Battling Butler is the second film starring Buster Keaton that I have watched, and while I wouldn't describe it as laugh-out-loud funny, it's certainly a big improvement over the first one (a short from 1921 called The Haunted House). This film was based on a popular stage musical and benefits from an engaging story, in which a wealthy young man, Alfred Butler (Keaton), pretends to be his namesake, champion boxer 'Battling' Butler, in order to impress the father and brother of the pretty mountain girl he intends to marry (played by Sally O'Neil). In order to keep up the pretence, Alfred goes to Battling Butler's training camp, where, after lots of farcical situations, he winds up having to fight the champ.
Even though I was never in any danger of splitting my sides (the comedy is far too gentle for that to happen), Battling Butler's charming narrative-which combines romance, danger, and pratfalls-kept me entertained throughout, with a likeable performance from its star, and solid support from O'Neil, whose mountain girl causes more problems when she follows Alfred to watch him train. I've heard a lot about the many dangerous stunts that Keaton performed during his career, but there are none too perilous in this film, which is a tad disappointing, but regardless of that, I am slowly warming to his style and will definitely give more of his films a go. The mid-to-late 1920s seems to be the era for prime Keaton, so hopefully The General or Steamboat Bill, Jr. Will give me the big laughs and impressive stunts I am looking for.
Even though I was never in any danger of splitting my sides (the comedy is far too gentle for that to happen), Battling Butler's charming narrative-which combines romance, danger, and pratfalls-kept me entertained throughout, with a likeable performance from its star, and solid support from O'Neil, whose mountain girl causes more problems when she follows Alfred to watch him train. I've heard a lot about the many dangerous stunts that Keaton performed during his career, but there are none too perilous in this film, which is a tad disappointing, but regardless of that, I am slowly warming to his style and will definitely give more of his films a go. The mid-to-late 1920s seems to be the era for prime Keaton, so hopefully The General or Steamboat Bill, Jr. Will give me the big laughs and impressive stunts I am looking for.