The Scarecrow (Buster Keaton, 1920)

The Scarecrow was written and directed by Buster Keaton in 1920, and stars him living in a single house with a man who plans to propose to the same woman as him. As the film continues, Keaton becomes involved in a number of wild and wacky situations that involve physical stunts, comedy and romance, as things escalate and become more ridiculous as they go on.

The film was released the same year as One Week(Buster Keaton, 1920), and involves many of the same themes. A man, played by Keaton, getting into multiple crazy and unbelievably unlucky scenarios that involve him running away from something, or performing some impressive stunts for some reason. Keaton often incorporated physical, slapstick comedy into his films, as many silent film stars did in the 1920’s, such as Charlie Chaplin, using exaggerated movements and seemingly painful stunts performed by a clueless but lovable protagonist who cant catch a break. The film is fast paced, and once the chase scene begins, it remains exiting and intense towards the final frame. The environment is built specifically for Keaton to run around in manic circles from a “mad dog!”, and the house itself incorporated physical comedy in the way that it is built, similarity to One Week.

I personally really enjoyed this film! It was much faster and intense than One Week, which I also enjoyed, and involves less ridiculous situations with funnier outcomes and moments. It feels longer but is consistently paced, and Keaton’s slapstick comedy and stunts bring a lot to the film. It was funny and entertaining, as films were made to be in the Hollywood industry at the time. I rate The Scarecrow 4 and a half stars!