Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Old Stone Face

For some reason, Buster Keaton has been my favorite when speaking of the BIG THREE of silent comedy, preferring him to Charles Chaplin or Harold Lloyd. “The Book” served to reintroduce me to Keaton, and I have gone whole hog into adding him in one form or another to my DVD library, pre-feature shorts (often an hour worth of laughs packed tightly into a 20 minute show) and even his talkies (the spark of his comic genius is not bright), though I hate to say it nothing is really missed by missing them.

"Our Hospitality" (1923) Buster’s character is introduced to his girl friend’s family. Unfortunately the families’ have been feuding for years (very much like the Hatfields and McCoys) and the brothers of the girl plot to kill the unsuspecting beau. However, their southern hospitality will not allow them to assault an invited guest. The entire movie revolves around the family trying to get him to leave the house so that they can proceed with their plans.

"Sherlock, Jr." (1924) Buster is in competition for the hand of a beautiful girl. When the other suitor accusses him of stealing from the girl’s father, he slips into a dream world where he is a Holmes-esque detective that must find a stolen pearl necklace.

"Seven Chances" (1925) A confirmed bachelor stands to inherit a fortune if he gets married. As Buster attempts to find a willing bride, he is continuously rejected until new gets around about the fortune at stake.

"The General" (1927) When railroad engineer, Johnny Gray (love that name) tries to enlist in the Confederate Army to impress his girl friend, his rejection by the induction board is seen as a spot of shame on his manhood. When the Union Army kidnaps his girlfriend, he uses his locomotive “The General” to chase down , rescue and return her to her beloved hometown. I got the chance to see this one at Fort Worth’s Bass Hall with the accompaniment of the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra. If you ever get a chance to see a silent movie like this, take it.

"Steamboat Bill, Jr." (1928) Probably my least favorite of the films listed. Buster is the “dandy” son of a Steamboat captain that falls for the daughter of his father’s rival. Junior tries to warm up to the father that wasn’t there for him and bridge the gap between the competitors.
Noteworthy exceptions: "The Cameraman" is another from Keaton's silent era that is just as good if not better than "Steamboat Bill, Jr."

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