Lost Keaton

Buster Keaton directed and starred in some of the greatest silent comedies (both shorts and features) ever made, but his career never enjoyed a successful transition to the talking-picture era, in part because he was denied the freedom and creative control granted him in his glory days. Keaton continued to make films even as his popularity waned, landing at the bargain-basement Educational Pictures in the mid-1930s, where he made the 16 two-reel comedies gathered in this collection. Sadly, there are no lost masterpieces here: Keaton lacked the time, money, and latitude to perfect his ideas, and veteran director Charles Lamont helms most of the productions here without much distinction. But Keaton is nevertheless a pro who rises above the material in one work after another—whether serving up a pratfall or a deadpan double-take—and he manages to create some memorable moments, particularly as the one-man baseball team in 1935's One Run Elmer. Also of note: Palooka From Paducah (1935), which reunites the entire Keaton family vaudeville act (including Buster's father, Joe; mother, Myra; and sister, Louise) for a hillbilly comedy with moonshine, dynamite, and wrasslin'. Bowing on DVD and Blu-ray, extras include a musical montage of Keaton antics, film notes by Keaton historian David Macleod, and a stills gallery. A strong optional purchase. (S. Axmaker)