Steamboat Bill, jr. - 1928 Film #8

Director: Charles Reisner, Buster Keaton
Screenplay: Carl Harbaugh
Production: Joseph M. Schenck
Cinematography: Bert Haines, Devereaux Jennings
Editing: Sherman Kell
Special Effects: Benjamin Ribiere 
Stunt double for Marion Byron: Louise Keaton
Players: Buster Keaton (William Canfield Jr), Marion Byron (Kitty King), Tom McGuire (John James King), Ernest Torrence (William "Steamboat Bill" Canfield Sr), Tom Lewis (Tom Carter - First Mate), James T. Mack (Minister).
69 minutes - BW - USA - Comedy


So here we are at number eight on the long line of films from 1928, just thought I should mention that they are in no order at all, its all very random.
When it comes to action filled silent comedy Buster Keaton tops everyone. Steamboat was your favourite comedy of 1928 taking 14 out of the 32 votes, it is great source of comedic entertainment on every level. Every time I watch a Buster Keaton film I always feel fulfilled, refreshed and sooo happy afterwards I guess that's why he my favourite comic. It's hard to believe that this film, which is so well loved today was once in its initial release called "a gloomy, sorry affair" by a New York Times critic, well there is nothing gloomy about this film that's for sure, its nothing short of genius.
"Willie" Canfield Jr is a familiar weak kneed Buster Keaton character. Son of a Steamboat captain, Willie on the advice of his mother goes from Boston to River Junction to see his estranged father William Sr to help out on his father's steamboat, there he sticks out like a sore thumb. Dressed in funny baggy pants, a beret, spotty bow tie, a silly moustache and accompanied with a ukulele, this wasn't at all how William Canfield Sr pictured his son. Willie's father William Canfield Sr (aka Steamboat Bill) owns the "old" steamboat"Stonewall Jackson" and business is tough, he is in rivalry with the owner of the "new" steamboat John James King, even his name rings superiority. Willie falls for John James King's daughter Kitty whom he knew from Boston, which doesn't sit well with their fathers.  Things get even more exciting when Willie shows his heroic side when he breaks his father out of prison and of course the 15min cyclone sequence that puts most special effects today to shame!. Willie in the end proves himself to his father, wins the girl and the old Stonewall Jackson steamer is the only thing left standing.

Steamboats Stunts!
Here is one of the most memorable Keaton stunts. as he stands in front of a house,
the front comes crashing down
and Keaton promptly goes through the window.
(Photo Via Old Hollywood)

Steamboat is an exciting and energetic comedy, supremely timed. A brilliant example of what Buster Keaton represented as a hard working and pioneering comedic showman. This was the last of nine Buster Keaton independent films, Steamboat followed College and The General. Due to Steamboat Bill Jr being the biggest financial, critical and commercial flop at that time of his career he moved to MGM where he made his last film with the Keaton trademark The Cameraman (1928).
It's hard to say why Steamboat flopped as I see nothing wrong with this film, for some reason 1928 just wasn't accepting it. But it has flourished with time, it features in the 1001 movie's you must see before you die and you should. 

The hilarious 15min cyclone sequence (with no text boards), originally was suppose to be a flood, but due to a recent flooding Keaton was urged to change the climatic sequence to a cyclone, this caused the film to go waaay over budget. 

The hat gag, one of best gags of the film, where Keaton plays a parody of himself by dismissing his usual flat hat.

Marion Byron as Kitty King

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