A Night in the Show/ Charlie Chaplin (Silent Comedy, 1915)

A Night in the Show is a 1915 silent comedy film starring Charlie Chaplin, produced by Essanay Studios.

The plot is loosely structured, focusing on gags and physical comedy rather than a cohesive narrative, typical of Chaplin’s early work. It’s based on his 1914 stage sketch A Night at the Show (also known as A Night at an English Music Hall), which he performed with Fred Karno’s troupe before entering films.

Cast
The film features a small ensemble, with Chaplin as the centerpiece. Below are the key cast members and their roles, based on credits from IMDb and other sources: Charlie Chaplin as Mr. Pest and Mr. Rowdy Chaplin plays both the drunken gallery-goer and the posh orchestra-seat patron, showcasing his versatility in physical comedy and character differentiation.

Edna Purviance as Lady in the Audience Purviance, Chaplin’s frequent leading lady, plays a minor role as a refined woman in the audience, likely reacting to the chaos caused by Chaplin’s characters.

Charlotte Mineau as Lady in the Audience Another audience member, adding to the comedic reactions to the disruptive behavior.

Dee Lampton as Fat Boy Plays a chubby child in the audience, often used for comedic gags involving size and clumsiness.

Leo White as Frenchman/Negro in Balcony White, a regular in Chaplin’s films, appears in dual roles, contributing to the diverse crowd reacting to the chaos.

May White as Fat Lady and Snake Charmer Plays both an audience member and a performer, adding to the eclectic stage acts.

Bud Jamison as Singing Husband and Man in Balcony Appears as part of the stage act and an audience member, involved in the comedic exchanges.

James T. Kelley as Trombone Player and Singer Part of the orchestra or stage performance, targeted by Chaplin’s disruptions.

Paddy McGuire as Feather Duster and Clarinetist Plays a theater worker and musician, caught up in the slapstick mayhem.

Lloyd Bacon as Man in Balcony A minor role as an audience member reacting to the chaos.

John Rand as Orchestra Conductor Leads the theater’s orchestra, frustrated by the audience’s behavior.

Wesley Ruggles as Man in Audience Another audience member, part of the comedic ensemble.

Uncredited performers play additional roles as theatergoers, ushers, or stage acts, contributing to the chaotic atmosphere. The cast is typical of Essanay’s stock company, with many actors appearing in multiple Chaplin shorts.