

Upstage
Dolly Havens, a small-town girl with big-town ambitions that are larger than her talents, hooks up with Johnny Storm, a vaudeville performer, whose talents make the act a success. Dolly, thinking she is the reason, meets a handsome leading man and joins up with him but, before long, he discovers 'she ain't a trouper' and she is soon performing with 4th-class acts in Tank Town America.
Insights
Plot Summary
A young actress, Dolly Moore, finds herself caught between her ambition to succeed on the stage and her burgeoning feelings for a playwright, Dan Hastings. As she navigates the cutthroat world of theater, she must make difficult choices about love, career, and her own identity.
Critical Reception
Upon its release, 'Upstage' received generally positive reviews, with many critics praising Norma Shearer's performance and the film's exploration of the challenges faced by aspiring actresses. The film was seen as a well-crafted drama that resonated with audiences interested in the glamour and grit of the entertainment industry.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for Norma Shearer's compelling performance as an ambitious actress.
- Appreciated for its dramatic portrayal of the theater world and its inherent struggles.
- Considered a solid example of early Hollywood drama focusing on the pursuit of stardom.
Google audience: Information not available for this early silent film.
Fun Fact
Norma Shearer, who starred in 'Upstage', was an MGM contract player at the time and would go on to become one of the studio's biggest stars and a major advocate for the Screen Actors Guild.
AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources