The Railrodder

OK. This is far from Buster Keaton's best work (The General, Seven Chances), but it just goes to show you the mastery of a style all but lost. With the insights of "Buster Keaton Ride's Again", this short silent film gives us not only a look into the past, but an art form that was almost lost forever. For 70 years young, Buster Keaton showed that age means nothing. He did all his own stunts on the rail line, and some were quite dangerous, even if he downplayed it.

Yes, this was more like an ad for "See Canada By Rail", but it doesn't take away from the magic and inspiration of the site comedy he gives us. The gags are almost all pure Keaton.

It's a fun, light-hearted ride, no more than can be expected in a 20 minute short film. And being in color, perhaps younger viewers will allow themselves to get caught up in the magic. One taste of this, and perhaps classics like the General will be next on a young viewer's list.

Sad, in a way. Here's the greatest comedian of the silent era (sorry, Chaplin fans, but you're just wrong, okay?) showing that he can still cut it, never mind how old he might be.

Film appears to be an advert for Canada (probably is), but is still a joy. A endless series of inspired sight-gags as Buster sails calmly through the wilderness on a railroad buggy. The dexterity, poise and, above all, quiet dignity of the man shine through.

Pity the world forgot about him for so long.

One year before his death in 1966, Buster Keaton, although far from the great popularity he enjoyed for the better part of the 1920's, squandered with the advent of sound under the autocratic rule of a studio that had no clue whatsoever how to use a man as talented as Buster, who had proved with THE CAMERAMAN (his first film for MGM after Jo Shenck sold his contract) to be absolutely unbeatable when left to his own devices and his own team of gagmen, the genius of silent cinema came on stage one last time for a final bow. THE RAILRODDER and the other short film he did the same year for Alan Schneider and Samuel Beckett, FILM, the first a joyous celebration of a legend, the other a sad, thoughtful examination of a man and myth; taken together, they form a great tribute to a great figure of cinema.

Although the style, the train setting, and a lot of the gags are a throwback, intentional homage, to some of Buster Keaton's most famous moments (THE GENERAL first among them), unlike the short films that made him a star in the 20's, this time Buster shares the stage. Vying for attention and getting it are both the Canadian countryside, open prairies and mountains, and the beautiful photography. To be appreciated for its cinematic merits as well as Keaton's presence, The Railrodder is a purely enjoyable, not particularly funny, but pleasant, warm, sympatico short film. And even in his old age, Buster has lost none of his stonefaced charm, that boyish naivety and oblivion to danger.

Having finally watched this comedy/documentary, yes, even I can make connections to the wonderfully underrated The Straight Story starring Richard Farnsworth. Interesting to note that both of these beloved men were STUNTMEN thru and thru!! The Railrodder is amazing, and contrary to previous discussions, Keaton was a survivor of alcoholism, and his dignity and wit shine through even as cancer was ravaging him. Keaton was a Genius! Having never traveled Canada, I am pleasantly surprised to hear this AMAZING country shown in this film still exists. I keep pronouncing the title of this film as Rail-Rodder, like hot rodder! The behind the scenes document is a wonderful revelation of the artist as an older and wiser man, not the washed up alcoholic some suggest. Keaton was in fine form through all this,even with cancer.

Buster Keaton was a star in the early days of film, this delightful little piece from 1965 proves he still had that pizazz that makes a great comedy star to till the very end. Falling off London Bridge in England and swimming all the way to Canada is one many funny, great things to be seen in this movie, but I think it really mostly highlights, Canada and it's railroad, plus you get to see the country's scenic beauty and places of the House of Parlament, all along the way and a great Jazz/Country/Bluegrass/Classical score to boot. Let's not forget Buster dodging mighty trains all along the way and doing other crazy stuff.