KOMPLETLY KEATON
The Webster Film Series, September 28-October 14, 2007
http://www.webster.edu/filmseries

In this age of googleplex theaters, special effects and digital animation the brilliant art of the silent film era is oftentimes overlooked. With the exception of film aficionados a whole generation has grown up blissfully unaware of the creative genius that was birthed in the silent film era.

For the most part, the three great comedians of the silent era, Charlie Chaplin, Harold Lloyd and Buster Keaton live on only as faint residuals of this bygone age, remembered more as caricatures than for their actual work itself.

Thank goodness the Webster Film Series is doing their part to change all of this as they call attention to this wonderful era of film with Kompletly Keaton, a series of 22 full length and short films by Buster Keaton, one of the most prolific, innovative and relevant figures in the cinematic arts. Known mainly for his physical comedy and skillful direction Keaton is one of the master s of American cinema.

What a glorious feast this is! Each film screened over the three week run of the program is presented with a fully restored 35mm print escorted by a live musical accompaniment.

Since seeing every film in the series is a daunting task here are 5 films that you simply must see;

The General (1927)-Widely regarded as one the best films ever made. This is the essental Keaton. He stars as a down on his luck engineer fraught with humiliation after being rejected for entry the Confederate Army. To make things worse his girl has lost faith in him and the Union has daringly made tracks with his train. Keaton must save the day and overcome his cowardice by tracking down his beloved train and winning back his lady. The highlight of The General is the exhilarating locomotive chase that steams mightily throughout the film. October 14, 8:00pm

Our Hospitality (1923)-Keaton produced, directed wrote and starred in this slapstick farce about a New York urbanite that bumbles and fumbles his way into the bad side of a good old fashioned Southern family feud. Our Hospitality is a fully loaded treat with enough terrific rescues and daring chase scenes to measure up with the drek coming from major studios today. This is the perfect example of Keaton is on top of his game with comedic timing and pacing. September 29, 8:00pm

Sherlock JR.-(1924) A projectionist with an over active imagination is accused of stealing a watch. When he falls asleep on the job he dreams that he is Sherlock Holmes, solving the very crime he has been accused of.  Despite running just under one hour this is a film laden with the imagination and charm that made Keaton an endearing superstar of his age. September 30, 8:00pm

The Navigator-(1924) A true masterpiece of the silent era. Wackness ensues when the lovelorn doofus named Rollo becomes stranded on an island with his true love, who hasn't really taken a shine to him. The Navigator is a must see features some of Keaton's best stunt work. October 5, 8:00pm

Go West (1925)-A wonderful comedy with a few pinches of melancholy. Go West sees Keaton tackling new ground, the Western. Never one to stand on tradition, Keaton brings slapstick and physical comedy to the Wild West. Hilarity ensues when he leads a herd of cattle through Los Angeles. This emotional but wiled wile ride is an overlooked gem in the Keaton canon. October 6, 8:00pm

Screened as a series of 11 programs Kompletely Keaton serves as both an introduction to those curious about his comedic genius and cinematic debonair and also a reminder to movi  buffs of how special and hilarious Buster Keaton really was.

All films screened in Moore Auditorium located in Webster Hall on the campus of Webster University, 470 East Lockwood Avenue.