The Butcher Boy (1917)

“The Butcher Boy” is a 1917 American silent comedy film spanning two reels. It was written, directed, and starred Roscoe “Fatty” Arbuckle, with appearances by Al St. John, Buster Keaton, and Alice Lake. This film marked the inception of Arbuckle’s series of movies with the Comique Film Corporation and simultaneously served as Buster Keaton’s debut in the world of cinema.

Fatty Arbuckle invited Buster Keaton, whose vaudeville performances had inspired some of Arbuckle’s gags, to observe the film production. Keaton was promptly recruited on the spot, marking the beginning of his film career and the start of a prosperous cinematic partnership.

Within the bustling setting of a general store, both customers and clerks engage in playful antics. Notably, Roscoe emerges from a freezer donned in a fur coat and displays his skillful cleaver tossing. Buster Keaton makes his first appearance in a film by purchasing a pail of molasses.

In his first scene, which involved a flour fight, Keaton’s performance was executed in a single uninterrupted take.

Interestingly, he later discovered that he was the only actor to achieve this feat in his debut scene for his first film. As was customary for all the Arbuckle/Keaton shorts, these films were produced without a scripted screenplay. The cast and crew relied on a basic premise and improvised until they were satisfied with the outcome.

In the entertainment industry’s trade magazine, Variety, a review of The Butcher Boy was featured in the April 20, 1917, issue.

Watch the full movie here:

Cast

• The role of Fatty, credited as ‘Fatty’ Arbuckle, is played by Roscoe ‘Fatty’ Arbuckle.
• Buster is portrayed by Buster Keaton in his film debut.
• Alum is played by Al St. John.
• Almondine is portrayed by Alice Lake.
• The character of The Store Manager is portrayed by Arthur Earle.
• An accomplice is credited as Joe Bordeaux, and he is credited as Joe Bordeau.
• Luke takes on the role of The Dog in the film.
• Additional uncredited roles include Charles Dudley and Josephine Stevens.
• Miss Teachem is portrayed by Agnes Neilson, also in an uncredited role.

The Butcher Boy (1917) – Story line

Fatty the butcher boy loves Alice Lake, daughter of the store’s boss Mr. Grouch. His romantic efforts are derailed when rival clerk Al St. John starts a fight, involving customer Buster Keaton and Mr. Grouch in the flour-flying mayhem.

To marry her, Fatty disguises himself as her female cousin at Alice’s all-girls school. But Alum disguises himself too as a student. Another brawl ensues, and while the principal takes Fatty for punishment,

Alum and accomplices Keaton and Joe Bordeaux try kidnapping Alice.

Luckily, Fatty’s dog Luke distracts them, allowing Fatty and Alice to escape and gleefully wed at a nearby parsonage.

*P.S: In a later release, the characters were renamed – Alum as Slim Snavely and Alice as Amanda.