☆ ☆ ☆ ½
The
Navigator (1924) – D. Crisp & B. Keaton
Early Buster Keaton two-reeler that is
sporadically funny, picking up speed as it goes along. Keaton accidentally finds himself on an
abandoned ship, alone with the girl he hopes to marry, who has also
accidentally gotten on board the ghost ship (pushed out to sea as part of
espionage). The two muddle out how to cook a meal, find bunks to sleep in, and
fix a leak under the ship (which involves Buster in a real deep sea diving suit
that eventually fills with water…of course).
They are nearly rescued and nearly captured by cannibals. Part of the thrill offered by any of Keaton’s
comedies (short or long) is from knowing that he invents all his own gags and
does all his own stunts, which often involve a high level of acrobatic skill in
the service of looking clumsy as hell.
Not really up there with The General or Sherlock Jr. (although others
seem to think so) but damn fine nonetheless.
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