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Buster Keaton - A Hard Act To Follow | | |
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 The most comprehensive biography of Buster Keaton on video May 14, 2001
30 out of 30 found this review helpful
This is a beautiful documentary, created with special care by famous film historians Kevin Brownlow and David Gill, aided by the work of first class researchers. I think that everyone who has seen this video would say that it made them appreciate the films of Buster Keaton even more, as well as adding to their understanding of the silent era in general. This documentary charts most of Buster Keaton's career, including his Television work of the 1950s. A real gem is the previously unseen footage of a nearly bald Buster Keaton advertising shampoo. But Brownlow and Gill must be praised most for their brilliance at discovering and restoring old prints of films thought lost. The prime example on this tape is 'Hard Luck', a 2-reel film that Keaton named as one of his favourites. Another beautiful feature of this tape has to be the score by Carl Davis, who has written many wonderful things for TV (such as 'Silas Marner', 'Pride and Prejudice', 'The World at War') and films (including the restored print of 'Napoloen'and'The French Lieutenants Woman') I often find myself humming the opening music to this video, which I now very fondly associate with one of the most talented performers of the cinema.
BUSTER KEATON = CLASS ACT. January 14, 2006
S. A. MULLIN (Elburton, Devon United Kingdom)
21 out of 22 found this review helpful
After having seen this documentary on Buster Keaton on ITV back in the 90's I was hooked,and was determined to catch up on the silent classics that were featured in this series of programmes.This is one of those documentaries, that if you have an interest in the subject, you could watch it over and over again.
Loads of interviews, rare clips, classic scenes and also an honest look at genius gone off the rails. Definitley worth viewing to make you realise that even in 2006 NOBODY can come close in comedy to rival Mr Stoneface.
Best Keaton doc April 4, 2006
David Benson (London United Kingdom)
12 out of 12 found this review helpful
Beautifully made, this three-part 150 minute documentary is essential viewing for anyone who loves, or is interested in Keaton's life and work. Copiously illustrated with extracts from his film and television work plus insightful and informative interviews with many people who knew him, including Raymond Rohauer and Buster's last wife, the lovely Eleanor Keaton. Superb original score by Carl Davis and intelligent narration takes you through Buster's life with great intelligence and sensitivity. The final moments are very moving. Only the packaging design leaves something to be desired, looking to my eyes rather drab and unenticing.
An Impossible Act to Follow! December 30, 2006
Paul Mason (Surrey)
6 out of 6 found this review helpful
Buster Keaton was a silent film comic, director and creative artist of genius, who through ill-luck, the stupidity of his bosses and changes in fashion (sound arrived), was deprived of creative control of his work at the peak of his powers. Although he eventually regained the respect he deserved, it was too late for any more masterpieces. A modest man, his last years also gave him a measure of happiness with his last wife, Eleanor.
This three part documentary by Kevin Brownlow and David Gill, produced by Thames Television of London, appeared in 1987, lasts 150 minutes approximately and is contained on a single DVD. If memory serves it was not repeated on ITV. It's a superbly told and edited account of Keaton's life as a film maker with some background personal detail. There are numerous interviews with friends, co-workers and his wife Eleanor and excerpts from many of his 1920s films. The first part covers his beginnings up to and including THE NAVIGATOR in 1924, the second part covers from 1924 to 1933 when he was fired from MGM and the third part from 1933 to his death in 1966. It's all funny, amazing, inspiring and finally moving.
The DVD is a good transfer from the master material but there are no extras. I hope Network are working on a release of the Brownlow and Gill documentary on Harold Lloyd, THE THIRD GENIUS but their earlier and equally masterly series on Charlie Chaplin, UNKNOWN CHAPLIN is already available and also recommended.
Just about perfect!! December 2, 2007
J. Bryce (Toronto, Canada)
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
One of the most satisfying and enjoyable documentaries I've ever seen. I think the other reviewers have covered all the details for me already. I simply want to make sure my 5 stars are added to the total because they were never so well-deserved. This three-episode disc is an absolute must for anyone with even the vaguest interest in film history, or for that matter, the vaguest sense of humour. Just plain wonderful.
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