Marion Davies Darn Good Actress

I wrote a note in the Miami Herlad (a long time ago) praising Marion Davies' performance in this wonderful film (with lots of cameos). Unfortunately, she was not that good in her talkies. By the way, the business about the tycoon trying to turn his mistress into an opera singer in "Citizn Kane" was not based on W.R. Hearst and Marion Davis. Everybody believes that, since the character of Kane was broadly based on Mr. Hearst. Later I will tell you the name of the man who inspired the "opera" segment on Citizen Kane. The problem with the opera segment is that it gives the impression that Ms. Davies had no talent. Ms. Davies' personality in "Show People" reminds me of Goldie Hwan. She was also very good at doing impression of famous actors (her impression of Lilian Gish is extraordinary). So was Doug Fairbanks Jr.

A quick correction if I may. Billy Haines did not give Joan Crawford her start. Quite the contrary. It was Joan who gave Billy his chance as a interior decorator after he was dropped at Metro.

I came to Casablanca for the waters.....

I saw this wonderful movie last night for the very first time, and totally loved it! So hilarious since the very beginning. This was just my second Marion Davies movie, being the first "The Patsy", which was great, as well. Ms. Davies was truly talented, much more than a so-called "mistress", and should be better remembered nowadays and regarded on the same level as Jean Harlow or Carole Lombard. She was at least as funny as them. Wish many more of her silents were available on DVD.

Animal crackers in my soup
Monkeys and rabbits loop the loop

As far as I know this is the first Marion Davies movie I've seen. I learned of her through Citizen Kane and some old home movies taken at the Hearst estate that were played on TCM.

I always had the impression she was a horrible actress who was propped up by Hearst's money. That came from Citizen Kane. She seemed nice enough in the home movies but she was not in character so I had no idea how good she actually was.

I enjoyed this movie. I like how there were so many recognizable faces in it. The only one I think I knew by sight was Gilbert because I've recently seen a few of his movies with Garbo. I like the tongue-in-cheek reaction Peggy Pepper has to Marion Davies (the person who played her). It was funny. They couldn't leave her out.

Haines is also good in this movie. I think he's funny and convincing. I've only seen him in one other movie, West Point, with Joan Crawford. I liked him in that too. I just find the 'love' or kissing scenes hard to take because he's so obviously gay. It doesn't ever look like he's enjoying kissing these women; nor they him. Before anyone tells me it's my bias, it's not. I thought that when I saw West Point and I, suspected, but didn't know for sure he was gay at the time.


Woman, man! That's the way it should be Tarzan. [Tarzan and his mate]

My first exposure to Davies and she was fabulous, loved her. She reminded be of Carole Lombard as well, who happens to be one of my very favourite actresses so I guess it's no surprise I loved Davies. A real comedic talent, what a shame she wasn't used more.


That is a masterpiece of understatement.

Marion Davies was a wonderful actress. In her silent films she starred in comedies, dramas, historical epics, and romance pictures. In many of her films she impersonated famous stars, posed as a boy, played dual roles, and even portrayed a comic strip character. She was one of the most popular stars among studio crews and was famous for her kindness and generosity. She was also famous as a society hostess and counted among her closest friends Mary Pickford, Douglas Fairbanks, William Haines, Gloria Swanson, Constance Talmadge, Norma Talmadge, Carole Lombard, Clark Gable, and Charlie Chaplin. I have seen 21 silent films starring Marion Davies and rank her among the great silent screen actresses.