BUSTER KEATON
COMEDY MASTERPIECES
Accompanied on the mighty Wurlitzer Organ by legendary artists Dennis James
The greatest of the silent clowns is Buster Keaton, not only because of what he did, but because of how he did it. …. In films that combined comedy with extraordinary physical risks, Buster Keaton played a brave spirit who took the universe on its own terms, and gave no quarter.”
Roger Ebert.
Steamboat Bill, Jr (1928)
Rough, gruff Steamboat Bill awaits the arrival of his long-unseen son-who turns out to be a dandified Buster, (complete with ukelele and beret). It’s up to Buster to prove that he is worthy of the name Steamboat Bill, Jr. This film contains one of the most iconic scenes in film history: while fleeing a cyclone, the entire front of a house falls over, but Buster remains safe, thanks to an open window.
“Ranks right at the top.” Pauline Kael.
Starring Buster Keaton, Ernest Torrence, Tom Lewis, Tom McGuire, Marion Byron.
Directed by Charles F. Reisner. Produced by Joseph M. Schenck. Scenario by Carl Harbaugh. Photographed by Dev Jennings, Bert Haines. Buster Keaton Productions. Running time: 111 mins.
Plays with The High Sign (silent short 1921)
Buster is hired by a gang to be a hit man… and is then hired by his target to be his bodyguard.
With Buster Keaton, Bartine Burkett, Charles Dorety.
SILENT CINEMA AT CINEQUEST is made possible by the generosity of the PACKARD HUMANITIES INSTITUTE. A very special thank you to David Packard, Jr. and Cynthia Mortensen-Colombetti
for their generosity and for producing these extraordinary artistic experiences for Cinequest and the audiences we serve.