You know, I usually say THREE AGES is Keaton's worst silent film he directed, but I'm changing my mind and saying BATTLING BUTLER. Now it's not a bad film, as silent Keaton never made a turkey. That said, like SEVEN CHANCES, this was based on a stage play, never a good idea for Keaton, as his best comedy, such as SHERLOCK, JR. and the film we'll be discussing next week, is very cinematic and tends to move around. Those films could never be effective stage plays. However, SEVEN CHANCES does get the incredible finale that is very Buster like, something we never get in BATTLING BUTLER.
Look, there's some good stuff here, especially in the beginning. Just the idea of rich Keaton "roughing it" in the woods is great stuff, because his version involves bringing butler Snitz Edwards along with modern conveniences at his disposal. That alone is funny, as is the stone faced manner in which Keaton approaches his business. My favorite part of the entire film, and one that has left a positive impression on me, is when Buster and Sally O'Neil are outside camping on the table, elbows on the table causing said table to sink into the dirt. Both characters sink along with the table until they are on the ground, continuing their conversation as if nothing is happening. Fantastic gag.
The sparring stuff is a mixed bag for me. Keaton's physicality is great most of the time. I got a nice laugh when he tried to impersonate the trainer jumping over the top rope into the ring, only to fall down and have his momentum carry him in a circular way back to the outside. However, the scene fits Shemp and with the fey mannerisms, Joe Besser more than Keaton. The reason? Look at Keaton, while not a big guy, he was in pretty good shape. Just doesn't seem believable that he'd act that wimpy.
Umbrella Sam mentions a photo not showing up anywhere of the real Battling Butler, though it actually does! When Snitz Edwards is convincing the father and brother, he's showing them a real newspaper article, complete with picture of the real Battling Butler. That right there should be a giveaway Keaton is not the real boxer, so a big suspension of disbelief is needed! As far as Sally O'Neil, a bit young at 17. Maybe that innocence works with the protective father and brother, though. The age in the film isn't mentioned. I think Mary O'Brien would be a more standard Keaton leading lady, very attractive I think, but looking her up, only one of three film credits she ever did.
As for the finale, while not a stone cold amazing chase or spectacle like most of his finales, it shows an intensity to Keaton we rarely see, and an admittedly good chaser after watching wimpy Keaton earlier. Totally intense ass kicking acting on Buster's part, the way he takes his already downed opponent up just so he can sock him again. Overall, BATTLING BUTLER is Keaton's most stage like feature he directed, as it moves along nicely, is never dull, Keaton makes the material better than it is with his physicality and demeanor, but it still lacks the cinematic qualities of classic Keaton fare. For some irony, this was also Keaton's most commercially successful silent film (yes, the MGM talkies were more successful than any silents), proving that the modern perception of Keaton wasn't what it was in his heyday. For more irony, next week's film was a commercial disappointment.
7/10
