FILMOGRAPHY
COMPILED BY JACK DRAGGA
As with any filmography, many thanks must go to those who have tread this ground before, as their efforts provide a starting point from which to base my own research. They are: Samuel A. Gill (Arbuckle films), Leonard Maltin, J. P. Lebel, Maryann Chach, Rudi Blesh, David Robinson, George Wead, George Ellis, and Jim Kline. Also many thanks to Eleanor Keaton and Raymond Rohauer, who checked what few records Buster had kept. This was very helpful in listing Keaton's work for television. Thanks to Joel Goss for his input and to my wife, Gail, for her support and typing ability.
Film credits were checked from original title footage when available. Running times listed are approximated. Alternate titles are listed in parentheses after the most commonly used title.
ARBUCKLE-KEATON SHORTS
The Butcher Boy (1917)
Released: April 23, 1917. Copyright: April 12, 1917. Length: 2 reels. Distributed by: Paramount Pictures. Produced by: Comique Film Corporation.
Technical Credits:
Director: Roscoe Arbuckle. Writer: Roscoe Arbuckle. Story: Joe Roach. Scenario Editor: Herbert Warren. Photography: Frank D. Williams.
Cast:
Roscoe Arbuckle (butcher boy), Buster Keaton (customer), Al St. John (rival), Josephine Stevens (daughter of proprietor and pupil at girls' boarding school), Arthur Earle (store proprietor), Agnes Neilson (principal), Joe Bordeau (accomplice), Luke the Dog.
A Reckless Romeo (1917)
Released: May 21, 1917. Copyright: Unknown. Length: 2 reels. Distributed by: Paramount Pictures. Produced by: Comique Film Corporation.
Technical Credits:
Director: Roscoe Arbuckle. Writer: Roscoe Arbuckle. Story: Joe Roach. Scenario Editor: Herbert Warren. Photography: Frank D. Williams.
Cast:
Roscoe Arbuckle (husband), Buster Keaton (rival), Al St. John (rival), Alice Lake, Corinne Parquet, Agnes Neilson (husband's mother-in-law).
Note: Considered a lost film.
The Rough House (1917)
Released: June 25, 1917. Copyright: June 20, 1917. Length: 2 reels. Distributed by: Paramount Pictures. Produced by: Comique Film Corporation.
Technical Credits:
Director: Roscoe Arbuckle. Writer: Roscoe Arbuckle. Story: Joe Roach. Scenario Editor: Herbert Warren. Photography: Frank D. Williams.
Cast:
Roscoe Arbuckle (Mr. Rough), Buster Keaton, Al St. John, Alice Lake, Agnes Neilson, Glen Cavender.
His Wedding Night (1917)
Released: August 20, 1917. Copyright: August 20, 1917. Length: 2 reels. Distributed by: Paramount Pictures. Produced by: Comique Film Corporation.
Technical Credits:
Director: Roscoe Arbuckle. Writer: Roscoe Arbuckle. Story: Joe Roach. Scenario Editor: Herbert Warren. Photography: George Peters.
Cast:
Roscoe Arbuckle, Buster Keaton, Al St. John, Alice Mann, Arthur Earle, Jimmy Bryant, Josephine Stevens.
Oh, Doctor! (1917)
Released: September 30, 1917. Copyright: September 19, 1917. Length: 2 reels. Distributed by: Paramount Pictures. Produced by: Comique Film Corporation.
Technical Credits:
Director: Roscoe Arbuckle. Writer: Roscoe Arbuckle. Scenario: Jean Havez. Scenario Editor: Herbert Warren. Photography: George Peters.
Cast:
Roscoe Arbuckle (doctor), Buster Keaton, Al St. John, Alice Mann.
Note: Considered a lost film.
Fatty at Coney Island (1917) (Coney Island)
Released: October 29, 1917. Copyright: October 11, 1917. Length: 2 reels. Distributed by: Paramount Pictures. Produced by: Comique Film Corporation.
Technical Credits:
Director: Roscoe Arbuckle. Writer: Roscoe Arbuckle. Scenario Editor: Herbert Warren. Photography: George Peters.
Cast:
Roscoe Arbuckle, Buster Keaton, Al St. John, Alice Mann, Agnes Neilson, James Bryant, Joe Bordeau.
A Country Hero (1917)
Released: December 10, 1917. Copyright: December 13, 1917. Length: 2 reels. Distributed by: Paramount Pictures. Produced by: Comique Film Corporation.
Technical Credits:
Director: Roscoe Arbuckle. Writer: Roscoe Arbuckle. Scenario Editor: Herbert Warren. Photography: George Peters.
Cast:
Roscoe Arbuckle, Buster Keaton, Al St. John, Alice Lake, Joe Keaton, Stanley Pembroke.
Note: Considered a lost film.
Out West (1918)
Released: January 20, 1918. Copyright: February 20, 1918. Length: 2 reels. Distributed by: Paramount Pictures. Produced by: Comique Film Corporation.
Technical Credits:
Director: Roscoe Arbuckle. Writer: Roscoe Arbuckle. Scenario: Natalie Talmadge. Scenario Editor: Herbert Warren. Photography: George Peters.
Cast:
Roscoe Arbuckle (bartender), Buster Keaton (saloon owner), Al St. John (outlaw), Alice Lake (Salvation Army worker), Joe Keaton.
The Bell Boy (1918)
Released: March 18, 1918. Copyright: March 7, 1918. Length: 2 reels. Distributed by: Paramount Pictures. Produced by: Comique Film Corporation.
Technical Credits:
Director: Roscoe Arbuckle. Writer: Roscoe Arbuckle. Scenario Editor: Herbert Warren. Photography: George Peters.
Cast:
Roscoe Arbuckle (bellboy and barber), Buster Keaton (bellboy), Al St. John (desk clerk), Alice Lake (Cutie Cuticle, manicurist), Joe Keaton (guest), Charles Dudley (guest).
Moonshine (1918)
Released: May 13, 1918. Copyright: May 6, 1918. Length: 2 reels. Distributed by: Paramount Pictures. Produced by: Comique Film Corporation.
Technical Credits:
Director: Roscoe Arbuckle. Writer: Roscoe Arbuckle. Scenario Editor: Herbert Warren. Photography: George Peters.
Cast:
Roscoe Arbuckle (revenue officer), Buster Keaton (his assistant), Al St. John (madman), Charles Dudley (moonshiner), Alice Lake (his daughter), Joe Bordeau.
Good Night, Nurse! (1918)
Released: July 8, 1918. Copyright: June 22, 1918. Length: 2 reels. Distributed by: Paramount Pictures. Produced by: Comique Film Corporation.
Technical Credits:
Director: Roscoe Arbuckle. Writer: Roscoe Arbuckle. Scenario Editor: Herbert Warren. Photography: George Peters.
Cast:
Roscoe Arbuckle (resort guest/”nurse”), Buster Keaton (visitor/doctor), Alice Lake (patient), Kate Price (nurse), Joe Keaton.
The Cook (1918)
Released: September 15, 1918. Copyright: August 20, 1918. Length: 2 reels. Distributed by: Paramount Pictures. Produced by: Comique Film Corporation.
Technical Credits:
Director: Roscoe Arbuckle. Writer: Roscoe Arbuckle. Scenario Editor: Herbert Warren. Photography: George Peters.
Cast:
Roscoe Arbuckle (cook), Buster Keaton (waiter), Al St. John (rival), Alice Lake (cashier), Glen Cavender, Luke the Dog.
Note: Considered a lost film. Once thought to be found but turned out to be The Rough House. Also, Buster's last film before going into the Army.
A Desert Hero (1919)
Note: Many filmographies list this film as having Keaton in it. However, the film has been found and without a doubt does not contain him in the cast. Most of the Keaton stills that are credited to this film are actually from Out West, made in 1918.
Back Stage (1919)
Released: September 7, 1919. Copyright: August 20, 1919. Length: 2 reels. Distributed by: Paramount Pictures. Produced by: Comique Film Corporation.
Technical Credits:
Director: Roscoe Arbuckle. Writer: Roscoe Arbuckle. Scenario: Jean Havez. Photography: Elgin Lessley.
Cast:
Roscoe Arbuckle (stage manager), Buster Keaton (stagehand), Al St. John (stagehand), Molly Malone (strongman's assistant), John Coogan (dancer).
Note: Buster's first film after returning from the Army. Cast member John Coogan is the father of child star Jackie Coogan.
