Adventures of Huckleberry Finn 1960  N/R, 107 min.
Genre: Family / Adventure / Drama
Director: Michael Curtiz
Cast: Eddie Hodges, Archie Moore, Buster Keaton, Tony Randall, Mickey Shaughnessy, Patty McCormack, Neville Brand, Judy Canova, Andy Devine, John Carradine, Sherry Jackson, Finley Currie, Josephine Hutchinson, Parley Baer, Royal Dano
In this version of Mark Twain's story, Huckleberry Finn (Eddie Hodges) escapes from his brutal alcoholic father, Pap (Neville Brand), and joins runaway slave Jim (Archie Moore) on a rafting trip down the Mississippi River. Along the way, they meet con-men "King" and "Duke" (Tony Randall and Mickey Shaughnessy) who find work on a riverboat and join the circus–neither the riverboat nor the circus were in Twain's book. Reluctantly, Huckleberry and Jim are drawn into the schemes of "King" and "Duke."
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Battling Butler 1926 N/R, 75 min.
Genre: Comedy
Director: Buster Keaton
Cast: Buster Keaton, Sally O'Neil, Snitz Edwards, Budd Fine, Francis McDonald, Mary O'Brien, Tom Wilson, Walter James, Eddie Borden
Millionaire Alfred Butler (Buster Keaton) goes on a hunting trip in the mountains and falls in love with a mountain girl (Sally O'Neil). When she does not seem to pay attention to him, he decides to tell her that he is a famous champion boxer. When the real boxer hears of this, the fun starts.
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 Beach Blanket Bingo 1965 N/R, 100 min.
Genre: Comedy
Director: William Asher
Cast: Frankie Avalon, Annette Funicello, Deborah Walley, Harvey Lembeck, John Ashley, Jody McCrea, Marta Kristen, Linda Evans, Don Rickles, Buster Keaton
Frankie Avalon is back in one of the more popular of the "Beach Party" entries–this being the fifth one. Singing, surfing, partying, parachuting, and a host of other goings on–even a mermaid joins the silly fun. Good comedy skits by Don Rickles, Buster Keaton, and Paul Lynde add to the festivities.
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 The Cameraman 1928  N/R, 70 min.
Genre: Comedy
Director: Edward Sedgwick
Cast: Buster Keaton, Marceline Day, Harold Goodwin, Harry Gribbon, Sidney Bracey, Edward Brophy, Richard Alexander, Bert Moorhouse, Ray Cooke
This was Buster Keaton's last classic comedy of the silent era. In this film, Keaton plays tintype photographer Luke Shannon who desperately wants to impress Sally (Marceline Day) and earn credit as a newsman in the process. Sally works as a secretary for MGM's newsreel department, and Luke decides that the way to impress her is to get a job with the newsreel department. Pitfalls lie ahead when Luke discovers that his lack of experience with the movie camera stands in the way of finding success with this method of photography, and the result is chaos.
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College 1927  N/R, 65 min.
Genre: Comedy
Director: James W. Horne
Cast: Buster Keaton, Anne Cornwall, Flora Bramley, Harold Goodwin, Snitz Edwards, Florence Turner, Carl Harbaugh, Sam Crawford, Grant Withers
Not one of Buster Keaton's best, but it's very funny and worth a look. Ronald (Keaton) was the top scholar in high school, and he condemns sports during his valedictorian speech. This infuriates his girlfriend (Anne Cornwall) who threatens to quit going out with him. So, when he gets to college, he tries out at several sports with hilarious results. All ends well when he finds the right sport and saves his girlfriend from her latest suitor.
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Free and Easy 1930  N/R, 92 min.
Genre: Comedy
aka: Easy Go
Director: Edward Sedgwick
Cast: Buster Keaton, Anita Page, Trixie Friganza, Robert Montgomery, Fred Niblo, Edgar Dearing, Gwen Lee, John Miljan, Lionel Barrymore, William Haines, William Collier Sr., Dorothy Sebastian
Buster Keaton speaks for the first time in the movies. Elvira (Anita Page) wins the Gopher City, Kansas, beauty contest, and the prize is a trip to Hollywood that includes a screen test. She is accompanied by her mother (Trixie Friganza) and Elmer (Keaton), and it is Elmer who becomes the star after he crashes the MGM studio gates. But not all is lost for Elvira; she finds her true love (Robert Montgomery).
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A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum 1966 N/R, 99 min.
Genre: Comedy
Director: Richard Lester
Cast: Zero Mostel, Phil Silvers, Jack Gilford, Buster Keaton, Michael Crawford, Michael Hordern, Annette Andre, Pamela Brown, Roy Kinnear, Alfie Bass
Pseudolus (Zero Mostel) is a Roman slave who tries to gain his freedom and attain riches at the same time in this very funny story about ancient Rome. The film won an Oscar for Best Musical Score.
