Well, this was definitely an improvement over the last couple shorts. While it does take some elements from THE GOAT and THE SCARECROW, THE E-FLAT MAN still has enough to it to make it stand out a bit, even if it doesn’t stand out a lot. The opening with Keaton and Dorothea Kent constantly missing each other while trying to escape is pretty funny and, as few physical gags as there are, the few there are are very effective, like when Keaton and Kent attempt to hitch a ride on the train or when Bud Jamison and the other cop tackle Keaton towards the end. There are spots that drag and the gag involving the ventilated refrigerator takes way too long to build up for very little payoff. Still, there’s some nice stuff to enjoy and it is interesting to see how Keaton handles screwball comedy, and we even get to see him do a brief parody again.
7 out of 10