Faces Then.” Images, issue 6, 1999. *
— one of four films reviewed
anonymous. “Videos.” Seattle Times, September 30, 1999. *
— “Ford Sterling stars as a nonstop windbag in the 1926 film version of George Kelly’s play; Spencer Tracy played the role in the 1934 remake, and Red Skelton followed in the 1946 edition. Louise Brooks has a supporting role in this Paramount Pictures production, which was made one year after her movie debut in The Street of Forgotten Men. Northwest composer-conductor Timothy Brock, who recently presented his score for Sunrise at the Grand Illusion Theater, created the new stereo score.” – brief review in Seattle, Washington newspaper
Erickson, Hal. “The Show-Off.” All Movie Guide, circa 2000. *
— capsule review on film website; “Critics in 1926 were amused by Ford Sterling but impressed by the coolly authoritative performance of up-and-coming Louise Brooks in a minor role.”
Major, Wade. “Show Off.” Boxoffice Magazine , 2001. *
— review of the Image Entertainment The Show Off / The Plastic Age DVD