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The General 1927  N/R, 74 min.
Genre: Comedy / Action / Romance
Director: Buster Keaton
Cast: Buster Keaton, Marion Mack, Charles Henry Smith, Frank Barnes, Glen Cavender, Jim Farley, Frederick Vroom, Joe Keaton, Mike Donlin, Tom Nawn, Frank Hagney, Jimmy Bryant, Al Hanson, Edward Hearn, Elgin Lessley
Johnnie Gray (Buster Keaton) gets his chance to be a hero during the Civil War when his train is stolen by the Union Army–and he and the passengers are still aboard. Johnny is the engineer of the train and loves his engine, The General. Johnny mangages to save the General from the Union Army. A commission in the Army and the love of the fair Annabel Lee (Marion Mack) are his rewards for saving the train.
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The Hollywood Review of 1929 1929 N/R, 130 min.
Genre: Musical
Director: Charles Riesner
Cast: Conrad Nagel, John Gilbert, Joan Crawford, Bessie Love, Marion Davies, Marie Dressler, Jack Benny, Norma Shearer, Lionel Barrymore, Buster Keaton
This was the premier for a series of films starring Hollywood production company stars. Silent-screen M.G.M. stars appear in speaking roles, and musical numbers contribute to the film.
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How to Stuff a Wild Bikini 1965  N/R, 90 min.
Genre: Comedy
Director: William Asher
Cast: Annette Funicello, Dwayne Hickman, Brian Donlevy, Harvey Lembeck, Beverly Adams, John Ashley, Jody McCrea, Irene Tsu, Frankie Avalon, Buster Keaton
Frankie Avalon bows out of the series in this sixth of the "Beach Party" movies, showing up only in a cameo appearance. He is being shipped out for naval reserve training, and to make sure that his girlfriend, Dee Dee (Annette Funicello), does not go out with Ricky (Dwayne Hickman), he gets help from a witch doctor (Buster Keaton). This results in a beautiful woman showing up to occupy Ricky's attention.
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In the Good Old Summertime 1949 N/R, 102 min.
Genre: Musical / Comedy / Romance
Director: Robert Z. Leonard
Cast: Judy Garland, Van Johnson, S.Z. Sakall, Spring Byington, Clinton Sundberg, Buster Keaton, Liza Minnelli, Lillian Bronson, Marcia Van Dyke, William Forrest, Joi Lansing, Howard M. Mitchell, Everett Glass, Jeffrey Sayre, Frank Mayo
Remade as a musical from the original film, "The Shop Around the Corner," this delightful story is about music-store clerk Veronica (Judy Garland) whose pen pal is, in reality, her hard-to-get-along-with co-worker Andrew (Van Johnson). In life, they detest each other but do not realize that they are pen pals because they do not sign their real names. They fall in love on paper, but will that love remain strong when the truth comes out?
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Li'l Abner 1940 N/R, 78 min.
Genre: Comedy
Director: Albert S. Rogell
Cast: Jeff York, Martha O'Driscoll, Mona Ray, Johnnie Morris, Buster Keaton, Billie Seward, Kay Sutton, Maude Eburne, Edgar Kennedy, Charles A. Post, Bud Jamison, Dick Elliott, Johnny Arthur, Walter Catlett, Lucien Littlefield
In this film version of Al Capp's comic strip, Jeff York takes on the role of that elusive bachelor Li'l Abner on whom Daisy Mae (Martha O'Driscoll) has set her eyes and determines to wed. When Li'l Abner is told he has just 24 hours to live, he kisses Daisy Mae–an act that is the same as proposing in Dog Patch. Too late, Abner learns that the medical prognosis is wrong. Now, what is he to do? As if that were not bad enough, Li'l Abner is trapped in the woods and saved by Wendy Wilecat (Kay Sutton) who performs her service on the promise that Li'l Abner will marry her. Now, how will Li'l Abner get out of his predicament of being engaged to two women?
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The Navigator 1924 N/R, 65 min.
Genre: Comedy
Director: Buster Keaton
Cast: Buster Keaton, Kathryn McGuire, Frederick Vroom, Noble Johnson, Clarence Burton, Donald Crisp
Rollo Treadway (Buster Keaton) is a spoiled rich man who is stranded aboard an ocean liner with a girl (Kathryn McGuire). After finally figuring out survival techniques, the pair sails near an island. Hoping for rescue, their plans are dashed when they realize their island "haven" is inhabited by cannibals. Just when all seems lost, the couple is rescued by a submarine crew.
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Pajama Party 1964 N/R, 82 min.
