#comique crew

[silentweeks]

#11 Back Stage (1919)

There aren’t enough movies about the backstage.

I mean, sure, you can easily find some flicks telling stories about the actors’ preparation for a particular role and their private interactions with each other during the production, but hardly any of them ever focuses on importance of the stagehands - everyday heroes, whose job is to keep everything in place and stay in the shadows at the same time. That’s why I send my kudos to mr. Havez for making them the main characters of this two-reel. ( I believe this decision also had some kind of a financial background since almost no deeper work on scenography was required).

Buster and Arbuckle work in a vaudeville house, taking care of the decorations and dressing rooms. One day, they’re visited by a boorish Strongman and his adorable assistant. His abusing behaviour towards his companion forces boys to politely teach the man some manners. (yisssssss go boysssss! i was literally pumping my fist during this moment) Well, more like shove them into his face by electrocution. The future of the main play starts hanging by a thread.

After the eruption of the actors’ striking, our boys decide to continue the show on their own, accompanied by their new friend with her humble dance sequence (but my god she’s trying tho). Their corky performance steals the hearts of the audience almost instantly. Meanwhile, the antagonist is back at the theatre and terrorizes the spectacle (like idk... HE FKIN SHOOTS A WOMAN WITH HIS GUN). In the end, the crew saves the day and Fatty gets the girl.

As always, we get something other than physical comedy here and there - the travelling star dressing room (that's some Hogwarts shit right there), misinterpreted announcement (screencap below, my personal favourite) or the shiver/shimmy part. There’s also a very nice sequence with Buster&Arbuckle trying to imitate a dance done by none other than Jackie Coogan’s father.

The vaudeville‘s the main source of Keaton’s best moments. I’m talking about his drag&dance number with Roscoe in The Falling Reign and accidental destruction of the whole scenery in Snowflake Serenade (tbh I really wish he had been the one playing on ukulele instead of Fatty). Plus, I’m not fully familiar with Buster’s later career, but even I couldn’t miss some obvious future references for his next productions in  the second part of the spectacle.

Back Stage is not as thrilling as some other movies coming from the Comique Crew,  but it’s definitely enjoyable, mainly thanks to the golden duet of Keaton and Arbuckle that never seems to disappoint.

[silentweeks]

Buster Keaton in Back Stage (1919)

[silentweeks]

#10 The Cook (1918)

Phew, I’m almost finished with Arbuckle&Keaton’s collection! It’s definitely been an intriguing experience and my very first encounter with American silent films! I’m already planning a small summarizing post about Comique Film Corporation, after that we can calmly lean on our seats and move to another great chapter in Buster’s carrier. I’m so exicted~!

Enough of announcements, let’s visit a very special restaurant, where modest food rations are served by staffers with hearts of gold.

We come across a well-known set of characters. Roscoe’s the chillest chef in the state, who knows his kitchen so well that he doesn’t feel the need to focus on his work and yet still prepares all the dishes perfectly; Buster’s a flirty waiter with some epic dance moves; Alice plays a cute cashier and is later kidnapped by Al’s character... We’ve all seen it before. And we still love it.

Our plot is divided into four parts: the daily routine, the arrival of Al, dinner sequence and the final chase in amusement park. Sadly, it seems that the movie lacks of ending (The Cook was considered to be one of the lost reels till 1990s). But don’t worry, you can easily predict it on your own.

The Cook continues the tradition of cartoony gags. There’s a lot of running, jumping and everything just seems so.. rubbery - in one of the scenes, Buster accidentally slides onto the chopping block, DIRECTLY under Fatty’s cleaver and... ends up without a scratch. (thank god). You can also find some unexplained/random moments here, with Fatty going completely loco, using the kitchen equipment to dress up as Cleopatra and then destroying the main hall of the restaurant with cream pies (he must have hated his job lol).

There was also a gag I didn’t understand at all - With Buster taking some dust off some lady’s neck??? If someone could explain it to me, I’d be reallly reallly grateful!

And the Award for Best Performance goes toooo... Buster Keaton and Luke the Dog!

Seriously, these two raised the whole movie to a different level. Luke’s the best trained dog I have ever seen on the screen. I’ve got a feeling the Comique Crew evolved into a giant family, in which everybody managed to develop some kind of a stunt talent - even the pet. Scene on the ladder? Marvelous.

Buster, on the other hand, took the opportunity to present his choreographic skills and FUCKIN SLAYED. His exotic moves are simply hypnotizing, I guarantee you will replay his dancing scene over and over (if you haven’t done it before ofc). He also taught me how to eat spaghetti in a new glorious way (and force everyone at the table to question my sanity at the same time).

By the way, I’d like to officially thank Roscoe Arbuckle for putting so many close-ups of Keaton’s perfect face into the final reel. After the screening, my folder with clips for future gifs contained 3x more videos than usual. You rule, Fatty.

[silentweeks]

#8 Moonshine (1918)

As I mentioned in the previous post, my first screenings are always set during the night. It’s quite simple - I watch the movie, go to sleep with unordered thoughts, watch the movie again in the afternoon and then transform my opinion into text.