The Hayseed (1919)
Released: October 26, 1919. Copyright: October 13, 1919. Length: 2 reels. Distributed by: Paramount Pictures. Produced by: Comique Film Corporation.
Technical Credits:
Director: Roscoe Arbuckle. Writer: Roscoe Arbuckle. Scenario: Jean Havez. Photography: Elgin Lessley.
Cast:
Roscoe Arbuckle (rural mail carrier), Buster Keaton (general helper)
The Garage (1920) (Fire Chief)
Released: January 11, 1920. Copyright: December 15, 1919. Length: 2 reels. Distributed by: Paramount Pictures. Produced by: Comique Film Corporation.
Technical Credits:
Director: Roscoe Arbuckle. Writer: Roscoe Arbuckle. Scenario: Jean Havez. Photography: Elgin Lessley.
Cast:
Roscoe Arbuckle (garage owner and fire chief), Buster Keaton (his assistant), Molly Malone (the girl), Harry McCoy (spurned lover), Daniel Crimmins, Luke the Dog.
KEATON SILENT SHORTS
Note: Some filmographies list all the Keaton silent shorts as having been produced or presented by Buster Keaton Productions. However, Buster was under contract with Comique. Joe Schenck didn't form Buster Keaton Productions until March 2, 1922, as Arbuckle neared the end of his third trial for manslaughter. Perhaps this change was to remove the Comique name that had so strongly been associated with Arbuckle.
One Week (1920)
Released: September 1, 1920. Copyright: September 3, 1920. Length: 2 reels. Distributed by: Metro Pictures. Presented by: Comique Film Corporation. Producer: Joseph M. Schenck.
Technical Credits:
Director: Buster Keaton and Eddie Cline. Script: Buster Keaton and Eddie Cline. Photography: Elgin Lessley.
Cast:
Buster Keaton and Sybil Seely (newlyweds), Joe Roberts (piano mover).
Convict 13 (1920)
Released: October 27, 1920. Copyright: October 4, 1920. Length: 2 reels. Distributed by: Metro Pictures. Presented by: Comique Film Corporation.
Technical Credits:
Director: Buster Keaton and Eddie Cline. Script: Buster Keaton and Eddie Cline. Photography: Elgin Lessley.
Cast:
Buster Keaton (golfer/convict), Sylbil Seely (warden’s daughter), Joe Keaton (convict).
The Scarecrow (1920)
Released: December 22, 1920 (some list November 17, 1920). Copyright: November 12, 1920. Length: 2 reels. Distributed by: Metro Pictures. Presented by: Comique Film Corporation. Producer: Joseph M. Schenck.
Technical Credits:
Director: Buster Keaton and Eddie Cline. Script: Buster Keaton and Eddie Cline. Photography: Elgin Lessley.
Cast:
Buster Keaton, Sybil Seely, Joe Keaton (her father), Joe Roberts (rival), Eddie Cline, Luke the Dog.
Note: Some filmographies list Al St. John in the cast, but it is hard to distinguish him in the film. He may be the minister who ends up on the motorcycle at the end. One filmography lists St. John as “the truck driver," but that is Eddie Cline.
Neighbors (1921)
Released: January 3, 1921 (some list December 22, 1920). Copyright: December 20, 1920. Length: 2 reels. Distributed by: Metro Pictures. Presented by: Comique Film Corporation.
Technical Credits:
Director: Buster Keaton and Eddie Cline. Script: Buster Keaton and Eddie Cline. Photography: Elgin Lessley.
Cast:
Buster Keaton (the boy), Joe Keaton (his father), Virginia Fox (the girl), Joe Roberts (her father), Eddie Cline (cop), James (Jack?) Duffy (judge), The Flying Escalantes.
Note: Original working titles: Mailbox and Backyard.
The Haunted House (1921)
Released: February 10, 1921. Copyright: February 7, 1921. Length: 2 reels. Distributed by: Metro Pictures. Presented by: Comique Film Corporation.
Technical Credits:
Director: Buster Keaton and Eddie Cline. Script: Buster Keaton and Eddie Cline. Photography: Elgin Lessley.
Cast:
Buster Keaton (bank teller,Virginia Fox (banker’s daughter), Joe Roberts (cashier), Eddie Cline (man who gets glue on pants).
Hard Luck (1921)
Released: March 16, 1921. Copyright: March 14, 1921. Length: 2 reels. Distributed by: Metro Pictures. Presented by: Comique Film Corporation.
Technical Credits:
Director: Buster Keaton and Eddie Cline. Script: Buster Keaton and Eddie Cline. Photography: Elgin Lessley.
Cast:
Buster Keaton, Virginia Fox, Joe Roberts, Bull Montana.
The High Sign (1921)
Released: April 12, 1921. Copyright: April 11, 1921. Length: 2 reels. Distributed by: Metro Pictures. Presented by: Comique Film Corporation. Producer: Joseph M. Schenck.
Technical Credits:
Director: Buster Keaton and Eddie Cline. Script: Buster Keaton and Eddie Cline. Photography: Elgin Lessley.
Cast:
Buster Keaton, Bartine Burkett, Al St. John (cameo).
Note: This was actually Keaton's first independent two-reeler, but he wasn't satisfied with it and had it shelved. It was only released after Keaton broke his leg while shooting The Electric House.
The Goat (1921)
Released: May 18, 1921. Copyright: May 17, 1921. Length: 2 reels. Distributed by: Metro Pictures. Presented by: Comique Film Corporation. Producer: Joseph M. Schenck.
Technical Credits:
Director: Buster Keaton and Mal St. Clair. Script: Buster Keaton and Mal St. Clair. Photography: Elgin Lessley.
Cast:
Buster Keaton, Virginia Fox (girl), Joe Roberts (her father, a detective), Mal St. Clair ("Dead Shot" Dan), Eddie Cline (cop), Jean Havez (man cleaning gun).
The Playhouse (1921)
Released: October 6, 1921. Copyright: October 6, 1921. Length: 2 reels. Distributed by: First National. Produced by: First National. Claimant: Joseph M. Schenck.
Technical Credits:
Director: Buster Keaton and Eddie Cline. Script: Buster Keaton and Eddie Cline. Photography: Elgin Lessley. Technical Director: Fred Gabourie.
Cast:
Buster Keaton (assistant stage manager), Joe Roberts (stage manager/Zouve guard), Virginia Fox (one of the twins).
Note: Some filmographies list Fred Gabourie as technical director starting with the first independent Keaton short. According to the biography by Rudi Blesh (page 154), Gabourie wasn't hired until after Buster broke his leg during his first attempt to film The Electric House. Going by this, The Playhouse would be the first film he could have worked on. Some list his first film as The Boat, which is actually the one after The Playhouse.
I have never found a listing as to who played the other twin in this film. In Blesh's biography of Keaton (pages 159-60), there is an excerpt from a Times article on Keaton's marriage to Natalie Talmadge. At the end of the article it states, “ . . the bride is to appear with the bridegroom in his next picture play." Buster's next picture was The Playhouse, and there is a similarity between Natalie and Virginia Fox. Maybe the other twin was Natalie Talmadge.
The Boat (1921)
Released: November 1921. Copyright: November 10, 1921. Length: 2 reels. Distributed by: First National. Produced by: Comique Film Corporation. Claimant: Comique Film Corporation. Presented by: Joseph M. Schenck.
Technical Credits:
Director: Buster Keaton and Eddie Cline. Script: Buster Keaton and Eddie Cline. Photography: Elgin Lessley. Technical Director: Fred Gabourie.
Cast:
Buster Keaton (husband), Sybil Seely (wife), Eddie Cline (telegrapher).
The Paleface (1922)
Released: January 1922. Copyright: December 17, 1921. Length: 2 reels. Distributed by: First National. Produced by: Comique Film Corporation. Claimant: Comique Film Corporation. Presented by: Joseph M. Schenck.
Technical Credits:
Director: Buster Keaton and Eddie Cline. Script: Buster Keaton and Eddie Cline. Photography: Elgin Lessley. Technical Director: Fred Gabourie.
Cast:
Buster Keaton, Joe Roberts (Indian chief), Virginia Fox (Indian maid).
Cops (1922)
Released: March 1922. Copyright: February 15, 1922. Length: 2 reels. Distributed by: First National. Produced by: Comique Film Corporation. Claimant: Comique Film Corporation.
