Steamboat Bill, Jr.
Directed by Charles Reisner (Buster Keaton uncredited)
Written by Carl Harbaugh
1928/US
Joseph M. Schenck Productions
IMDb page
Repeat viewing/Amazon Prime (Cohen Media Channel
William ‘Steamboat Bill’ Canfield Sr.: [upon seeing Bill Jr. for the first time, to Tom] If you say what you’re thinking, I’ll strangle you!
This film is special for Buster Keaton’s awesome special effects and stunt work.
Steamboat Bill (Ernest Torrence) is the cantankerous captain of a ramshackle steamboat. His only crew is an aged first mate. A powerful banker has just bought a brand new luxury steamboat that stands to put him out of business.
At this same time, Bill gets a telegram from his son William Canfield, Jr. (Buster Keaton) saying that junior has just finished school and wants to visit his father whom he has not seen since he was a baby. Dad and first mate go to pick him up and after many misidentifications are flabbergasted at what appears. Junior is an effete, almost effeminate, little man who appears to have not a shred of common sense. Dad does what he can to make a man of the kid.
Shortly thereafter, Kitty, daughter of the banker, arrives in town. She already knows junior from college and they pick up where they left off. Both fathers disapprove violently.
The film continues on with gag after gag. A hurricane approaches town. But it’s an ill wind that blows nobody good …
The physical comedy in this is off the charts! It’s both hilarious and awe-inspiring. Chaplin may have had the edge in grace but Buster was more athletic. Highly recommended.
