THE SCARECROW (Released to Theaters USA 1920)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì  The Scarecrow—good, interesting short film—shows Buster Keaton to better advantage than some of his other movies.  Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images Storyline  A man and his friend want the same girl.  Additional Thanks  Thank you to Directors Edward F. Cline and Buster Keaton for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Joseph Schenck for making the film possible. Cast includes Buster Keaton, Sybil Seely, Joe Keaton, and Joe Roberts. Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Yes. It works at the suitable level and can be described as a cute movie. Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

THE BOAT (Released to Theaters USA 1921)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì  The Boat—Buster Keaton short movie—performs at a 'bit' higher level that his One Week film, but still lacks the feel of really good comedy. It works on the good to suitable level and serves as a good academic study of this comedian's work.   Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images Storyline A man builds a boat and takes his wife and two boys on an ocean boat trip. Additional Thanks  Thank you to Directors Buster Keaton and Edward F. Cline for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Joseph M. Schenck for making the film possible. Cast includes Buster Keaton and Sybil Seely. Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Yes. This is an all around better film than One Week. The best film for Buster Keaton so far is: The General. It has more well-placed comedy that stands on better portrayal and presentation.  Video Critique Available:

Ben Meyers

ONE WEEK (Released to Theaters USA 1920)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì  One Week—interesting, but oddly portrayed—misses its comical 'sweet spot'. It does not serve as well as the comedy of Charlie Chaplin or Harold Lloyd films due to an underlying seriousness in storyline which 'swamps' the comedic elements. This short film serves as a good study into Buster Keaton’s work. Everything in the film serves at the suitable to okay level.  Film Poster Courtesy of IMDb Storyline  A man decides to marry and builds a pre-built home for his new wife.  Additional Thanks  Thank you to Directors Buster Keaton and Edward F. Cline for directing efforts. Thank you to Producer Joseph M. Schenck for making the film possible. Cast includes Buster Keaton, Sybil Seely, and Joe Roberts. Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Maybe. It is a good study into Buster Keaton’s work but Charlie Chaplin and Harold Lloyd are better comedians for the silent film era. Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers