THE CAMERAMAN is one of my favorite Keaton films and it’s great to have it in about as good a shape as we’re ever likely to see it with a suitable new score from Arthur Barrow (Criterion has since released a definitive edition). This film illustrates what Keaton’s career at MGM could have been like if only the top brass had listened to him. SPITE MARRIAGE, Buster’s last silent and almost as good as THE CAMERAMAN, is in great shape and features its original 1929 soundtrack which is also in good shape although I would have liked the option of a modern track to choose from.
There can be no choices regarding FREE AND EASY. Being Keaton’s first talkie the soundtrack is an essential part of the film and showcases what was to be Buster’s downfall, the move away from visual to verbal gags and the transformation of his character from resourceful self-sufficiency to a hapless boob who no longer gets the girl. This transformation is clearly shown in the new Photoplay Productions documentary SO FUNNY IT HURT: BUSTER KEATON AT MGM which rounds out this 2 DVD set.
As in TCM Archives earlier offering of Lon Chaney films, this is a first class presentation with quality packaging and loads of bonus material. Interesting as entertainment and fascinating as history as you see how sound and the corporate mentality nearly destroyed one of the greatest comedy talents of all time. In one of the best examples of true poetic justice, Keaton lived long enough to see himself back on top (although he never understood why) and now he’s more popular with today’s audiences than Chaplin.
The Capsule Critic 