Technical Credits:
Director: Buster Keaton and Eddie Cline. Script: Buster Keaton and Eddie Cline. Photography: Elgin Lessley. Technical Director: Fred Gabourie.
Cast:
Buster Keaton, Virginia Fox (mayor's daughter), Joe Roberts (plainclothes cop), Eddie Cline.
My Wife's Relations (1922)
Released: May 1922. Copyright: June 12, 1922. Length: 2 reels. Distributed by: First National. Produced by: Comique Film Corporation. Claimant: Comique Film Corporation. Presented by: Joseph M. Schenck.
Technical Credits:
Director: Buster Keaton and Eddie Cline. Script: Buster Keaton and Eddie Cline. Photography: Elgin Lessley. Technical Director: Fred Gabourie.
Cast:
Buster Keaton, Kate Price (wife), Monte Collins (her father), her brothers: Joe Roberts, Tom Wilson, Harry Madison, Wheezer Dell.
The Blacksmith (1922)
Released: July 21, 1922. Copyright: July 21, 1922. Length: 2 reels. Distributed by: First National. Produced by: Comique Film Corporation. Claimant: Comique Film Corporation. Presented by: Joseph M. Schenck.
Technical Credits:
Director: Buster Keaton and Mal St. Clair. Script: Buster Keaton and Mal St. Clair. Photography: Elgin Lessley. Technical Director: Fred Gabourie.
Cast:
Buster Keaton (blacksmith's assistant), Joe Roberts (blacksmith), Virginia Fox (girl with white horse).
Note: The beautiful white horse in this film is the same broken-down nag from Cops. The horse, which they had named Onyx, was pregnant when they bought her. This caused her swayback condition. One day the crew showed up to work and there was the foal. Buster named the offspring Onyx-pected.
The Frozen North (1922)
Released: August 1922. Copyright: August 3, 1922. Length: 2 reels. Distributed by: First National. Produced by: Buster Keaton Productions. Claimant: Buster Keaton Productions. Presented by: Joseph M. Schenck.
Technical Credits:
Director: Buster Keaton and Eddie Cline, Script: Buster Keaton and Eddie Cline. Photography: Elgin Lessley. Technical Director: Fred Gabourie.
Cast:
Buster Keaton, Bonnie Hill, Freeman Wood, Joe Roberts, Sybil Seely, Eddie Cline, Robert Parker.
Daydreams (1922)
Released: September 1922 (some list November 1922). Copyright: September 28, 1922. Length: 3 reels. Distributed by: First National. Produced by: Buster Keaton Productions. Claimant: Buster Keaton Productions. Presented by: Joseph M. Schenck.
Technical Credits:
Director: Buster Keaton and Eddie Cline. Script: Buster Keaton and Eddie Cline. Photography: Elgin Lessley. Technical Director: Fred Gabourie.
Cast:
Buster Keaton, Renee Adoree (the girl), Joe Keaton (her father), Joe Roberts (O'Grady, politician), Eddie Cline (stage manager).
The Electric House (1922)
Released: October 1922. Copyright: October 19, 1922. Length: 2 reels. Distributed by: Associated First National. Produced by: Buster Keaton Productions. Claimant: Buster Keaton Productions. Producer: Joseph M. Schenck.
Technical Credits:
Director: Buster Keaton and Eddie Cline. Script: Buster Keaton and Eddie Cline. Photography: Elgin Lessley. Technical Director: Fred Gabourie.
Cast:
Buster Keaton, Joe Roberts, Virginia Fox.
Note: There was an attempt to make this film after The Goat, but when Keaton broke his leg, shooting stopped and the footage was destroyed. Some stills from this first version still survive.
Joe and Myra Keaton are sometimes listed as being in this film, but if they are, they are unrecognizable. Perhaps they were to have been in the first version.
The Balloonatic (1923)
Released: January 22, 1923. Copyright: January 22, 1923. Length: 2 reels. Distributed by: Associated First National. Produced by: Buster Keaton Productions. Claimant: Buster Keaton Productions.
Technical Credits:
Director: Buster Keaton and Eddie Cline. Script: Buster Keaton and Eddie Cline. Photography: Elgin Lessley. Technical Director: Fred Gabourie.
Cast:
Buster Keaton, Phyllis Haver.
The Love Nest (1923)
Released: March 1923. Copyright: March 1923. Length: 2 reels. Distributed by: Associated First National. Produced by: Buster Keaton Productions. Claimant: Buster Keaton Productions.
Technical Credits:
Director: Buster Keaton and Eddie Cline. Script: Buster Keaton and Eddie Cline. Photography: Elgin Lessley. Technical Director: Fred Gabourie.
Cast:
Buster Keaton, Joe Roberts (ship captain), Virginia Fox (Buster's girlfriend).
KEATON SILENT FEATURES
The Saphead (1920)
Released: October 11, 1920. Copyright: October 18, 1920. Length: 7 reels. Distributed by: Metro Pictures. Presented by: John L. Golden and Winchell Smith, in conjunction with Marcus Loew.
Technical Credits:
Director: Herbert Blache. Scenario: June Mathis, based on The New Henrietta by Winchell Smith and Victor Mapes, adapted from The Henrietta, a play by Bronson Howard. Photography: Harold Wenstrom.
Cast:
Buster Keaton (Bertie Van Alstyne), William Crane (Nicholas Van Alstyne), Irving Cummings (Mark Turner), Carol Holloway (Rose Turner), Beulah Booker (Agnes Gates), Jeffery Williams (Hutchins), Edward Jobson (Rev. Murray Hilton), Edward Alexander (Watson Flint), Jack Livingston (Dr. George Wainwright), Edward Connelly (Musgrave), Odette Tyler (Mrs. Cornelia Opdyke), Katherine Albert (Hattie), Helen Holte (Henrietta Reynolds), Alfred Hollingsworth (Hathaway), Henry Clauss (Valet).
Note: The Saphead, Keaton's first feature, was made concurrently with the start of the production of his own two-reel comedies. He was loaned out for this film, and not much of his genius can be seen here, as he had no creative control over the project.
The Three Ages (1923)
Released: September 24, 1923. Copyright: July 25, 1923. Length: 6 reels or 5,251 feet. Distributed by: Metro Pictures. Claimant: Joseph M. Schenck Productions. Produced by: Buster Keaton Productions.
Technical Credits:
Director: Buster Keaton and Eddie Cline. Script/Titles: Clyde Bruckman, Joseph A. Mitchell, Jean C. Havez. Technical Director: Fred Gabourie. Photography: William McGann, Elgin Lessley.
Cast:
Buster Keaton (the hero), Margaret Leahy (the girl), Joe Roberts (her father), Lillian Lawrence (her mother), Wallace Beery (rival), Oliver Hardy (rival's Roman helper), Horace "Cupid" Morgan (the emperor), Blanche Payson (amazon cavewoman), Lionel Belmore.
Our Hospitality (1923)
Released: November 3, 1923 (Los Angeles premiere); November 19, 1923 (general release). Copyright: November 20, 1923. Length: 7 reels or 6,220 feet. Distributed by: Metro Pictures. Produced by: Buster Keaton Productions. Claimant: Joseph M. Schenck Productions.
Technical Credits:
Director: Buster Keaton and Jack C. Blystone. Script/Titles: Clyde Bruckman, Jean C. Havez, Joseph A. Mitchell. Art Director: Fred Gabourie. Electrician/Lighting: Denver Harmon. Costumes: Walter Israel. Photography: Elgin Lessley and Gordon Jennings.
Cast:
Prologue: Edward Coxen (John McKay), Jean Dumas (his wife), Buster Keaton, Jr. (Willie McKay, age one), Leonard Clapham [later called Tom London] (James Canfield), Joe Roberts (his brother, Joseph Canfield). Main story: Buster Keaton (Willie McKay, age twenty-one), Kitty Bradbury (his Aunt Mary), Joe Keaton (Lem Doolittle, train engineer), James [Jack?] Duffy (Sam Gardner, train guard), Natalie Talmadge (Joseph Canfield's daughter, Virginia), Ralph Bushman [later called Francis X. Bushman, Jr.] and Craig Ward (her brothers, Clayton and Lee), Erwin Connelly (husband quarreling with wife), Monte Collins (Rev. Benjamin Dorsey).
