The High Sign (1921)

A drifter at an amusement park finds himself acting as both bodyguard and hitman for a man targeted by a criminal gang. “The High Sign” is a 1921 silent comedy film starring Buster Keaton, written and directed by Keaton and Edward F. Cline. With a runtime of 21 minutes, it is notable as Keaton’s first independently made short film, though it wasn’t released until after “One Week” (1920). Keaton was initially disappointed with the result and shelved it for a year. The film’s title refers to the secret hand signal used by the gang.

“The High Sign” was Keaton’s first independent production. Unlike the “violent slapstick” of his films with Fatty Arbuckle, this short showcases the “dry and quiet comedy style” that would become Keaton’s signature.

The climactic chase scenes occur in a split-level, cutaway set featuring revolving wall panels, trap doors, and hidden corridors in all the rooms. Filming took place at the Comique Film Corporation studios, recently vacated by Arbuckle. Keaton also began collaborating with Arbuckle’s former cinematographer, Elgin Lessley, and technical director, Fred Gabourie, who continued to work with him until he signed with MGM in 1929. In addition, you get to see Al St John doing a small part in the film.

There are a few goofs in “The High Sign” (often due to filming on different days). One example occurs when Buster returns from the gang’s room to the shooting gallery (at 9:45 minutes). Initially, there’s nothing on the wall between the two posters. However, after he jump-climbs over the counter, his coat is suddenly hanging on the wall.

According to the book “Buster Keaton Remembered“, although Keaton finished “The High Sign” a year earlier, he postponed its release because he believed it too closely mimicked Arbuckle’s style and felt the gags were “too ridiculous and clever for their own sake.” The film was eventually released on April 4, 1921. At that time, Keaton had broken his ankle while filming the first version of “The Electric House,” and his company needed to market a new film.

Watch the whole film by hitting the play button below.

The High Sign (1921) cast

• Buster Keaton as Our Hero (credited as ‘Buster’ Keaton)
• Bartine Burkett as Miss Nickelnurser (uncredited)
• Ingram B. Pickett as Tiny Tim, the tall villain (uncredited)
• Charles Dorety as the Drunk (uncredited)
• Al St. John as the Man in target practice (uncredited)

The High Sign (1921) Storyline

Buster, a down-on-his-luck drifter, arrives at an amusement park in search of work. He stumbles upon a shooting gallery and impresses the owner with his marksmanship skills, landing a job there. Unbeknownst to Buster, the amusement park is also the headquarters of a criminal gang known as the Blinking Buzzards.

The gang mistakes Buster for a notorious hitman and enlists him to assassinate August Nickelnurser, a local businessman who has refused to pay them protection money. Buster, oblivious to the gang’s true intentions, accepts the job as a bodyguard, thinking he is supposed to protect Nickelnurser from the very gang that hired him.

In a twist of fate, Buster ends up befriending Nickelnurser and his daughter, Virginia. Nickelnurser, impressed by Buster’s perceived skills, hires him to protect his family from the Blinking Buzzards. Buster finds himself in a comedic predicament, tasked with protecting his employer from the gang that hired him as a hitman.

As the gang plans their attack, Buster must use his wit and resourcefulness to navigate the various hidden traps and secret passageways in Nickelnurser’s house. The film’s climax features a series of chase scenes inside the house, showcasing Buster’s physical comedy and inventive stunts.

In the end, Buster outsmarts the gang using the house’s complex layout of revolving wall panels, trap doors, and hidden corridors. He manages to save Nickelnurser and Virginia, securing his place as the unlikely hero. The film concludes with Buster triumphantly reuniting with Nickelnurser and Virginia, having inadvertently thwarted the gang’s plans and earned their gratitude.