Coney Island (1917)

Coney Island, alternatively titled Fatty at Coney Island, is a 1917 American two-reel silent comedy movie that stars, is written and directed by Roscoe “Fatty” Arbuckle, and includes Buster Keaton. Roscoe attempts to separate from his wife to partake in beach activities. Buster, accompanied by Alice, faces the challenge of Al taking her away, only to lose her to Roscoe. The scene is filled with bathing beauties and Keystone Kops.

The movie was filmed on-site at Coney Island and prominently incorporates various contemporary rides and attractions for the comical sequences. These include The Witching Waves and Shoot-the-Chutes.

The Witching Waves ride featured a spacious oval track with a pliable metal surface. Although the floor remained stationary, concealed reciprocating levers generated a rippling wave effect, propelling two scooter-style cars with seats that allowed riders to steer. This innovative ride was created by Theophilus Van Kannel, the inventor of the revolving door. You can spot this ride in the silent film “Speedy,” which stars Harold Lloyd.

In addition, Coney Island was produced before Keaton had firmly established his on-screen persona. Consequently, he employs a wide range of facial expressions, such as mugging and laughter, which greatly contrast with his later trademark unsmiling yet expressive demeanor.

In one scene, Arbuckle playfully breaks the fourth wall by preparing to change his attire. He directly engages with the camera, indicating it to adjust its view above his waist, and the camera complies with his request.

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Cast:

• Roscoe ‘Fatty’ Arbuckle: Portraying Fatty
• Agnes Neilson: Playing Fatty’s spouse
• Al St. John: Enacting the role of an old friend of Fatty’s wife
• Buster Keaton: Featuring as the rival/cop with a mustache
• Alice Mann: Depicting the character of a pretty girl
• Joe Bordeaux: Performing as the Sledgehammer Man/Cop (credited as Joe Bordeau)
• Jimmy Bryant
• Alice Lake
• Luke the Dog: (Uncredited)

Coney Island (1917) – Story line

At Coney Island, Fatty ditches his wife by burying himself in the sand and makes a beeline for the amusement park. His wife recruits her old friend Al to find Fatty. But Al spots lovely Alice on a date with Buster and whisks her away, leaving Buster crestfallen.

Broke Buster sneaks into the park in a barrel and trails them. He and Al compete for Alice’s affections – Buster at the high striker, Al with ice cream. But their antics only annoy her.

Fatty appears and sweet talks Alice. When Al returns with the treats, Fatty takes credit, impressing Alice and infuriating Al. Fatty kicks a cop and frames Al, getting him arrested.

On the log flume, Fatty and Alice get drenched. Buster saves them but Fatty knocks him into the drink before walking off with Alice again. Spotting his wife, Fatty disguises himself and Alice at a boathouse.

Fatty’s wife bails out Al and they conspire on the beach, bumping into the disguised Fatty and Alice. Al flirts with Fatty in drag before Buster exposes him. Furious, Al chases Fatty into the sea and they brawl.

Alice ditches both for Buster. Fatty’s wife calls the Keystone Cops, who jail the men. But they overpower the cops and lock them up instead, along with Fatty’s wife when she scolds him.

Fatty and Al swear off women after the chaos, but quickly chase two ladies passing by. The original ending revealed one as African American, with Fatty reacting in mocking fear, a racist ending deleted from later prints.