Note: The Rocket, the train used in this film, was also used by Al St. John in his two-reel short Thc Iron Mule (1925). This film exists today only in a one-reel Kodascope abridgment but contains many inventive gags with the train. It is also suspected to have been directed by Roscoe Arbuckle.
Sherlock Jr. (1924)
Released: April 21, 1924. Copyright: April 22, 1924. Length: 5 reels or 4,065 feet. Distributed by: Metro Pictures. Claimant: Joseph M. Schenck. Produced by: Buster Keaton Productions.
Technical Credits:
Director: Roscoe Arbuckle (early sequences) and Buster Keaton. Script/Titles: Clyde Bruckman, Jean C. Havez, and Joseph A. Mitchell. Technical Director: Fred Gabourie. Costumes: Clare West. Photography: Elgin Lessley, Byron Houck.
Cast:
Buster Keaton (the projectionist), Kathryn McGuire (his fiancee), Joe Keaton (her father), Ward Crane (the rival), Erwin Connelly (handyman/butler), Jane Connelly, Ford West, George Davis, Horace Morgan, John Patrick, Ruth Holley.
Note: In Keaton's autobiography, he states that Arbuckle was difficult to work with and that it was arranged for him to direct The Red Mill, causing him to drop out of Sherlock Jr. so Keaton could finish directing. Yet according to Arbuckle's third wife, Doris Deane, Arbuckle finished directing Sherlock Jr. as well as having supplied the story idea. One fact that supports this claim is that The Red Mill wasn't filmed until three years later, so there would be no need for Arbuckle to drop out as director of Sherlock Jr.
The Navigator (1924)
Released: October 13, 1924. Copyright: October 14, 1924. Length: 6 reels or 5,600 feet. Distributed by: Metro-Goldwyn Pictures Corp. Produced by: Buster Keaton Productions. Claimant: Metro-Goldwyn Pictures Corp. Presented by: Joseph M. Schenck.
Technical Credits:
Director: Buster Keaton and Donald Crisp. Script/Titles: Clyde Bruckman, Joseph A. Mitchell, Jean C. Havez. Technical Director: Fred Gabourie. Electrical Effects: Denver Harmon. Photography: Elgin Lessley and Byron Houck.
Cast:
Buster Keaton (Rollo Treadway), Kathryn McGuire (Betsy O'Brien), Frederick Vroom (John O'Brien, her father), Clarence Burton and H. M. Clugston (spies), Donald Crisp (face on picture at porthole), Noble Johnson (cannibal chief), the liner Buford (Navigator).
Seven Chances (1925)
Released: March 16, 1925 (some list March 11, 1925). Copyright: April 22, 1925. Length: 6 reels or 5,113 feet. Distributed by: Metro-Goldwyn Pictures. Produced by: Buster Keaton Productions. Claimant: Buster Keaton Productions. Presented by: Joseph M. Schenck.
Technical Credits:
Director: Buster Keaton. Script/Titles: Clyde Bruckman, Jean C. Havez, and Joseph A. Mitchell, based on Roi Cooper Megrue's play originally produced by David Belasco. Art Director: Fred Gabourie. Electrical Effects: Denver Harmon. Photography: Elgin Lessley and Byron Houck (black and white, with Technicolor prologue sequence).
Cast:
Buster Keaton (Jimmie Shannon), Ruth Dwyer (Mary Jones), T. Roy Barnes (Jimmie's partner, Billy Meekin), Snitz Edwards (the lawyer), Frankie Raymond (Mary's mother), Jules Cowles (the hired hand), Jean Arthur (Miss Jones, switchboard operator at country club), Erwin Connelly (clergyman), Jean Havez (man on the stair landing); and Loro Bara, Alma Bramley, Bartine Burkett, Doris Deane, Hazel Deane, Connie Evans, Eugenia Gilbert, Edna Hammon, Marion Harlan, Judy King, Rosalind Mooney, Peggy Pearce, Barbara Pierce, Kate Price, and Pauline Toler (women sought in marriage).
Note: According to Moving Picture News, ]ack McDermott was announced as a codirector.
Go West (1925)
Released: October 25, 1925 (New York premiere); November 1, 1925 (general release). Copyright: November 23, 1925. Length: 7 reels or 6,293 feet. Distributed by: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. Produced by: Buster Keaton Productions. Claimant: Buster Keaton Productions. Producer: Joseph M. Schenck.
Technical Credits:
Director: Buster Keaton, assisted by Lex Neal. Script/Titles: Raymond Cannon, from Keaton's original idea. Art Director: Fred Gabourie. Electrical Effects: Denver Harmon. Photography: Elgin Lessley and Bert Haines.
Cast:
Buster Keaton (Friendless, Homer Holiday), Howard Truesdale (Thompson, owner of the Diamond Bar Ranch), Kathleen Myers (Gloria, his daughter), Ray Thompson (foreman), Brown Eyes (cow), Joe Keaton (man in barber chair), Roscoe Arbuckle and Babe London (fat woman and daughter in store), Erwin Connelly (stockyard owner).
Note: Working titles were Mr. Nobody and Tramp! Tramp! Tramp!
Battling Butler (1926)
Released: August 22, 1926 (New York premiere); September 4 or 19, 1926 (general release). Copyright: August 30, 1926. Length: 7 reels or 6,970 feet. Distributed by: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. Produced by: Buster Keaton Productions, Inc. Claimant: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.
Technical Credits:
Director: Buster Keaton. Script/Titles: Paul Gerard Smith, Albert Boasberg, Charles Smith, and Lex Neal, from the play Battling Buttler by Stanley Brightman, Austin Melford, Philip Brabham, Walter L. Rosemont, and Douglas Furber, adapted by Ballard McDonald. Technical Director: Fred Gabourie. Electrical Effects: Ed Levy. Photography: J. Devereaux Jennings and Bert Haines.
Cast:
Buster Keaton (Alfred Butler), Snitz Edwards (his valet), Sally O'Neil (mountain girl), Walter James (her father), Bud Fine (her brother), Francis McDonald (Alfred "Battling" Butler), Mary O'Brien (his wife), Tom Wilson (his trainer), Eddie Borden (his manager).
Note: Lex Neal started directing but was taken off the picture and Buster took over.
The General (1926)
Released: December 31, 1926 (Tokyo); February 5, 1927 (New York). Copyright: December 22, 1926. Length: 8 reels or 7,500 feet. Distributed by: United Artists Corporation. Produced by: Buster Keaton Productions. Claimant: Joseph M. Schenck.
Technical Credits:
Director: Buster Keaton and Clyde Bruckman. Script/Titles: Buster Keaton and Clyde Bruckman from William Pittinger's book The Great Locomotive Chase. Adaptation: Al Boasberg and Charles Smith. Technical Director: Frank Barnes. Lighting Effects: Denver Harmon. Production Manager: Fred Gabourie. Editors: J. Sherman Kell, Harry Barnes, and Buster Keaton. Wardrobe and Makeup: J. K. Pitcairn, Fred C. Ryle, and Bennie Hubbel. Chief Mechanic: Fred Wright. Special Effects: Jack Little. Location Manager: Bert Jackson. Still Photography: Byron S. Houck. Photography: J. Devereaux Jennings and Bert Haines; Elmer Ellsworth, asst.
Cast:
Buster Keaton (Johnnie Gray), Jackie Lowe and Jackie Hanlon (boys who follow Johnnie), Marion Mack (Annabelle Lee), Charles Smith (her father), Frank Barnes (her brother), Frank Agney (recruiter), Frederick Vroom (Confederate general), Glen Cavender (Captain Anderson, chief spy), Ross McCutcheon, Charles Phillips, Jack Dempster, Red Thompson, Anthony Harvey, Ray Hanford, Tom Moran, Bud Fine, Jimmie Bryant, and Al Hanson (raiders), Jim Farley (Union General Thatcher), and Joe Keaton, Mike Donlin, and Tom Nawn (Union officers).
College (1927)
Released: September 10, 1927 (New York premiere); November 1927 (general release). Copyright: September 10, 1927. Length: 6 reels or 5,916 feet (originally 7,000 feet).* Distributed by: United Artists. Produced by: Buster Keaton Productions. Claimant: Joseph M. Schenck.
Technical Credits:
Director: James W. Home. Supervisor: Harry Brand. Script/Titles: Carl Harbaugh and Bryan Foy. Technical Director: Fred Gabourie. Lighting Effects: Jack Lewis. Editor: J. Sherman Kell. Photography: J. Devereaux Jennings and Bert Haines.
