The Saphead

"Saphead" is an awful romantic melodrama. Basically Keaton is just doing straight acting (the movie's based on a stage play). There is little comedy here.

But the 2 shorts included on the DVD -- "The High Sign" and "One Week" --are outstanding. They rate 8 and 9 scores, respectively. "One Week" anticipates many of Keaton's later gags and stunts, showing the kind of imagination and skill that made his films the funniest of the silent era (sorry, Charlie).

The problem with this film is that it not a slapstick comedy and was never intended to be one, so if you are going to watch it forget about Buster Keaton, the comedian and look at Buster Keaton, the actor. Keaton is a revelation in this film, his performance is restrained and excellent proving that he was an actor as well as a comedian, a fact that makes his middle years even more sadder, truly a talent wasted by the studio system of the 30's. I'd like to add that Keaton had no problems adjusting to talkies, as commonly assumed, he had a fine speaking voice and could deliver a comic line perfectly, the problem lay with him losing control of his productions and being given poor quality material to work with, he never lost his talent as widely believed. All the performances in this little gem of a movie are first class especially Irving Cummings and William H Crane as well as Keaton's. This is a nice way to spend an hour, but, the final twenty minutes are the best as it is plain to see Keaton's contribution in the scenes in the Stock Exchange as Bertie runs around manically saying "I take it", but, not really knowing why. For many people, their only experience of silent movies is slapstick comedy, so I would say broaden your horizons and start with this one.

Keaton plays a character that is somewhat bewildered by life-he meets the wrong train, he asks permission to quit winning at gambling, he is even inept in getting arrested. All is done with his deadpan expression and his intense eyes. This combination of innocence adrift in a life of circumstances provides Keaton with ample humorous moments. At times, I found the comedy to be somewhat muted; yet the pacing was well done and the stock market scenes are thoroughly delightful. `The Saphead' is not on a par with `The General', ‘Sherlock, Jr.', or `Seven Chances', but the film has its share of riches for the viewer.

Before I watched "The Saphead" I was under the impression that it was a Buster Keaton comedy, rather than a straight drama that starred Buster Keaton. For the first twenty minutes or so I was rather confused by the lack of jokes but then after a quick Google search I figured out what was happening.

After I realised what the nature of the film was, I found it pretty enjoyable. It's nothing special but it also isn't totally forgettable. The story may not be totally original but it did have some interesting beats in it that I wasn't expecting.

Keaton does a really good job in this role, and he even gets some moments to show off his comedic talents to the audience (the most notable being the stock market scene, which gets some decent laughs).

So yeah, overall it's nothing special but it's a decent watch and the feature film debut of a comedy legend.

'The Saphead' was Buster Keaton's feature film debut that made him real star and respectable as an actor. The film is based on Broadway play where Bertie Van Alstyne was played by Douglas Fairbanks, who declined the opportunity to reprise his role on big screen. Instead he recommended Buster Keaton for the role. Compared to best known Keaton's movies 'The Saphead' might feel little bit boring and slow because the film doesn't contain much of his usual breathtaking stunt work and elaborate action. Still, with his deadpan expression and perfect comedic timing Buster Keaton shines as the inept in life son of rich magnate Nicholas Van Alstyne (William H. Crane). The film itself is well paced and nicely balanced, but the most memorable scene is in the stock exchange where Bertie saves the day when he thinks that he is being insulted, and has no idea of his deed.

Don't go into this film with high expectations of action packed comedy and you find yourself entertained. Plus, you can see Buster Keaton's more serious side, and that side is equally enjoyable as his awesome physical comedy. Definitely must see film for all the admirers of the great 'Stone Face'.