The Fall of Buster Keaton: His Films for MGM, Educational Pictures, and Columbia Review

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The Fall of Buster Keaton: His Films for MGM, Educational Pictures, and Columbia ReviewUnlike the onscreen characters of Charlie Chaplin, Harold Lloyd, and Harry Langdon, Buster Keaton's persona seemed to grow old gracefully. His later films (made after his heyday as one of the silent screen's greatest practitioners) were hardly works of art, but they showed the aging comedian still very much in command of his unmatched pantomimic skills. Even his voice--with its flat, midwestern accent and whiskey-soaked gravel--seems to add to (rather than take away from) his image as a no-nonsense clown. Although he was less successful in middle-age than he would be in his youth or his dotage, Buster was always working--either behind or in front of the camera--making audiences laugh and generating revenue for his producers. These years of workmanlike productivity (roughly 1928-1965) have been minimized so often by film historians, that it's difficult to see them with any objectivity. It is easier (and more rewarding) to simply watch The General (1926) for the umpteenth time.
It took some imagination, but James L. Neibaur has made a fresh assessment of the late-silent and early-sound films that Buster made at MGM, the two-reelers that he starred in for Educational Pictures and Columbia Studios, as well as his last appearances in various independent productions. With the same sense of methodical organization that he used to assess Charlie Chaplin's early work (in Chaplin at Essanay) and Buster's apprenticeship with the amazing Roscoe Arbuckle (in Arbuckle and Keaton: Their 14 Film Collaborations), Mr. Neibaur carefully examines each of Buster's later works, be they good, bad or indifferent. What prevents this from becoming an exercise in tedium is the author's thoughtful insights and efficient storytelling. It was, in fact, a pleasure to read, from start to finish.
Excuse me while I go put on the new Kino-International DVD of Buster's Educational shorts. I want to see if some of them hold up as well as Mr. Neibaur claims they do. Something tells me they will.The Fall of Buster Keaton: His Films for MGM, Educational Pictures, and Columbia OverviewBorn into a family of vaudevillians, Buster Keaton made his first film appearance in 1917 at the age of 21. By the early 1920s, he had established himself as one of the geniuses of silent cinema with such films as Sherlock, Jr. and The Navigator and his 1925 work, The General, placed at number 18 in the American Film Institute's poll of the 100 greatest features, the highest ranked silent film on the survey. But with the advent of sound in the late 1920s, silent stars like Keaton began to fall out of favor and the great comedian's career began to decline.In The Fall of Buster Keaton, James Neibaur assesses Keaton's work during the talking picture era, especially those made at MGM, Educational, and Columbia studios. While giving some attention to the early part of Keaton's career, Neibaur focuses on Keaton's contract work with the three studios, as well as his subsequent work as a gagman, supporting player, and television pitchman. The book also recounts the resurgence of interest in Keaton's silent work, which resulted in a lifetime achievement Oscar and worldwide recognition before his death in 1966. This fascinating account of an artist's struggle and triumph during the more challenging period of his career will be of interest to anyone wanting to learn about one of film's most influential performers.

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