In the 1936 short film Mixed Magic, Buster Keaton takes on the role of Elmer 'Happy' Butterworth, a man who lands a job assisting a professional magician, "The Great Spumoni." After firing his previous assistant, Spumoni’s female assistant insists that he quickly find a replacement. This short film is a standout among Buster Keaton's Educational Pictures, combining dialogue with his iconic physical comedy. Highlights include Elmer fainting after a magician's trick and creatively using magic to secure a meal, showcasing Keaton's timeless humor and charm.
Did you know that Jail Bait (1937) is one of Buster Keaton's more obscure yet captivating short films? This comedic piece highlights Keaton’s unmatched talent for combining slapstick humor with smart storytelling. It was produced during the latter stages of his career, showcasing his adaptability as a performer.
This film is particularly noteworthy because Keaton speaks in it—an uncommon occurrence for the silent film legend. He takes on the role of an aging newspaper office assistant who becomes embroiled in a bizarre and risky plan. His roommate, an ambitious reporter, convinces him to take the blame for a murder he didn’t commit, promising to split the ransom once the real murderer is caught. However, tragedy strikes when the reporter dies in a plane crash, leaving Keaton’s character in jail, facing a dire and unjust fate.
Buster, an ice delivery man, falls for one of his customers, not knowing she has a twin sister living next door. "Ditto" is a 1937 American short comedy film featuring Buster Keaton. The film's copyright was renewed in 1964 and is scheduled to enter the public domain in 2033, based on the renewal registrations.
A newlywed couple tries to construct a house using a prefabricated kit, not realizing that a rival has tampered with the component numbering. "One Week" is a 1920 American silent comedy film, spanning two reels, and stars Buster Keaton in his first independent film production. Written and directed by Keaton and Edward F. Cline, the film has a runtime of 19 minutes and features Sybil Seely as a co-star. The movie is notable for its numerous inventive visual gags, primarily involving the house and ladders.
A bank clerk finds himself in a seemingly haunted house that turns out to be a hideout for thieves. Buster, the bank clerk, gets glue all over himself and the money, causing everything to stick together. When robbers appear, he can't raise his hands because they're stuck in his pockets. The robbers' hideout is cleverly designed to appear haunted and scare away the police. *The Haunted House* is a 1921 American two-reel silent comedy film starring Buster Keaton, written and directed by Keaton and Edward F. Cline.
Buster, who, after various failed attempts at suicide, ends up getting drunk and landing a job at a sporting club. He must quickly learn fishing, hunting, and riding to promote the club. This film, running 22 minutes, was considered Keaton's only major lost work for sixty years. In 1987, it was partially reconstructed, though the critical final scene, which Keaton claimed was the greatest laugh-getting scene of his career, was still missing. Fortunately, this missing scene was later discovered in a Russian archive print, allowing the full film to be restored and available for viewing.
A wanderer at a carnival unexpectedly becomes both the protector and assassin of a man marked by a criminal syndicate. "The High Sign" is a 1921 silent comedy film featuring Buster Keaton, written and directed by Keaton and Edward F. Cline. Lasting 21 minutes, it was actually Keaton's first independent film, although "One Week" (1920) was released first. Initially dissatisfied with the outcome, Keaton delayed the release until the following year. The title alludes to the covert hand signal employed by the film's underworld gang.
After missing out on a loaf of bread, unlucky Buster finds himself chased by three policemen. Things get worse when a mistake during Dead Shot Dan's mug shot puts a price on Buster's head instead. Now, with "Dead or Alive" posters all over town, Buster takes refuge in the home of the kind and beautiful Virginia, only to encounter his biggest fear. Will Buster ever clear his name?
After waking up from a bizarre dream, a theater stagehand unintentionally creates chaos wherever he works. "The Playhouse" is a 1921 American two-reel silent comedy film written, directed by, and starring Buster Keaton. Running for 22 minutes, it is best known for its opening sequence in which Keaton plays every role.
Buster and his family set out on a trip in his homemade boat, but it turns into one disaster after another. "The Boat" is a 1921 American silent comedy short film, written, directed by, and starring Buster Keaton. Reviews from the time consider it one of his best shorts, along with "One Week" (1920), "The Playhouse" (1921), and "Cops" (1922). The film is now in the public domain.
