Before the Show (1916)

• 83%
• 1916
• Bobby Burns
• Walter Stull

The small town vaudeville manager, before the afternoon performance, discovers his property man has quit without notice, so is compelled to hire one of the hangers-on, Slippery Pokes. Pokes is installed and made man of all work. Bills are to be posted, props collected, scenery put in place, trunks delivered to dressing rooms. This all falls to Pokes' lot. Stylish Kate, the scrubwoman, is secretly in love with Jabbs, the manager. Jabbs objects to her attentions and several times has to call her down and remind her of her position. The Limber Brothers arrive and, after tipping Pokes, are shown to the dressing room. The Ham Family also arrives. The greatest trouble is created when the Fickle Sisters put in an appearance and smile upon Jabbs. Jabbs places them in the star room. Pokes discovers Jabbs making love to the sisters and informs Stylish Kate, who, with a pistol, makes things so lively that had the police not interfered the afternoon performance would have been delayed.