Cast:
Buster Keaton (Ronald), Florence Turner (his mother), Ann Cornwall (Mary Haines), Harold Goodwin (Jeff Brown), Snitz Edwards (Dean Edwards), Flora Bramley (Mary's friend), Buddy Mason and Grant Withers (Jeff's friends), Carl Harbaugh (boat crew coach), Sam Crawford (baseball coach), Lee Barnes (USC athlete doubling for Keaton in pole vault into a window), and the following USC athletes: Paul Goldsmith, Morton Kaer, Bud Houser, Kenneth Grumbles, Charles Borah, Leighton Dye, "Shorty" Worden, Robert Boling, and Eric Mack.
[*The difference in film length may be due to the elimination of a football sequence. Though not supported by documentation, this hypothesis is based on the fact that in the beginning of the film, when Buster gets to college, he looks through a series of "How To" books on sports, one of which is football. Sequences appear in the film for each "How To" sport except football. Also, in the climax of the film, when Buster races to save Mary from Jeff, he uses actions needed in all the sports he had failed at. His zigzag down the field would be football. Some stills from this film exist with Keaton holding a football. If these sequences did exist, they were probably removed so as not to be compared with Harold Lloyd's The Freshman.]
Steamboat Bill, Jr. (1928)
Released: May 12, 1928. Copyright: June 2, 1928. Length: 7 reels or 6,400 feet. Distributed by: United Artists. Produced by: Buster Keaton Productions. Claimant: Joseph M. Schenck (Carl Harbaugh, author). Presented by: Joseph M. Schenck.
Technical Credits:
Director: Charles F. Reisner. Supervisor: Harry Brand. Script/Titles: Carl Harbaugh. Editor: J. Sherman Kell. Technical Director: Fred Gabourie, assisted by Sandy Roth. Photography: J. Devereaux Jennings and Bert Haines.
Cast:
Buster Keaton (William Canfield, Jr., "Willie"), Ernest Torrence (William Canfield, Sr., "Steamboat Bill"), Tom Lewis (his first mate), Tom McGuire (John James King), Marion Byron (his daughter, Kitty), Louise Keaton (stunt double).
Note: Some filmographies list Joe Keaton as the barber, but it is someone else.
The Cameraman (1928)
Released: September 22, 1928. Copyright: September 15, 1928. Length: 8 reels or 6,995 feet. Distributed by: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. Produced by: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. Claimant: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Distributing Corp. Producer: Lawrence Weingarten (uncredited).
Technical Credits:
Director: Edward M. Sedgwick, Jr. Script: Clyde Bruckman and Lew Lipton. Continuity: E. Richard Schayer. Titles: Joe W. Farnham. Technical Director: Fred Gabourie. Wardrobe: David Cox. Editor: Hugh Wynn. Photography: Elgin Lessley and Reggie Lanning.
Cast:
Buster Keaton (Luke Shannon, called Buster), Marceline Day (Sally Richards), Harold Goodwin (Harold Stagg), Sidney Bracy (Edward J. Blake, boss of film office), Harry Gribbon (Hennessey the cop), Edward Brophy (man in the bathhouse), Josephine (monkey), William Irving (photographer), Vernon Dent (man in tight bathing suit), Dick Alexander (The Big Sea Lion), Ray Cooke (office worker).
Spite Marriage (1929)
Released: April 6, 1929. Copyright: April 22, 1929. Length: 9 reels or 6,500 feet in original silent version; later 7,050 feet with synchronized music track added April 5, 1929. Distributed by: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Distributing Corp. Produced by: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. Claimant: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Distributing Corp.
Technical Credits:
Director: Edward M. Sedgwick, Jr. Supervisor: Larry Weingarten. Producer: Edward M. Sedgwick, Jr. Story: Lew Lipton. Adaptation: Ernest S. Pagano. Continuity: E. Richard Schayer. Titles: Robert Hopkins. Art Director: Cedric Gibbons. Wardrobe: David Cox. Editor: Frank Sullivan. Photography: Reggie Lanning.
Cast:
Buster Keaton (Elmer Edgemont), Dorothy Sebastian (Trilby Drew), Edward Earle (Lionel Benmore), Leila Hyams (Ethyle Norcrosse), William Bechtel (Frederick Nussbaum), John Bryon (Giovanni Scarzi), Hank Mann (stage manager), Pat Harmon (ship captain).
MGM SOUND FEATURES
The Hollywood Revue of 1929 (1929)
Released: November 23, 1929. Copyright: September 23, 1929. Length: 11,669 feet (130 minutes; current prints 113 minutes); black and white with color sequences. Distributed by: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. Produced by: Harry Rapf.
Technical Credits:
Director: Charles Reisner. Dialogue: Al Boasberg, Robert E. Hopkins. Costumes: David Cox. Photography: John Arnold, Irving G. Ries, Maximilian Fabian. Editor: William S. Gray, Cameron K. Wood. Art Director: Cedric Gibbons, Richard Day. Recording Engineer: Douglas Shearer. Sound Technician: Russell Franks. Dances and Ensembles: Sammy Lee, George Cunningham. Orchestra and Musical Arrangements: Arthur Lange. Music: Gus Edwards. Lyrics: Joe Goodwin. Interpolations by: Nacio Herb Brown, Arthur Freed, Dave Snell, Jesse Greer, Ray Klages, Martin Broones, Fred Fisher, Andy Rice.
Cast:
Conrad Nagel and Jack Benny (emcees), Marion Davies, John Gilbert, Norma Shearer, William Haines, Joan Crawford, Buster Keaton, Bessie Love, Charles King, Marie Dressier, Gus Edwards, Dane and Arthur, Laurel and Hardy, Ukulele Ike, Anita Page, Polly Moran, Gwen Lee, Brox Sisters, Albertina Rasch Ballet, Natacha Nattova and Company, and The Rounders.
Note: Keaton, as Salome, performs "The Dance of the Sea" and joins the cast in the finale, "Singin’ in the Rain," which is missing in most prints released for television.
Wir Schalten Un Auf Hollywood (German version of The Hollywood Revue)
Director: Frank Reicher. Adaptation: Paul Morgan.
Free and Easy (1930) (Working title: On the Set; TV title: Easy Go)
Released: March 22, 1930. Copyright: April 2, 1930. Length: 93 minutes or 8,413 feet; silent version 5,240 feet. Distributed by: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. Produced by: Edward Sedgwick.
Technical Credits:
Director: Edward Sedgwick. Scenario: Richard Schayer. Dialogue: Al Boasberg. Adaptation: Paul Dickey. Photography: Leonard Smith. Editor: William Le Vanway, George Todd (uncredited). Art Director: Cedric Gibbons. Recording Engineer: Douglas Shearer. Songs: Roy Turk, Fred E. Ahlert. Dances staged by: Sammy Lee.
Cast:
Buster Keaton (Elmer Butts), Anita Page (Elvira Plunkett), Trixie Friganza (Ma Plunkett), Robert Montgomery (Larry Mitchell), Fred Niblo (director), Edgar Dearing (officer), David Burton (director), Edward Brophy (stage manager), and as themselves: Gwen Lee, John Miljan, Lionel Barrymore, William Collier Sr., William Haines, Dorothy Sebastian, Karl Dane, Jackie Coogan, Cecil B. De Mille, Arthur Lange, and Joe Farnham.
Note: Judy Garland recorded a version of the song "Free and Easy" that had different lyrics and a slowed-down tempo.
Le Metteur en Scene (French version of Free and Easy)
Titles: Alexander Stein, Allen Byre.
Estrellados (Spanish version of Free and Easy)
Cast:
Buster Keaton, Raquel Torres, Don Alvarado, Maria Calvo, Emile Chautard.
Doughboys (1930) (Working title: The Big Shot; British title: Forward March)
Released: August 30, 1930. Copyright: September 8, 1930. Length: 81 minutes or 7,325 feet. Distributed by: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. Produced by: Buster Keaton.
Technical Credits:
Director: Edward Sedgwick. Scenario: Richard Schayer. Dialogue: Al Boasberg, Richard Schayer. Story: Al Boasberg, Sidney Lazarus. Photography: Leonard Smith. Editor: William Le Vanway. Art Director: Cedric Gibbons. Recording Engineer: Douglas Shearer. Songs: Edward Sedgwick, Joseph Meyer, Howard Johnson. Dances staged by: Sammy Lee. Wardrobe: Vivian Baer.
