For many years, film comedian Buster Keaton had been denied full credit for being an exceptional filmmaker as well as for being a brilliant comedian. He was known as an intuitive artist. Unlike Charlie Chaplin, Keaton always relied upon the contribution of his own production staff. Even so, Keaton was the guiding light and the vision was his. If any of Keaton's fans or critics became either worried or conscious of his legacy becoming overshadowed by Chaplin, their concerns were all in vain. Thanks to this excellent and insightful documentary, Buster Keaton can take his place amongst the big names of comedy greats of the 1920s and 1930s. In my opinion, they are: Stan Laurel, Oliver Hardy, Buster Keaton, Charlie Chaplin, Harold Lloyd, W.C Fields, Charley Chase and Harry Langdon. Made in 1987, "Buster Keaton: A Hard Act to Follow," is a thoroughly researched and impeccably made tribute to this comic clown who is responsible for some of the most creative and original comedy ever put on film. The documentary also presents a look at Keaton the man, from his childhood where he was part of his parents vaudeville act, how he was taught everything he knew about comedy by fellow comedian and friend, Roscoe Arbuckle. We follow Keaton's career after leaving vaudeville, about how he blossomed as both a filmmaker as well as a comedian, Keaton's first short films and much more besides. There are stories about the various injuries Buster sustained whilst performing his dangerous stunts. Some of them make me shudder. Once he was established in his own films, he was determined to put his own stamp upon American film comedy for all time. He certainly succeeded. Buster's character on- screen has become an icon. His blank, almost impassive face, the pork pie hat, the waistcoat etc. With regards to Keaton as a person, he comes across as being fairly affable but also a bit put upon, courtesy of his unpleasant first wife and her snooty family. He has my sympathy! For a Hollywood star, Keaton seemed more capable of controlling his ego. I think that certainly applied when it came to acknowledging the hard efforts of his team of gag writers, cameramen and his other staff. Keaton seemed to be more at ease and more accepting about functioning as part of a creative team. Chaplin certainly wasn't. The documentary doesn't shy away from detailing the temporary decline that Keaton experienced throughout the 1930s and his bouts of heavy drinking. This all came about due to "M.G.M" not allowing Keaton to make films his way (as usual) and that his first marriage was nearing the end. Louis B. Mayer had made the mistake of taking Buster's creative control away from him. He was compromised as a result. The quality of his films declined, apart from three very good ones. However, Buster had developed a considerable following in parts of Europe by about the late 1940s. Thanks to this following, the comedian's work was being shown again and being enjoyed once more. He made personal appearances to discuss his work and found work in television and film. The resurgence of interest in Buster Keaton lasted until his passing in 1966. For the latter period, we are given a generous look at how are couple of film shorts were made. These film shorts show Buster and Mrs. Eleanor Keaton on board a train as they were on a tour of America whilst he was making his personal appearances. It makes for fascinating viewing. In addition, there is footage of the man himself being interviewed outside his home. Buster doesn't look very well but his contribution to this documentary is absolutely essential. I observed that at one point as he is talking about how "M.G.M" treated him, Buster lowers his eyes and shrugs his shoulders - as if erasing a bad memory. Then eventually, Buster Keaton was acknowledged for his contribution to the art of film comedy by being presented with "A Lifetime Achievement" award. It is well deserved. The documentary is spread over three different episodes and runs for just over two and half hours. The accompanying music was composed in the style of the 1920s and this suits the documentary ideally. Lindsay Anderson does a fine job of the narration. "Buster Keaton: A Hard Act to Follow" is without equal and any fan of Buster Keaton should see this and enjoy it.
