It took another three years before Buster became a leading actor.īuster Keaton was married three times. He gave up a good paying vaudeville gig to take on a $40 a week job as Roscoe 'Fatty' Arbuckle's co-star.
This last headline could also apply to Donald O'Connor, for after the biopic's release this multi-talented performer's film career was confined mainly to supporting roles.īuster did not gate-crash a movie studio and become an instant hit. Amongst some of those featured are 'MOVIES KILL VAUDEVILLE' and SILENT STARS FALL BY THE WAYSIDE'. In a movie replete with Hollywood cliches, none is more overworked than the plot being advanced by a newspaper headline. Whichever device is used, they are are welcome relief from the dreariness that surrounds them. Some of these scenes are credited to their correct film, others are credited to fictional movies, while Spite Marriage is performed as a vaudeville act.
Though he may not successfully convey the deadpan humour of Keaton, he goes close to matching the master with his acrobatic prowess. Yet the biopic’s best moments occur when it stays close to reality, particularly in its recreations of scenes from Keaton’s movies. Instead, this biopic serves up fictional characters, amalgamates others, and omits other significant characters entirely. Which is a pity, because the real Buster Keaton story has so much to offer. Apart from these bare bones, the rest of movie is pure fiction. Mildly entertaining biopic about the life of Buster Keaton, from his childhood on vaudeville to his rise and fall as a silent screen star, focusing on his battle with alcoholism and financial ruin.