Cast:
Buster Keaton (Elmer Stuyvesant), Sally Eilers (Mary Rogers), Cliff Edwards (Cliff Nescopeck), Edward Brophy (Sergeant Brophy), Victor Potel (Svendenburg), Arnold Korff (Gustave), Frank Mayo (Captain Scott), Pitzy Katz (Abie Cohn), William Steele (Lieutenant Randolph), Ann Sothern (WAC), Edward Sedgwick (Guggelheimer, camp cook), John Carroll (soldier/singer).
De Fronte, Marchen (German version of Doughboys)
De Frante Marchen! (Spanish version of Doughboys)
Cast:
Buster Keaton, Conchita Montenegro, Juan de Landa, Romualdo Tirado.
Parlor, Bedroom and Bath (1931) (British title: Romeo in Pyjamas)
Released: February 28, 1931. Copyright: May 1, 1939. Length: 73 minutes or 6,563 feet. Distributed by: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. Produced by: Buster Keaton.
Technical Credits:
Director: Edward Sedgwick. Adaptation: Richard Schayer, Robert E. Hopkins, from the play by Charles W. Bell and Mark Swan. Editor: William Le Vanway. Recording Engineer: Karl Zint. Art Director: Cedric Gibbons. Recording Engineer: Douglas Shearer. Photography: Leonard Smith. Wardrobe: Rene Hubert.
Cast:
Buster Keaton (Reginald Irving), Charlotte Greenwood (Polly Hathaway), Reginald Denny (Jeffery Haywood), Cliff Edwards (bellhop), Dorothy Christy (Angelica Embrey), Joan Peers (Nita Leslie), Sally Eilers (Virginia Embrey), Natalie Moorhead (Leila Crofton), Edward Brophy (detective), Walter Merrill (Frederick Leslie), Sidney Bracy (butler).
Note: Filmed at Keaton's home, the Italian Villa.
Buster Se Marie (French version of Parlor, Bedroom and Bath)
Length: 80 minutes. Director: Edward Brophy, Claude Autant-Lara. French Dialogue: Yves Mirande. Dialogue Director: Andre Luguet.
Cast:
Buster Keaton (Reggie), Andre Luguet (Jef), Jeanne Helbling (Virginia), Francoise Rosay (Angelique), Andre Berley (police commissioner), Mona Goya, Mireille, Georgette Rhodes, Lya Lys, Rolla Norman, George Davis, Paul Morgan.
Casanova Wider Willen (German version of Parlor, Bedroom and Bath)
Director: Edward Brophy.
Cast:
Buster Keaton, Paul Morgan, Marion Lessing, Egon von Jordan, Francoise Rosay, Leni Stengel, Gerda Mann, George Davis, Wolfgang Zilzer.
Sidewalks of New York (1931)
Released: September 26, 1931. Copyright: September 21, 1931. Length: 70 minutes. Distributed by: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. Produced by: Lawrence Weingarten (uncredited).
Technical Credits:
Directors: Jules White, Zion Myers. Scenario: George Landy, Paul Gerard Smith. Dialogue: Robert E. Hopkins, Eric Hatch. Photography: Leonard Smith. Editor: Charles Hochberg. Art Director: Cedric Gibbons. Recording Engineer: Douglas Shearer.
Cast:
Buster Keaton (Homer Van Dine Harmon), Anita Page (Margie), Cliff Edwards (Poggle), Frank Rowan (Butch), Norman Phillips, Jr. (Clipper), Frank La Rue (police sergeant), Oscar Apfel (judge), Syd Saylor (Mulvaney), Clark Marshall (Lefty).
Buster Millionaire (French version of Sidewalks of New York)
The Passionate Plumber (1932)
Released: February 6, 1932. Copyright: February 8, 1932. Length: 73 minutes. Distributed by: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. Produced by: Harry Rapf (uncredited).
Technical Credits:
Director: Edward Sedgwick. Dialogue: Ralph Spence. Adaptation: Laurence E. Johnson from the play Her Cardboard Lover by Jacques Deval. Photography: Norbert Brodine. Editor: William S. Gray. Art Director: Cedric Gibbons. Recording Engineer: Douglas Shearer.
Cast:
Buster Keaton (Elmer Tuttle), Jimmy Durante (McCracken), Irene Purcell (Patricia Alden), Polly Moran (Albine), Gilbert Roland (Tony Lagorce), Mona Maris (Nina), Maude Eburne (Aunt Charlotte), Henry Armetta (bouncer), Paul Porcasi (Paul Le Maire), Jean Del Val (chauffeur), August Tollaire (General Bouschay), Edward Brophy (unbilled bit outside of beauty parlor).
Note: This film has a shot of the ocean as seen from a balcony in Paris. Paris has no ocean views. This is Hollywood, after all.
Le Plombier Amoureux (French version of The Passionate Plumber)
Director: Claude Autant-Lara.
Cast:
Buster Keaton, Irene Purcell, Jimmy Durante, Mona Maris, Polly Moran, Jeanette Ferney, Barbara Leonard, Maude Eburne, Jean Del Val, George Davis, Fred Perry.
Speak Easily (1932)
Released: August 13, 1932. Length: 80 minutes. Distributed by: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. Produced by: Lawrence Weingarten (uncredited).
Technical Credits:
Director: Edward Sedgwick. Adaptation: Ralph Spence, Laurence E. Johnson, from the story Footlights by Clarence Budington Kelland. Photography: Harold Wenstrom. Editor: William Le Vanway. Art Director: Cedric Gibbons. Recording Engineer: Douglas Shearer. Costumes: Arthur Appell.
Cast:
Buster Keaton (Professor Timoleon Zanders Post), Jimmy Durante (James), Ruth Selwyn (Pansy Peets), Thelma Todd (Eleanor Espere), Hedda Hopper (Mrs. Peets), William Pawley (Griffo), Sidney Toler (stage director), Lawrence Grant (Dr. Bolton), Henry Armetta (Tony), Edward Brophy (Reno).
What! No Beer? (1933)
Released: February 10, 1933. Copyright: March 13, 1933. Length: 70 minutes. Distributed by: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. Producer: Lawrence Weingarten (uncredited).
Technical Credits:
Director: Edward Sedgwick. Story: Robert E. Hopkins. Additional dialogue: Jack Cluett. Script: Carey Wilson. Photography: Harold Wenstrom. Editor: Frank Sullivan. Art Director: Cedric Gibbons. Recording Engineer: Douglas Shearer.
Cast:
Buster Keaton (Elmer J. Butts), Jimmy Durante (Jimmy Potts), Roscoe Ates (Schultz), Phyllis Barry (Hortense), John Miljan (Butch Lorado), Henry Armetta (Tony), Edward Brophy (Spike Moran), Charles Dunbar (Mulligan), Charles Giblyn (chief).
OTHER SOUND FEATURES
Le Roi des Champs-Elysees (1934) (The Champ of the Champs-Elysees/The King of the Champs-Elysees)
Released: December 1934 (not released in the U.S.). Length: 70 minutes. Distributed by: France-Paramount. Produced by: Nero Film Productions. Producer: Seymour Nebenzal.
Technical Credits:
Director: Max Nosseck. Supervisor: Robert Siodmak. Script: Arnold Lipp. Dialogue: Yves Mirande. Photography: Robert Le Febvre. Art Director: Hugues Laurent, Jacques-Laurent Atthalin. Music: Joe Hajos.
Cast:
Buster Keaton (Buster Garner/Jim Le Balafre), Paulette Dubost (Germaine), Colette Darfeuil (Simone), Madeline Guitty (Mme. Garnier), Jacques Dumesnil, Pierre Pierade, Gaston Dupray, Paul Clerget, Frank Maurice, Pitouto, Lucien Callamand.
An Old Spanish Custom (1935) (The Invader/The Intruder)
Released: January 2, 1935. Length: 61 minutes. Distributed by: British & Continental Films (MGM). Released in U.S. by: J. H. Hoffberg. Producer: Sam Spiegel, Harold Richman.
Technical Credits:
Director: Adrian Brunei. Assistant Director: Pelham Leigh Aman. Script: Edwin Greenwood. Photography: Eugene Schuefftan, Eric L. Gross. Editor: Dan Birt. Music: John Greenwood, George Rubens. Recording Engineer: Denis Scanlan.
