"The Saphead" is an enjoyable film, as long as you are not expecting a Buster Keaton comedy. It's true, Mr. Keaton is the star of the movie, but any similarity between this film and the ones that have made him so popular, are practically non existent. He does fall down the stairs once, and briefly crushes a mans hat while trying to retrieve his own, but that is about it. If it wasn't for the fact that his character never smiles, one may wonder if it was the great stone face they were actually watching. Well, it is, but what you see instead of a Buster Keaton slapstick adventure, is rather, an actor playing a role in an ultra light, romantic comedy.
Douglas Fairbanks had starred on Broadway in the popular play "The Henrietta," but when it was adapted for the screen, he was not available to revive his role. Having been familiar with the work of Buster Keaton, Fairbanks suggested the up and coming comic actor for the part. It would be the first full-length film that Buster Keaton would star in, making "The Saphead" a rather unassuming start to his career in features.
The plot is rather involved, but to sum it up quickly, it's about a family of eccentric rich people and the up and down love affair between Bertie (Buster Keaton) and his adopted sister, Agnes, played by Beulah Booker. Throw in a desperate brother-in-law, a mistress, an illegitimate child, some wall street bully's, and mix them together with a little dumb luck, and you have an entertaining, but predictable film.
If you're the type of person that loves to watch silent movies, "The Saphead" is worth a view. However, if you're a huge Buster Keaton fan and just want to see inventive visual gags and jaw dropping stunts, you'd be better off skipping this one. It's a pleasant silent film if you don't let your love of Buster get in the way.
Douglas Fairbanks had starred on Broadway in the popular play "The Henrietta," but when it was adapted for the screen, he was not available to revive his role. Having been familiar with the work of Buster Keaton, Fairbanks suggested the up and coming comic actor for the part. It would be the first full-length film that Buster Keaton would star in, making "The Saphead" a rather unassuming start to his career in features.
The plot is rather involved, but to sum it up quickly, it's about a family of eccentric rich people and the up and down love affair between Bertie (Buster Keaton) and his adopted sister, Agnes, played by Beulah Booker. Throw in a desperate brother-in-law, a mistress, an illegitimate child, some wall street bully's, and mix them together with a little dumb luck, and you have an entertaining, but predictable film.
If you're the type of person that loves to watch silent movies, "The Saphead" is worth a view. However, if you're a huge Buster Keaton fan and just want to see inventive visual gags and jaw dropping stunts, you'd be better off skipping this one. It's a pleasant silent film if you don't let your love of Buster get in the way.
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