The Cannon Ball

Ever been chased by a cannon ball? Chester Conklin has. See Chester run! The mayhem begins when a cigarette-smoking Chester arrives with his two assistants to inspect the boom powder co. factory. Boom has just perfected the ultimate cannon ball! All cast members play their parts very well, but Conklin as the shifty woman-chasing inspector stands out prominently above them all. He knew exactly how to portray this part. The special effects are quite interesting for 1915. A cannon ball chases people, a bridge is shot out by a cannon, and fires and explosions rage everywhere. The high standard of acting and the novel special effects make this comedy one of Keystone's best.

Chester Conklin and two stooges visit the explosive powder factory, where they are testing a new gun, to ogle the women and seize the armaments for nefarious purposes. Of course the Keystone Kops get involved in this one.

A Keystone comedy set in a high explosive factory... The company had been in business since 1912. What had taken them so long to come up with this one? Had Sennett said the idea was too on the nose? Were they caught for an advertising slogan for the Boom Powder Company (how about "When you think Mass Destruction, think Boom!"?)? Were they holding this idea back until they ran out of star power and decided that Chaplin's leaving was enough to pull this one out of the trunk?

Whatever the reason, this is at the same time a great Keystone comedy and so utterly typical of the studio's product that you can use it as the measure of all things Keystone.