Cops (1922)

Buster Keaton’s short film “Cops” (1922) follows the misadventures of a young man who unwittingly antagonizes the entire Los Angeles Police Department during a parade, leading to a city-wide pursuit. Directed and written by Edward F. Cline and Keaton, the film features Keaton in the lead role alongside Virginia Fox as the mayor’s daughter and Joe Roberts as the police chief.

The “goat gland specialist” reference in the film was a fraudulent individual who claimed to cure erectile dysfunction by using goat glands. According to IMDB TRIVIA, In the 1920s, there was a man named John R. Brinkley, who was neither a real doctor nor a reliable pharmacist. He called himself a “goat gland specialist,” claiming he could cure erectile dysfunction using goat glands. He used the radio to spread his message, attracting many people, including Hollywood stars, to try his fake treatments.

Considered one of Keaton’s most iconic and masterfully crafted short films, “Cops” was recognized as “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant” by the United States Library of Congress. As a result, it was chosen for preservation in the National Film Registry in 1997.

Watch the full film by clicking the PLAY button below:

Cops (1922) Cast

• Buster Keaton: The Young Man
• Joe Roberts: Police Chief
• Virginia Fox: Mayor’s Daughter
• Edward F. Cline: Hobo
• Steve Murphy: Conman Selling Furniture (uncredited)

Cops (1922) Storyline

The story begins with a young man trying to become a successful businessman to impress the mayor’s daughter, but his efforts result in a series of mishaps and misunderstandings. Throughout the film, he repeatedly clashes with police officers, eventually throwing a bomb into a police parade by accident and being chased by a horde of cops.

As the chase unfolds, the young man uses his resourcefulness and quick thinking to evade the police, employing various stunts and tricks to stay ahead. Despite his best efforts, he ultimately gets caught and locked up in the police station.

In the film’s finale, the young man manages to lock the police in the station. However, the girl he is trying to impress disapproves of his actions and gives him the cold shoulder. Consequently, he unlocks the station and is immediately seized by the police. The film concludes with “The End” written on a tombstone, topped with Keaton’s iconic pork pie hat.

The film is known for its innovative use of physical comedy, clever plot twists (Such as my personal favourite is the hiding scenes)

And the futility stunts of trying to escape from the consequences of one’s actions.

It is considered one of Keaton’s best short films and has been praised for its unique blend of athleticism and comedic style