A brief scene of exposition is all we need before Buster Keaton's characteristically genius comedic energy takes over. 'Battling Butler' may be based on a stage play, but film allows visual realization exceeding the theater of the mind that live performance often requires. Outstanding situational humor dominates the feature, and from start to finish it's simply a blast.
Upended expectations, sight gags, witty dialogue and wordplay (by way of intertitles), and physical comedy liven the story of a privileged, well-to-do fellow who becomes enamored of a girl from a hardy, outdoorsy, family living off the land. Keaton of course takes center stage as protagonist Alfred Butler, realizing the young man's character arc with all the poise and dexterity we expect of him. But this isn't to count out his co-stars, including among others Snitz Edwards - marvelous as Alfred's unnamed valet, a put-upon but dignified and loyal man of class, and nearly matching Keaton's gift for expression and body language in those scenes featuring him. Sally O'Neil is great in her role as the love interest, a swell, more calmly jovial foil to the heartier energy of much of the movie. Francis McDonald, Mary O'Brien, Tom Wilson, Eddie Borden - everyone involved is just superb, inhabiting their roles with great care for the story and characterizations, and attention to the comedic thrust.
Keaton is a wonderful actor, and he's no slouch as a director, either. Working with the screenplay adapted from the theatrical work, he arranges fantastic scenes, and captures some particularly eye-catching shots, some very smartly framed. Choreography is foremost, but there's also fine consideration of set and costume design to complete the picture, and outdoor filming locations are duly photogenic. Through it all, cast and crew want naught but to entertain, and 'Battling Butler' certainly succeeds. At length, after an exciting climax, the very last scene of the movie is a clever, dandy way to end the story.
Buster Keaton is a legend of cinema for very good reason, and this is still another excellent credit to his name. The plot and humor is appropriate for all ages, and while the title focuses on boxing, it's all taken in stride with playfulness that means even viewers who don't care for sports can enjoy it. Watching this has made me laugh and lifted my spirits on a day when I quite needed it, and that says much in and of itself. 'Battling Butler' is a striking, first-rate comedy that still holds up almost 100 years later, and well worth checking out wherever one may find it.
Upended expectations, sight gags, witty dialogue and wordplay (by way of intertitles), and physical comedy liven the story of a privileged, well-to-do fellow who becomes enamored of a girl from a hardy, outdoorsy, family living off the land. Keaton of course takes center stage as protagonist Alfred Butler, realizing the young man's character arc with all the poise and dexterity we expect of him. But this isn't to count out his co-stars, including among others Snitz Edwards - marvelous as Alfred's unnamed valet, a put-upon but dignified and loyal man of class, and nearly matching Keaton's gift for expression and body language in those scenes featuring him. Sally O'Neil is great in her role as the love interest, a swell, more calmly jovial foil to the heartier energy of much of the movie. Francis McDonald, Mary O'Brien, Tom Wilson, Eddie Borden - everyone involved is just superb, inhabiting their roles with great care for the story and characterizations, and attention to the comedic thrust.
Keaton is a wonderful actor, and he's no slouch as a director, either. Working with the screenplay adapted from the theatrical work, he arranges fantastic scenes, and captures some particularly eye-catching shots, some very smartly framed. Choreography is foremost, but there's also fine consideration of set and costume design to complete the picture, and outdoor filming locations are duly photogenic. Through it all, cast and crew want naught but to entertain, and 'Battling Butler' certainly succeeds. At length, after an exciting climax, the very last scene of the movie is a clever, dandy way to end the story.
Buster Keaton is a legend of cinema for very good reason, and this is still another excellent credit to his name. The plot and humor is appropriate for all ages, and while the title focuses on boxing, it's all taken in stride with playfulness that means even viewers who don't care for sports can enjoy it. Watching this has made me laugh and lifted my spirits on a day when I quite needed it, and that says much in and of itself. 'Battling Butler' is a striking, first-rate comedy that still holds up almost 100 years later, and well worth checking out wherever one may find it.