Genre: Musical
aka: The Maid and the Martian
Director: Don Weis
Cast: Tommy Kirk, Annette Funicello, Elsa Lanchester, Harvey Lembeck, Jesse White, Jody McCrea, Ben Lessy, Susan Hart, Bobbi Shaw, Buster Keaton
Tommy Kirk takes over for Frankie Avalon (who makes a cameo appearance) in this fourth installment of the Beach Party crowd. A Martian teenager (Kirk) is sent to Earth to check out the place for an invasion. He ends up saving the day and getting the girl. Buster Keaton and Bobbi Shaw save the film in brief performances–especially Shaw. "Beach Blanket Bingo" sends the group back outside in the next episode.
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Parlor, Bedroom and Bath 1931  N/R, 73 min.
Genre: Comedy
aka: Romeo in Pyjamas
Director: Edward Sedgwick
Cast: Buster Keaton, Charlotte Greenwood, Reginald Denny, Cliff Edwards, Dorothy Christy, Joan Peers, Sally Eilers, Natalie Moorhead, Edward Brophy, Walter Merrill, Sidney Bracey, Eugene Pallette
Jeff (Reginald Denny) wants to marry Ginny (Sally Eilers), but she will not consider a marriage proposal until after her sister, Angie (Dorothy Christy), gets married. So, Jeff schemes to get Angie interested in shy Reggie (Buster Keaton) who he passes off as a great lover.
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San Diego I Love You 1944 N/R, 83 min.
Genre: Comedy
Director: Reginald LeBorg
Cast: Jon Hall, Louise Allbritton, Edward Everett Horton, Eric Blore, Buster Keaton, Irene Ryan, Peter Miles, Chester Clute, Charles Bates, Florence Lake
Philip McCooley (Edward Everett Horton) has invented a collapsible raft that he thinks will help the war effort. While caring for his family, with the help of daughter Virginia (Louise Allbritton), he also attempts to sell his invention. Virginia helps out with selling, and one of her potential customers is the rich owner (Jon Hall) of a research institute. Funny, with good acting, especially Allbritton. Great sketch by Buster Keaton.
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Sergeant Deadhead 1965 N/R, 90 min.
Genre: Musical
Director: Norman Taurog
Cast: Frankie Avalon, Deborah Walley, Cesar Romero, Fred Clark, Gale Gordon, Buster Keaton, Reginald Gardiner, Eve Arden, Pat Buttram, Harvey Lembeck
A U.S. government experiment goes awry, and an airman (Frankie Avalon) exchanges with a chimpanzee during a journey into space.
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Seven Chances 1925 N/R, 56 min.
Genre: Comedy
Director: Buster Keaton
Cast: Buster Keaton, Ruth Dwyer, T. Roy Barnes, Snitz Edwards, Frances Raymond, Jean Arthur, Erwin Connelly, Jules Cowles, Rosalind Byrne, Doris Deane
After shy bachelor Jimmy Shannon (Buster Keaton) learns that he must be married in order to claim his inheritance, he is pursued by a horde of would-be brides. Remade in 1999 as "The Bachelor."
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Sherlock, Jr. 1924 N/R, 56 min.
Genre: Comedy / Action / Fantasy / Drama / Mystery
Director: Buster Keaton
Cast: Buster Keaton, Kathryn McGuire, Joe Keaton, Ward Crane, Erwin Connolly, Kewpie Morgan, George Davis, Ruth Holly, Jane Connelly, Doris Deane, Ford West, John Patrick
A film projectionist (Buster Keaton) dreams of being a detective, and–miracle-of-miracles–he falls asleep and finds himself inside the film he is showing. He takes on the persona of Sherlock Jr., ace detective, and becomes involved in mystery stories. One story parallels his own life involving his girlfriend (Kathryn McGuire) and her other suitor (Ward Crane) who has stolen a watch to buy her a large box of chocolates. Camera tricks utilized provide classic moments in silent-film history.
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Speak Easily 1932 N/R, 80 min.
Genre: Comedy
Director: Edward Sedgwick
Cast: Buster Keaton, Jimmy Durante, Ruth Selwyn, Thelma Todd, Hedda Hopper, William Pawley, Sidney Toler, Lawrence Grant, Henry Armetta, Edward Brophy, DeWitt Jenninsg, Oscar Apfel, Sidney Bracey, Fred Kelsey, Inez Palange
Professor Timoleon Zanders Post (Buster Keaton) has inherited a fortune and decides to enjoy life when he meets and falls in love with a dancer, Eleanor Espere (Thelma Todd). So, he buys her show–including the piano player Jimmy Dodge (Jimmy Durante)–and plans to bring it to Broadway. But, does he have the ability to carry off his plan?
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Spite Marriage 1929 N/R, 80 min.
