Action · Comedy · Mystery
American
1924 · Directed by Buster Keaton · 45 min
A small-town cinema projectionist is accused of a theft he did not commit, just as he is trying to win the affection of a girl. What follows is a brisk, inventive silent comedy built on stunts, visual gags and Buster Keaton's unreadable stone face.
Why it matters in cinema history
A defining work of the silent feature-comedy tradition, it shows that slapstick could be rigorous, formally adventurous and cinematic, not just a string of pratfalls.
Watch with intention
Watch it as a comedy where the camera and the cutting are as inventive as the performer.
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