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Saturday, December 30, 2023

The Navigator - A 1924 Silent Movie - Directed by and Starring Buster Keaton- 59 Minutes


 The Navigator - A 1924 Silent Movie - Directed by and Starring Buster Keaton- 59 Minutes 

https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/great-movie-the-films-of-buster-keaton

Roger Ebert celebrates the wonderous work of Buster Keaton 

Available on YouTube In a beautifully 
restored version.

The Plot: Wealthy Rollo Treadway (played by Keaton) plans a romantic cruise to propose to his neighbor Betsy. But things go awry, and he ends up on a different ship, leading to comedic adventures on the high seas.

Buster Keaton's Brilliance: The film showcases Keaton's signature style of physical comedy, with incredible stunts, deadpan expressions, and ingenious gags. From navigating a moving staircase to battling a mischievous cow, he keeps the audience in stitches.

Critical Acclaim: The Navigator was a huge success, both critically and commercially. It was praised for its originality, humor, and Keaton's performance. It's even preserved in the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress

The scenes with the cannibal islanders might  be considered racist today.

I loved the underwater scenes.

The Navigator is a showcase for Keaton's mastery of physical comedy. He performs incredible stunts and gags, often defying gravity and logic with his deadpan expression and impeccable timing.

Remembered scenes include him nonchalantly swinging from the mast of a storm-tossed ship, trying to catch a hat that's blown away by the wind, and even using a live cow to churn butter.

The film also showcases Keaton's inventive use of props and sets. The dilapidated freighter becomes a playground for his comedic genius, with every corner offering new opportunities for slapstick and visual humor.
Legacy and Impact:

The Navigator was a critical and commercial success, solidifying Keaton's position as one of the greatest silent film comedians. 






1 comment:

  1. Some of my "favourite" childhood books have those cannibal-islanders scenes too: sigh. Takes all the fun out.

    ReplyDelete

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