The Matinee Idol (1928 film)

The Matinee Idol is a 1928 American silent comedy-drama film directed by Frank Capra and starring Bessie Love and Johnnie Walker. It was produced by Columbia Pictures. The film tells the story of a renowned stage actor who, tired of the superficiality and manufactured emotion of the stage, seeks authenticity and purpose in a small, rural town during the American Revolution. He disguises himself and attempts to live a simple life, but is eventually drawn back into the world of performance when he stages a play to aid the townspeople. The film is notable for its early use of Capra's themes of individual integrity and the importance of community. Though a silent film, it features synchronized music and sound effects. The film is presumed lost, meaning no complete copy is known to exist.