"No man can be a genius in slapshoes and a flat hat." -Buster Keaton -

Category Independent Films

(1934 – 1954) After being let go from his studio contract in the early 1930s, Keaton struggled to find work and made a number of low-budget independent films. These films gave him more creative freedom but lacked the resources and distribution of his earlier features. Though not considered his strongest works, these independent projects demonstrated Keaton’s dedication to continuing his craft and developing new material, even without the backing of a major studio. His indie films maintained his trademark deadpan style even with limited budgets.

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (1966)

In the 1966 musical comedy film, "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum," the setting is a historical period. The film's plot revolves around a clever Roman slave's elaborate scheme to secure his freedom. His plan involves romantically uniting his master with a courtesan, but as events unfold, the situation becomes increasingly convoluted. Soon, the slave finds himself entangling his neighbors in the chaos, resulting in a series of comedic misadventures.