Like you, Mr. Rather, I find sitting in a movie theater awaiting a film of my choice, is cathartic and brings me great joy. I am totally carried away by the film itself, enjoying the community of movie fans in which I find myself. thank you for sharing the delightful Buster Keaton.
Thank you so much for sharing! My knowledge of Keaton's work was very limited but watching these clips (and a couple of his full-length movies), I am in awe. Truly a master at his medium. An an incredibly gifted athlete. His movement on the screen is pure grace.
I want to thank the contributor, who posted about the movie “Our Hospitality”, which she had seen years ago. I watched that movie yesterday on YouTube and laughed and laughed. I enjoyed it so much I watched the following silent as well. Over two hours of silence except for my laughter. What a great relief to be able to do that. Thanks again. PS: The silence was welcome because I now use CC to watch television because of poor acting (not learning how to project their voices) and the background noise. Plus the slapstick comedy.
Even though there are a ton of at-home contents, I still prefer watching movies at the movie theater as well. And it is interesting to know about Buster Keaton. Enjoyed reading your post!
From my 90 year-old Dad who remembers the “good old days” too. 👉🏻 The Embassy, Capital, Lincoln and Grant Lee—were the movie theaters of choice in the early ‘40s---for 25 cents you got a “serial” and double feature. A nickle bus ride and a frozen Milkey Way completed our “fantasy Saturday matinees” It was the meeting place where, with your friends, you discussed whatever 11 or 12 year olds discussed, and ended the day with a raucous ride home on the”22”, debating how Buck Rodgers ,Charlie Chan or Roy Rogers would escape the latest cliff-hanger predicament they were in when the serial ended –next week couldn’t come quick enough!!. While the first 3 theaters were along the “22 bus route from Cliffside Park to Union City, the Grant Lee was our tiny local theater and for several months in 1947 I was their “chief” (and only) usher ---charged with removing wads of gum rom under the seats!!
I've been a serious Keaton fan since my childhood. I'm now 64. Please have a look at the new Keaton bio by James Curtis. No new Keaton biopic needs to be created, in fact it can only be a failure because the original broke all molds and cannot be copied. He was a master physical comedian, stuntman, writer and director, and gagman. The narrative and structure of his films are themselves perfect things. Keaton with his parents were vaudeville stars before the film era. My friends in NYC are largely professional clowns and variety artists who adore Keaton as the GOAT. Chaplin always comes in as an afterthought, respected but never adored in the way Keaton is. Keaton's films are entirely modern and hysterically funny. He is The Master. Mind you, Keaton comes from a terribly racist time and that racism appears on camera at times. Vaudeville and Minstrel shows were racist and their language was part of Keaton's world order. I would it were otherwise. Keaton didn't have the enlightened societal view as Mark Twain. I personally don’t believe Keaton had any ill intent, but he used stereotypes in his films, the tropes of Vaudeville and Minstrelsy. I do not pretend the racism isn't there, it is, and it's hurtful. But I believe there is enough that is worthy in Keaton that we do not throw out the baby with the bathwater: The General, Sherlock Jr., Steamboat Bill Jr., One Week, Cops, The Seven Chances, The Three Ages and more. If you're in NYC, Film Forum is celebrating the Keaton Century. Enjoy Keaton's films as they are and for what they are. And please don't treat him as an ancient relic to be patronized. He is one of the great artists of the 20th Century and all of film history.
Like you, Mr. Rather, I find sitting in a movie theater awaiting a film of my choice, is cathartic and brings me great joy. I am totally carried away by the film itself, enjoying the community of movie fans in which I find myself. thank you for sharing the delightful Buster Keaton.
Great new book on Buster just out by James Curtis. Theyre also in the middle of a retrospective at the film forum.
Thank you so much for sharing! My knowledge of Keaton's work was very limited but watching these clips (and a couple of his full-length movies), I am in awe. Truly a master at his medium. An an incredibly gifted athlete. His movement on the screen is pure grace.
Thanks for this. Glad to be able to comment even though I don't subscribe. Appreciate that as well.
Watched with my 99 year old dad on Sunday. He saw Buster Keaton in theaters as a child and absolutely loved watching the short. Thank you.
Gave me a few chuckles & a nice smile! Thanks
I’ve never liked going to the movies. Having my emotions manipulated in a room of strangers makes me uncomfortable.
I want to thank the contributor, who posted about the movie “Our Hospitality”, which she had seen years ago. I watched that movie yesterday on YouTube and laughed and laughed. I enjoyed it so much I watched the following silent as well. Over two hours of silence except for my laughter. What a great relief to be able to do that. Thanks again. PS: The silence was welcome because I now use CC to watch television because of poor acting (not learning how to project their voices) and the background noise. Plus the slapstick comedy.
I really enjoyed Our Hospitality. Thanks
Even though there are a ton of at-home contents, I still prefer watching movies at the movie theater as well. And it is interesting to know about Buster Keaton. Enjoyed reading your post!
Thank you!
From my 90 year-old Dad who remembers the “good old days” too. 👉🏻 The Embassy, Capital, Lincoln and Grant Lee—were the movie theaters of choice in the early ‘40s---for 25 cents you got a “serial” and double feature. A nickle bus ride and a frozen Milkey Way completed our “fantasy Saturday matinees” It was the meeting place where, with your friends, you discussed whatever 11 or 12 year olds discussed, and ended the day with a raucous ride home on the”22”, debating how Buck Rodgers ,Charlie Chan or Roy Rogers would escape the latest cliff-hanger predicament they were in when the serial ended –next week couldn’t come quick enough!!. While the first 3 theaters were along the “22 bus route from Cliffside Park to Union City, the Grant Lee was our tiny local theater and for several months in 1947 I was their “chief” (and only) usher ---charged with removing wads of gum rom under the seats!!
Rather is right . Those were the days.
Don't forget Bill Frisell who some years ago accompanied Keaton viewings - masterful
I love your Saturday posts Mr. Rather, they always make me smile. This week didn’t disappoint. Thank you!
Thanks for sharing. This brought a smile to my face.
Mr Rather, I hold you in great esteem and I thank you and Mr Kirschner for honoring Buster in this way. He deserves it. Bless you.
I've been a serious Keaton fan since my childhood. I'm now 64. Please have a look at the new Keaton bio by James Curtis. No new Keaton biopic needs to be created, in fact it can only be a failure because the original broke all molds and cannot be copied. He was a master physical comedian, stuntman, writer and director, and gagman. The narrative and structure of his films are themselves perfect things. Keaton with his parents were vaudeville stars before the film era. My friends in NYC are largely professional clowns and variety artists who adore Keaton as the GOAT. Chaplin always comes in as an afterthought, respected but never adored in the way Keaton is. Keaton's films are entirely modern and hysterically funny. He is The Master. Mind you, Keaton comes from a terribly racist time and that racism appears on camera at times. Vaudeville and Minstrel shows were racist and their language was part of Keaton's world order. I would it were otherwise. Keaton didn't have the enlightened societal view as Mark Twain. I personally don’t believe Keaton had any ill intent, but he used stereotypes in his films, the tropes of Vaudeville and Minstrelsy. I do not pretend the racism isn't there, it is, and it's hurtful. But I believe there is enough that is worthy in Keaton that we do not throw out the baby with the bathwater: The General, Sherlock Jr., Steamboat Bill Jr., One Week, Cops, The Seven Chances, The Three Ages and more. If you're in NYC, Film Forum is celebrating the Keaton Century. Enjoy Keaton's films as they are and for what they are. And please don't treat him as an ancient relic to be patronized. He is one of the great artists of the 20th Century and all of film history.