I’m not gonna lie, the very first reaction I had after turning off Moonshine on the player was something like:

“But... the fourth wall... and the moonshine... and the house... and... What?”

Obviously, I was aware of the conditions of the genre I was watching, but at the same time I expected something different and couldn't focus entirely, thus I can’t say I enjoyed it as much as I should. It probably had something to do with my weak mood and general tiredness. Moreover, Moonshine exists only in a bad visual edition, which also hinders the show.

In accordance with tradition, I replayed the reel after waking up in the morning (Well, actually, at 12:00 AM... but its still was morning to me!) and then, finally, I started to understand it.

Captain Fatty visits Virginia with his courageous inferior, Lieutenant Buster, and a large group of revenuers. Their goal is to unmask a secret group of bootleggers, who settled down in a mysterious hideout somewhere in the mountains. (one of them is played by the same actor who played Rasputin in The Bell Boy, it was nice to see him again on the screen)

That’s pretty much all about the main plot - it’s compressed even more than before for the good of satirical melodramatic jokes. Moving on.

The intertitles and gags were created mostly for making fun of typical hero story’s clichés -  main character stands proudly on the peak of a mountain/high construction, gets the girl, fights the ridiculously maleficent, over-the-top villain, there’s a grand explosion at the end, etc. I can easily imagine Arbuckle as Eggman, ruining the fourth wall with his Eggmobile - the characters are constantly reminding each other of plot’s schematical structure and make an impression of actors on a stage during the rehearsal, trying to pull the scene off perfectly and not being aware of the fact that some dorks left the camera on. Despite liking this idea, I reckon it’s just a one hit wonder.

It’s a pity that nearly 70% of Buster’s scenes is badly damaged - it’s one of his most expressive reels. (Pulling faces with Al&monkey impression <3) Luckily, his stunts managed to survive - I’m talking about the cliff scene (actually it’s not that high. Magic of cinema) and race to the top of the tree (aaand back to the ground). There’s also a classic clown car gag with Keaton’s vehicle containing all of the revenuers. (Most people say there were 49 men in the car; idk, I counted 47). Furthermore, Keaton's the star of - in my opinion - the funniest scene in Moonshine - with lieutenant Buster sneezing at Al, and then offering help with his enemy's sudden eye infection ( totally not giving a fuck about the weapon that was pointed at him few seconds ago). More Careless Buster, please.

PS. Love the hat. Very classy.

[silentweeks]

#7 The Bell Boy (1918)

Welcome to Elk's Head - the most bizarre hotel the world has ever seen, holding a proud catchphrase - “1st Class Prices, 3rd Class Service”. It is equipped with unique, elegant furnishings, professional staff and full-time working modern elevator. Furthermore, all guest rooms are provided with private bathrooms and lovely views of the town.

If your beard feels kinda scratchy, the local barber will acquaint you with Our Speciality - painless shaving with hot towels. If your nails have recently become perfect for opening locks, check out Miss Cutie Cuticle’s corner and experience the best traditional manicure  in your life.  We also serve tasty French and German food in the dining room (included in the price).

Feel free to stay with us for a little longer and make yourself at home. We’ve got everything under control.

In contrast with quite risky Out West, The Bell Boy comes back with standard physical comedy and a simpler kind of humor. It is clear that The Comique Crew had lots of fun working in hotel setting and finding occasion to use the scenography to slip some plain gags into the movie. The result is nothing unusual or spectacular, but surely satisfying for an ordinary viewer and not using its capabilities to an exaggerating level.

The plot - Keaton and Arbuckle, two bellboys of a low-class inn, are spending their working time on, broadly speaking, pissing everyone off with their inborn clumsiness. Things spice up with an arrival of a new manicurist, Cutie Cuticle (best name ever). Despite her instant attraction towards Fatty, her love interest needs to be constantly reminded of Cutie’s affections. The last act of the movie is focusing on Arbuckle’s grand plan involving Buster the desk clerk, Al - faking a robbing to make himself look like a hero. Little does he know, that the actual robbers are waiting for a chance to sneak into a nearby bank...

I am aware that my description of the movie in the second paragraph may make it seem like it’s full of predictable monotony. It’s not true, not at all! In fact, Roscoe still managed to surprise me with a character under a very mysterious name - Rasputin. You see, Rasputin is the most mysterious man that has ever visited Elk's Head - unnaturally tall, thin, with thick eyebrows, blowzy beard and creepy eyes. Fatty decides to give him a little shave and, in the meantime, transform him into various historical figures - General Grant, Abraham Lincoln and Kaiser Wilhelm. I didn’t expect that at all and snorted loudly (I watch movies from the list during the night and thus had to find a replacement for loud laughter) at this sequence.

The Bell Boy’s setting allowed Buster to use his skills with the highest potential. We almost never see him standing here - he’s always running. jumping, stretching, rolling... Yeah, you know what I’m trying to say. We can also spectate a very sweet and cute reunion of Buster with his father, Joe, who plays one of the most dissatisfied guests of the hotel.

