Traveling through Canada while filming the amusing short film 'The Railrodder', Buster Keaton is observed both on and off set in this little seen documentary. Though hardly the most loquacious entertainer, Keaton proves to be an interesting behind-the-camera personality as he debates whether certain scenes in 'The Railrodder' are thrills or gags and as he shares anecdotes about celebrities such as Cecil B. DeMille. The documentary is a tad uneven a ride though (pun intended) as it pulls between focusing on Keaton backstage and recounting Keaton's childhood and initial rise to fame; fascinating a career as Keaton certainly had, the highlights of 'Rides Again' are the scenes of Keaton conversing - and singing. There is also an overload of footage from 'The General' interspersed throughout - no doubt to justify the title as Keaton also rides railway tracks in 'The Railrodder' - but less footage from 'The General' and more from the inventive likes of 'Sherlock Jr.' may have worked better. Flawed as it may be though, 'Rides Again' is an easy film to warm to. While clearly not as healthy and agile as in his prime, Keaton is enthusiastic as ever about finding ways to make his audiences laugh and the candid insight the film offers into his mind at work, always thinking up different ways to find humour in life, truly resonates.
Review of Buster Keaton Rides Again