Cast:
Buster Keaton (Leander Proudfoot), Lupita Tovar (Lupita Malez), Esme Percy (Jose), Lyn Harding (Gonzalo Gonzalez), Webster Booth (serenader), Andrea Malandrinos (Carlos), Hilda Moreno (Carmita), Clifford Heatherley (David Cheeseman).
Note: J. R. Lebel’s Keaton filmography lists a film titled The Serenade for 1935. This is the only such listing that I have found, and it probably refers to An Old Spanish Custom despite the fact that The Invader is listed for 1934, which was when the filming was completed.
Keaton remade this film as a two-reel short for Columbia Pictures in 1939 called Pest from the West.
Hollywood Cavalcade (1939)
Released: October 13, 1939. Copyright: October 13, 1939. Length: 96 minutes; color. Distributed by: 20th Century-Fox. Produced by: Darryl F. Zanuck.
Technical Credits:
Director: Irving Cummings. Script: Ernest Pascal. Story: Hilary Lynn, Brown Holmes, based on an idea by Lou Breslow. Photography: Allen M. Davey, Ernest Palmer. Editor: Walter Thompson. Keystone Kops sequences directed by: Mal St. Clair. Technical Adviser: Mack Sennett and Buster Keaton (uncredited).
Cast:
Don Ameche, Alice Faye, Buster Keaton, Al Jolson, Stuart Erwin, Mary Forbes, Chester Conklin, Rin-Tin-Tin Jr., Harold Goodwin, Willie Fung.
The Villain Still Pursued Her (1940)
Released: October 11, 1940. Copyright: October 4, 1940. Length: 67 minutes. Distributed by: RKO. Produced by: Franklin-Blank Productions. Producer: Harold B. Franklin.
Technical Credits:
Director: Edward Cline. Script: Elbert Franklin, based on the play The Fallen Saved, also known as The Drunkard. Additional Dialogue: Ethel La Blanche. Photography: Lucien Ballard. Editor: Arthur Hilton. Music: Frank Tours.
Cast:
Alan Mowbray (Silas Cribbs), Richard Cromwell (Edward Middleton), Anita Louise (Mary Wilson-Middleton), Hugh Herbert (Frederick Healy), Buster Keaton (William Dalton), Joyce Compton (Hazel Dalton), Margaret Hamilton (Widow Wilson), Billy Gilbert (announcer), Diane Fisher (Julia Middleton), Charles Judels (pie vendor), Jack Norton (customer), Vernon Dent (police officer), Carlotta Monti (woman who drops handkerchief).
Li’l Abner (1940)
Released: November 1, 1940. Copyright: November 1, 1940. Length: 78 minutes. Distributed by: RKO (Astor Pictures). Produced by: Vogue Pictures. Associate Producer: Herman Schlom.
Technical Credits:
Director: Albert S. Rogell. Screenplay: Charles Kerr and Tyler Johnson, based on comic strip by Al Capp. Musical Director: Lud Gluskin. Art Director: Ralph Berger. Photography: Harry Jackson. Edited by: Otto Ludwig, Donn Hayes. Song: "Li'l Abner" by Ben Oakland, Milton Drake, Milton Berle.
Cast:
Granville Owen (Li'l Abner), Martha O'Driscoll (Daisy Mae), Mona Ray (Mammy Yokum), Johnnie Morris (Pappy Yokum), Buster Keaton (Lonesome Polecat), Bud Jamison (Hairless Joe), Edgar Kennedy (Cornelius Cornpone), Al St. John (Joe Smithpan), Kay Sutton (Wendy Wildcat), Billie Seward (Cousin DeMghtful), Maude Eburne (Granny Scraggs), Charles A. Post (Earthquake McGoon), Dick Elliot (Marryin' Sam), Johnny Arthur (Montague, the bank clerk), Walter Catlett (barber), Chester Conklin (Mayor Gurgle), Doodles Weaver (Hannibal Hoops), Hank Mann (a bachelor), Lucien Littlefield (sheriff), Mickey Daniels (Cicero Grunts), Frank Wilder (Abuah Gooch), Eddie Gribbon (Barney Bargrease), Blanche Payson (large bachelorette), Louise Keaton (small bachelorette).
Forever and a Day (1943)
Released: March 26, 1943. Copyright: March 19, 1943. Length: 104 minutes. Distributed by: RKO. Produced by: Anglo-American Productions. Production Supervisor: Lloyd Richards.
Technical Credits:
Directors: Rene Clair, Edmund Goulding, Cedric Hardwicke, Frank Lloyd, Victor Saville, Robert Stevenson, Herbert Wilcox. Script: Charles Bennett, C. S. Forester, Lawrence Hazard, Michael Hogan, W P. Lipscomb, Alice Duer Miller, John Van Druten, Alan Campbell, Peter Godfrey, S. M. Herzig, Christopher Isherwood, Gene Lockhart, R. C. Sherriff, Claudine West, Norman Corwin, Jack Hatfield, James Hilton, Emmett Lavery, Frederick Lonsdale, Donald Ogden Stewart, Keith Winter. Photography: Robert DeGrasse, Lee Garmes, Russell Metty, Nicholas Musuraca. Editor: Elmo J. Williams, George Crone. Music Director: Anthony Collins.
Cast:
Buster Keaton (plumber), Brian Aherne, Robert Cummings, Ida Lupino, Charles Laughton, Herbert Marshall, Ray Milland, Anna Neagle, Merle Oberon, Claude Rains, Victor McLaglen, Roland Young, C. Aubrey Smith, Edward Everett Horton, Elsa Lanchester, Edmund Gwen, Cedric Hardwicke, and many more cameo appearances, mostly by British stars.
San Diego, I Love You (1944)
Released: September 29, 1944. Copyright: September 15, 1944. Length: 85 minutes. Distributed by: Universal Pictures. Produced by: Michael Fessier, Ernest Pagano.
Technical Credits:
Director: Reginald Le Borg. Script: Michael Fessier, Ernest Pagano. Story: Ruth McKenney, Richard Bransten. Photography: Hal Mohr, John P. Fulton. Editor: Charles Maynard.
Cast:
Louise Allbritton, Jon Hall, Buster Keaton (bus driver), Edward Everett Horton, Eric Blore, Irene Ryan, Rudy Wissler, Chester Clute, Hobart Cavanaugh.
That's the Spirit (1945)
Released: June 1, 1945. Copyright: April 24, 1945. Length: 93 minutes. Distributed by: Universal Pictures. Produced by: Michael Fessier, Ernest Pagano.
Technical Credits:
Director: Charles Lamont. Script: Michael Fessier, Ernest Pagano. Photography: Charles Van Enger, John P. Fulton. Editor: Fred R. Feitshans, Jr. Songs: Inez James, Sidney Miller, Jack Brooks, Richard Wagner, Hans J. Salter.
Cast:
Jack Oakie, Peggy Ryan, June Vincent, Gene Lockhart, Johnny Coy, Andy Devine, Arthur Treacher, Irene Ryan, Buster Keaton (as L.M., head of complaint department in heaven).
That Night with You (1945)
Released: September 28, 1945. Copyright: September 21, 1945. Length: 84 minutes. Distributed by Universal Pictures. Produced by: Michael Fessier, Ernest Pagano. Executive Producer: Howard Benedict.
Technical Credits:
Director: William A. Seiter. Script: Michael Fessier, Ernest Pagano. Story: Arnold Belgard. Photography: Charles Van Enger. Editor: Fred R. Feitshans, Jr. Songs: Jack Brooks, Hans J. Salter. Choreography: Leslie Horton, George Moro, Louis Dapron.
Cast:
Franchot Tone, Susanna Foster, Buster Keaton (Sam, who works at Johnny's Diner), David Bruce, Louise Allbritton, Jacqueline de Wit, Irene Ryan.
God's Country (1946)
Released: April 1946. Copyright: May 18, 1946. Length: 62 minutes; Cinecolor. Distributed by: Screen Guild Productions. Produced by: Action Pictures. Producer: William B. David.
Technical Credits:
Director/Screenplay: Robert Tansey. Photography: Carl Webster.
Cast:
Robert Lowery, Helen Gilbert, Buster Keaton (Mr. Boone), William Farnum, Stanley Andrews, Trevor Bardette, Si Jenks, Estelle Zarco, Juan Reyes, Al Ferguson.