There are lots of smaller gags involved, but I decided to not describe them and therefore let you experience them on your own. I can only assure you of their well-thought balance and hope you will enjoy the film.

[silentweeks]

#6 Out West (1918)

Sadly, I didn’t manage to find an online version of A Country Hero, therefore I was forced to skip it in my diary and move to the next title in a list.

Out West is an interesting element of Arbuckle’s series, for sure. Despite it’s light, grotesque atmosphere, it’s definitely the darkest comedy I’ve seen during my project.

The story begins with a shot of Fatty - “a drifter, drifting from praire to town” - experiencing a small adventure during his illegal travel by train. After getting kicked out, he begins a search for a nearest settlement and finds it in a saloon run by the most badass owner you have ever seen (Keaton). Afterwards, the building is haunted by Bill Hiccup, an eeeevil cowboy with one ultimate weakness...  tickles.

Like I said, Out West contains few darkest jokes so far.

And to be honest... I freakin love it.

The saloon makes an impression of a rather ruthless place to be in, with a special hole in the floor where dead bodies are hidden, and where a board with job offer is hanged right after the death of main bartender. However, fans of a softer kind of comedy can find something for themselves as well - we get some really funny sequences with a clock raising its “hands” during Hiccup’s attack on the pub, a drunk horse trying to get over his sickness and many more.

Before I move to my most involuntary actions, including glorification of Buster’s top hat and sexy cigars, I’d like to focus on two specific scenes, which became, unfortunately, the biggest drawbacks of the movie. You guessed it - racist gags.

1 - Fatty’s arrival to the famous saloon is preceded by a rather unpleasant event. After getting lost in prairie and quenching thirst in a neraby pond, he comes under attack of a group of Indians, whose only function in the movie is to scream grammatically incorrect sentences and hunt men for dinner.

2 - In the middle of the film we’re witnessing cowboys’ harassment aimed towards a young African American man (Ernie Morrison Sr.). The outrage is then interrupted by Alice’s character, a woman belonging to Salvation Army. The next thing we see are oppressors lowering their weapons, as well as their heads, and going back to their daily activities. This one moment, no matter how fleeting it was, saved the entire scene and neutralized the sour taste in my mouth.

Out West was a satire of western movies, but also a creation of its times. Times of increasing racial confrontations, segregations and violent tensions. And although we can’t change what was presented on the screen, there’s still something we are able to do - lean on our seats, watch some of the newest comedies and remind to ourselves, that humiliating, straightforward racist jokes are one of the dying species in modern cinematography.

Oh, Buster. Why can’t he just stop being the star of every short he’s in? I’ve got a feeling he had a natural talent to find different ways to drag everyone’s attention. This time, it’s Bill Bullhorn’s surprisingly cool and awesome attitude towards everything that happens in the movie. Aaaand the top hat. And the cigar. And the magical firewater, that cures all known ills and whose questionable content doesn't stop Bullhorn from pouring it directly into his own eyes. Pretty ballsy.

Out West is a kind of a film with strong and visible line between quality and imperfection. Fortunately, good moments outweigh the defects and, despite the poor taste of some scenes, encourage the viewer to keep watching.

[silentweeks]

#4 Oh, Doctor! (1917)

Thanks to Tumblr, I feel like I’ve watched at least 10 of BK’s movies. Then I like to look at my list and remind myself that I’ve seen only 4 of them.

Heyheyheyyy, time’s goin’ slow but I’m not givin’ up!

Today’s subject is Oh, Doctor! - another gem from Arbuckle’s glorious collection.

So, the plot.

Honestly, I’m really glad that Oh, Doctor! changed some schemes and didn’t go with “Fatty-Alice-Al” love triangle. Now we get some frauuuuudsss. And intrigueeees.

Anyway, the film begins during a horse race and introduces Fatty’s character’s a well-known doctor with a wife and a kid (played by Buster .u.). He’s not as saint as his profession’s ought to be - Roscoe doesn’t mind stabbing his child’s knee to switch places in the audience and therefore start flirting with someone else’s wife. Next to his own wife. Pretty rude, and ballsy. Later, Fatty bets a large amount of money on a horse that can’t even precise in which direction should it be running. Insert sad horn here.

Who’s the other woman with? Al St John, of course! And nuh uh, he doesn’t confess his undying feelings towards Fatty’s girl. This time, he falls in love with her... jewellery. And with the help of his equally maleficent (and flirty) wife, Al sets up a mischievous manoeuvre to steal it. Obviously, it doesn’t end well for them. (ugh I wish Buster had played a cop once again to arrest them, he looked ridiculously good wearing an uniform)

What about Buster? Like I said, he’s playing a child.

Well, a caricature of a child, but who cares, we’re watching a comedy, right? Nobody minds a grown man playing an overly sensitive and goofy kid. Keaton’s incredibly cute in this version, no matter what he does. Reading a book, or laughing at a horse going the wrong way (and instantly receiving a slap from his own father for that) - I don’t care, I’m sold. Plus, his outfit’s really slap-up - especially the shorty pants.

To sum up, I really enjoyed this short. It brought something fresh to the previous movies and I can’t wait to explore the next titles.

[obligeme]