Genre: Comedy
Director: Edward Sedgwick
Cast: Buster Keaton, Dorothy Sebastian, Edward Earle, Leila Hyams, William Bechtel, John Byron, Hank Mann, Pat Harmon, Edward Brophy, Ray Cooke
Dry cleaner Elmer (Buster Keaton) is infatuated with stage star Trilby (Dorothy Sebastian) and attends all of her performances, elegantly dressed in different "borrowed" clothing for each performance. Thinking that Elmer is rich, after her boyfriend jilts her Trilby marries Elmer to get back at the boyfriend. And the fun begins in Keaton's last silent film.
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Steamboat Bill, Jr. 1928 N/R, 70 min.
Genre: Family / Comedy Action / Drama / Romance
Director: Charles Reisner
Cast: Buster Keaton, Tom McGuire, Ernest Torrence, Tom Lewis, Marion Byron, Joe Keaton
Buster Keaton is in fine form in this fun flick about a son (Keaton) coming home to Dad, Steamboat Bill (Ernest Torrence), who owns a rundown steamboat. The town's banker (Tom McGuire) owns a new, luxury steamboat and is attempting to force Bill out of business. Meanwhile, Bill Jr. likes the banker's daughter Kitty (Marion Byron), which is not satisfactory with the dastardly banker. The stunts are good, and the final cyclone scene is a classic.
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Sunset Blvd. 1950 N/R, 111 min.
Genre: Drama / Romance
aka: Sunset Boulevard
Director: Billy Wilder
Cast: Gloria Swanson, William Holden, Erich von Stroheim, Nancy Olson, Cecil B. DeMille, Jack Webb, Fred Clark, Hedda Hopper, Buster Keaton, Lloyd Gough, Franklyn Farnum, Larry J. Blake, Charles Dayton, Anna Q. Nisson, H.B. Warner
Norma Desmond (Gloria Swanson) is an aging ex-Hollywood star who longs for a comeback. Aspiring screenwriter Joe Gillis (William Holden) recognizes her weaknesses and moves into her home by flattering her with stories of her future regained stardom. In addition to three Oscars (Best Writing, Art Direction/Set Decoration, and Musical Score), the film received eight nominations, including Best Picture, Actor (Holden), Actress (Swanson), Supporting Actress and Actor (Nancy Olson and Erich von Stroheim), and Director.
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Three Ages 1923 N/R, 65 min.
Genre: Comedy
Director: Buster Keaton, Edward F. Cline
Cast: Buster Keaton, Margaret Leahy, Wallace Beery, Joe(2) Roberts, Lillian Lawrence, Blanche Payson, Kewpie Morgan, Lionel Belmore, Oliver Hardy, Louise Emmons
The great comic Buster Keaton provides three comedic love stories–one each in the Stone Age, Roman Empire, and the 1920s. In all three, the roles of the boy (Keaton) , the girl (Margaret Leahy), and the villain (Wallace Beery) (who also is after the girl) are played by the same actors. A good silent film.
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The Villain Still Pursued Her 1940 N/R, 66 min.
Genre: Comedy
Director: Edward F. Cline
Cast: Hugh Herbert, Anita Louise, Alan Mowbray, Buster Keaton, Joyce Compton, Richard Cromwell, Billy Gilbert, Margaret Hamilton, Franklin Pangborn, William Farnum, Charles Judels, Walter Tetley
In this spoof of the popular stage melodrama "The Drunkard," Edward the Hero (Richard Cromwell) is lured by Cribbs the Villain (Alan Mowbray) into drinking rum, which plunges poor Edward into the gutter. Gribb's goal is to win the affections of Edward's long-suffering wife, Mary (Anita Louise), but along comes the real hero, Frederick (Hugh Herbert), who foils Cribbs' plan. Despite the presence of Buster Keaton (who has some good lines), the joke is on the audience.
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| 1. 4 Clowns (1970)
2. Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (1960)
3. Battling Butler (1926)
4. Beach Blanket Bingo (1965)
5. The Cameraman (1928)
6. College (1927)
7. Free and Easy (1930)
aka: Easy Go
8. A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (1966)
9. The General (1927)
10. Go West (1925)
11. The Great Chase (1963)
12. The Hollywood Review of 1929 (1929)
13. How to Stuff a Wild Bikini (1965)
14. In the Good Old Summertime (1949)
15. Limelight (1952)
16. Li'l Abner (1940)
17. The Navigator (1924)
18. Pajama Party (1964)
aka: The Maid and the Martian
19. Parlor, Bedroom and Bath (1931)
aka: Romeo in Pyjamas
20. San Diego I Love You (1944)
21. Sergeant Deadhead (1965)
22. Seven Chances (1925)
23. Sherlock, Jr. (1924)
24. Speak Easily (1932)
25. Spite Marriage (1929)
26. Steamboat Bill, Jr. (1928)
27. Sunset Blvd. (1950)
aka: Sunset Boulevard
28. Three Ages (1923)
29. The Villain Still Pursued Her (1940)
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