AustLit

It is unclear whether this revusical is one of Bert Le Blanc's earlier shows, In Watts ; Or, A Bombshell of Joy (1916), under a different title, or whether it is a different work altogether. The possibility that they are the same is suggested in a Sydney Morning Herald review, which quotes from the production program: '[It is] a true story "with a bit of exaggeration written around a small Californian town by the name of Watts"' (23 October 1922, p.5). Unfortunately, no further details are forthcoming in the review and no other productions have been located to date, which makes it difficult to access the possibility of one or two separate revusicals having been staged.

However, while it was not unusual for revusical companies to change the title of relatively new shows, it was less common practice with established productions, which In Watts certainly was. An adaptation of the American Burlesque Company's 1913/14 hit production The Grafters, In Watts had been part of Le Blanc's regular Travesty Stars repertoire since 1916, and was probably last seen by the Fullers' Sydney audiences a little more than a year prior to the 1922 Grand Opera House season of Can You Beat It?? (under George Marlowe's management). For this reason, Le Blanc is unlikely to have attempted to deceive patrons with a title change to one of his best-known revusicals. One explanation for the similar settings is that he may have once again instigated a sequel, something he did previously with Do It Now and its follow-up, Get the Habit (both first staged in 1918). It is also possible that he made significant changes to the plotline of In Watts, thus warranting a different name for the new show.

The Herald's critic was seemingly unimpressed by Can You Beat It?, indicating that the sketch was rather weak and redeemed only by the pretty costumes and graceful dancing of the ballet (23 October 1922, p.5).