I really enjoyed this one. While, yes, it doesn’t entirely make sense from a legal point of view, I think that’s part of its charm. The story is different, but still within character for Keaton. Part of it seems as though it’s an anti-COPS, considering this time Keaton can’t even get a cop to chase him, and even then the cops are reluctant.
Though it does reuse a few elements from previous films, it’s not to the point where it feels like it’s just a lazy retread. Some moments I really like are Keaton’s uncaring response to escape alternatives, his interactions with Stanley Blystone, and the whole mix-up with the prison escape. I also really like how Keaton tries to wipe his fingerprints off the surfaces his friend put them on, as though he thinks that will actually work.
One thing that’s interesting to note about this is that the credited writer, Paul Gerard Smith, actually had worked with Keaton before on BATTLING BUTLER and THE GENERAL, so perhaps that might be a contributing factor to how interesting and funny the short is.
There is one thing I didn’t like about the story, though: the death twist. It felt way too dark, especially for a character who, though far from being a good friend, did seem to be genuine in following through with his word. Regarding the ring subplot, much like the romance in GRAND SLAM OPERA, I find it funny for how rushed it was.
Overall, the choices for the supporting cast were pretty good. Seeing Bud Jamison and Stanley Blystone is always fun and Harold Goodwin also makes another return appearance with Keaton.
This is definitely one of the best of the Keaton Educational shorts.
9 out of 10
