Vaudeville (1935): A weird, grainy look at old-school stage oddities

If you're into the history of stage performance, this is a neat little relic. If you’re looking for a plot, look elsewhere, because this is just a straight-up recording of a variety show. It's the kind of thing you watch when you're curious about how people entertained themselves before television took over everything.

The whole thing kicks off with Ray and Sunshine. They’re acrobats, and honestly, they're surprisingly bendy. It’s the kind of physical stuff that makes your own back hurt just watching it on a flickering screen.

Then Chaz Chase comes out and starts eating things. Like, actual inanimate objects. Watching a guy snack on a matchbook in 1935 is a strange experience. It’s got that vibe of a guy trying really hard to be funny, and for some reason, it actually works. You don't see that kind of commitment anymore.

The music bits

The Holman Sisters are next. They’re sitting back-to-back at two pianos. They’re moving so fast it’s almost frantic. It felt like they were trying to prove how much sound two people can make at once. It’s intense, maybe a little too intense for a casual afternoon watch.

Al Trahan tries to bring some class to the room at the end with a coloratura singer. Does he succeed? Honestly, not really. It’s all a bit silly, but there’s a charm to it. It reminded me a bit of the frantic energy in The Rummy, where everyone is just kind of doing their own thing to keep the audience from checking their watches.

• The acrobats are actually impressive, not just 'old movie' impressive.
• Chaz Chase is the highlight, purely because of how bizarre the eating bit is.
• The audio is… well, it’s 1935. Don't expect crystal clear sound.
• It's mercifully short.

This isn't a masterpiece. It's a snapshot. You can tell the camera crew was just trying to get the job done without getting in the way of the performers. There’s no fancy editing, just straight cuts between the acts. It feels honest, in a dusty, black-and-white sort of way. 🎞️

Is it worth your time? Only if you have a soft spot for Vaudeville history. If you want a story, go find something else. If you want to see a guy eat a deck of cards, this is the one.