Back Stage

• 1917
• Other, Comedy

Props, the stage man, and his assistant at the Orpheum Theater, Plunkville divide their time equally between drinking and attention to duty. The Wiggle sisters, a Hawaiian act, arrive and demand the star's room, and there is a rumpus when Props declines to accede to their request. But Props relents when Babe, the strong man, and his wife, Ethel Burton, arrived, for Props has an eye for beauty. Props is forever getting in the way of the performers and causing unmeasured confusion. His bibulous assistant has an unfortunate propensity for dropping the curtain at wrong moments. However, the audience in front likes the show, and the philosophy of Props appears to be "I should worry." The strong man and his wife present their act, assisted on the stage by Props, who is always in the way. The curtain descends, leaving the strong man alone on the stage. The audience thinks this is part of the show and applauds accordingly. But to the succeeding act, "Rags and Riches," a serious drama, they tender a hostile reception and leave the house. Meanwhile the strong man, returning to his dressing room, finds Props making love to his wife and there is a fierce altercation. But Props escapes punishment and appears to be immune from the attacks.