The Show-Off: A Transcript of Life in Three Acts
Select Format
Select Condition 
Book Overview
"The Show-Off a Transcript of Life in Three Acts" is a quintessential American comedy that examines the thin line between ambition and delusion. Written by George Kelly, this celebrated play centers on the unforgettable character of Aubrey Piper, a loud-mouthed, back-slapping clerk who fancies himself a high-rolling financier. As Aubrey maneuvers his way into the middle-class Fisher family, his relentless boasting and pathological lies create a whirlwind of domestic friction and comedic misunderstandings.
Set against the backdrop of 1920s Philadelphia, the work provides a sharp social critique of the period's obsession with status and the archetype of the "big talker." Kelly's masterful dialogue captures the nuances of everyday domestic life, contrasting the grounded realism of the Fisher household with Aubrey's grandiose fantasies. Despite his obvious flaws and the chaos he sows, Aubrey remains a strangely compelling figure, embodying a specific brand of American optimism pushed to its most absurd limits.
Recognized as a landmark in American realism and character-driven comedy, "The Show-Off a Transcript of Life in Three Acts" remains a poignant study of human nature and the masks people wear to impress the world. It is a timeless exploration of social climbing, familial patience, and the enduring power of a charismatic personality.
This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you may see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.
This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.
As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.
Customer Reviews
ThriftBooks® and the ThriftBooks® logo are registered trademarks of Thrift Books Global, LLC