El Moderno Barba Azul (1946) (The Modern Bluebeard/Boom in the Moon)
Released: August 2, 1946. Length: 90 minutes. Produced by: Alsa Films-Mexico. Producer: Alexander Salkind.
Technical Credits:
Director: Jaime Salvador. Script: Victor Trivas, Jaime Salvador. Photography: Agustin Jiminez.
Cast:
Buster Keaton, Angel Garasa, Virginia Serret, Luis Barreiro, Fernando Sotto, Jorge Mondragon, Luis Mondragon.
Note: Not released in U.S. until released on video under the title Boom in the Moon. New version (dubbed) copyright © 1983 by Cantharus Productions N. V.
The Loveable Cheat (1949)
Released: May 11, 1949. Copyright: May 11, 1949. Length: 74 minutes. Distributed by: Film Classics. Produced by: Skyline Pictures. Producers: Richard Oswald, Edward Lewis. Associate Producer: Rosario Castagna.
Technical Credits:
Director: Richard Oswald. Script: Edward Lewis, Richard Oswald, based on the play Mercadet h Falseur by Honore de Balzac. Editor: Douglas Bagier.
Cast:
Charlie Ruggles, Peggy Ann Garner, Buster Keaton, Richard Ney, Alan Mowbray, Iris Adrian, Ludwig Donath, Fritz Feld, John Wengraf, Otto Waldis, Curt Bois, Edna Holland, Minerva Urecal, Helen Servis, Jody Gilbert, Judith Trafford.
In the Good Old Summertime (1949)
Released: July 29, 1949. Copyright: June 23, 1949. Length: 102 minutes; color. Distributed by: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. Producer: Joe Pasternak.
Technical Credits:
Director: Robert Z. Leonard. Screenplay: Samson Raphaelson. Adaptation: Albert Hackett, Frances Goodrich, Ivan Tors, based on the play Parfumerie by Miklos Laszlo. Photography: Harry Stradling. Editor: Adrienne Fazan. Gags: Buster Keaton (uncredited).
Cast:
Judy Garland, Van Johnson, S. Z. "Cuddles" Sakall, Spring Byington, Buster Keaton (Hickey), Clinton Sundberg, Marcia Van Dyke, Lillian Bronson, Liza Minnelli.
Sunset Boulevard (1950)
Released: August 1950. Copyright: August 4, 1950. Length: 110 minutes. Distributed by: Paramount Pictures. Producer: Charles Brackett.
Technical Credits:
Director: Billy Wilder. Script: Charles Brackett, Billy Wilder, D. M. Marshman, Jr., based on the story "A Can of Beans." Photography: John F. Seitz. Editor: Doane Harrison, Arthur Schmidt. Music: Franz Waxman.
Cast:
Gloria Swanson, William Holden, Erich von Stroheim, Fred Clark, Jack Webb, Hedda Hopper, Buster Keaton, Cecil B. De Mille, Anna Q. Nilsson, H. B. Warner, Nancy Olson.
Note: Keaton appears as himself, playing bridge with Swanson, Nilsson, and Warner.
Un Duel a Mort (1950)
Released: 1950 (not released in U.S.). Length: 3 reels. Produced by: Films Azur, Paris.
Technical Credits:
Director: Pierre Blondy. Script: Pierre Blondy, Buster Keaton.
Cast:
Buster Keaton, Antonin Berval
Note: Dueling scene from The Passionate Plumber is re-created in this film. Shot in Paris while Keaton was appearing at Cirque Medrano.
The Misadventures of Buster Keaton (1950)
Released: 1950. Copyright: 1950. Length: 70 minutes. Distributed by: British Lion Films. Producer: Carl K. Hittleman.
Technical Credits:
Director: Arthur Hilton. Script: Harold Goodwin. Photography: Jackson Rose.
Cast:
Buster Keaton, Marcia Mae Jones, Eleanor Keaton.
Note: Three episodes ("The Billboard Story," "The Little Theater Story," and “The Shakespeare Story") of the TV series Life with Buster Keaton strung together to make a feature-length film.
Limelight (1952)
Released: October 23, 1952 (in England); February 6, 1953 (U.S.). Copyright: October 23, 1952. Length: 143 minutes. Distributed by: United Artists. Producer: Charles Chaplin.
Technical Credits:
Director: Charles Chaplin. Script: Charles Chaplin. Assistant Director: Robert Aldrich. Photography: Karl Struss. Editor: Joe Inge. Musical Score: Charles Chaplin.
Cast:
Charles Chaplin, Claire Bloom, Sydney Chaplin, Buster Keaton (piano accompianist in finale), Nigel Bruce, Norman Lloyd, Marjorie Bennett, Wheeler Dryden, Barry Bernard, Stapleton Kent, Mollie Blessing, Leonard Mudi, Julian Ludwig, Snub Pollard, Loyal Underwood, Andre Eglevsky, Melissa Hayden, Charles Chaplin, Jr., Edna Purviance (in audience during ballet), and the children outside Calvero's boardinghouse are Michael, Josephine, and Geraldine Chaplin.
LTncantevole Nemica (1952)
Released: 1952 (not released in U.S.). Length: 86 minutes. Distributed by: Orso Films (Rome), Lambar Films (Paris). Executive Producer: Ferruccio Biancini. Director: Claudio Gora.
Cast:
Robert Lamoureux, Buster Keaton, Carlo Campanini, Raymond Bussiers, Silvana Pampanini, Ugo Tognazzi, Pina Renzi, Nyta Dover.
Note: Keaton appears onstage at Milan theater.
Around the World in 80 Days (1956)
Released: October 17, 1956. Copyright: October 17,1956. Length: 148 minutes (some list 168 minutes); color. Distributed by: United Artists. Produced by: Michael Todd.
Technical Credits:
Director: Michael Anderson. Script: S. J. Perelman, James Poe, John Farrow, adapted from the novel by Jules Verne. Photography: Lionel Lindon. Editors: Gene Ruggiero, Howard Epstein, Paul Weatherwax. Music: Victor Young.
Cast:
David Niven, Cantinflas, Shirley MacLaine, Robert Newton, and cameo appearances by many stars, including Buster Keaton (train conductor).
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (1960)
Released: June 17, 1960. Copyright: March 7, 1960. Length: 107 minutes; color. Distributed by: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. Producer: Samuel Goldwyn, Jr.
Technical Credits:
Director: Michael Curtiz. Script: James Lee, based on novel by Mark Twain. Photography: Ted McCord. Editor: Frederic Steinkamp. Music: Jerome Moross. Art Director: George W. Davis, McClure Capps.
Cast:
Eddie Hodges, Archie Moore, Tony Randall, Patty McCormack, Neville Brand, Buster Keaton (lion tamer), Judy Canova, Mickey Shaughnessy, Andy Devine, Josephine Hutchinson, Finlay Currie, Royal Dano, John Carradine, Sterling Holloway, Sherry Jackson.
Ten Girls Ago (1962)
Unfinished, never released (it has been reported that it was 98 percent completed and would have run approximately 92 minutes). Produced by: Am-Cam Productions. Producer: Edward A. Gollin.
Technical Credits:
Director: Harold Daniels. Script: Peter Farrow, Diane Lampert. Photography: Lee Garmes, Jackson M. Samuels. Music director: Joseph Harnell. Music/Lyrics: Diane Lampert, Sammy Fain. Choreography: Bill Foster.
Cast:
Buster Keaton, Bert Lahr, Eddie Foy, Jr., Dion DiMucci, Austin Willis, Risella Bain, Jennifer Billingsly, Jan Miner.
It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World (1963)
Released: November 7, 1963. Copyright: November 7, 1963. Length: 192 minutes (cut to 154 minutes; some footage was recently restored for video release); color. Distributed by: United Artists. Producer: Stanley Kramer.
Technical Credits:
Director: Stanley Kramer. Assistant Director: Ivan Volkman. Script/Story: William Rose, Tania Rose. Photography: Ernest Lazlo. Editor: Fred Knudtson. Music: Ernest Gold. Production Design: Rudolph Stcrnad.
Cast:
Spencer Tracy, Milton Berle, Sid Caesar, Buddy Hackett, Ethel Merman, Mickey Rooney, Jimmy Durante, Jonathan Winters, Dick Shawn, Buster Keaton (Jimmy the Crook), and many, many others.
Pajama Party (1964)
Released: November 11, 1964. Copyright: November 11, 1964. Length: 85 minutes; color. Distributed by: American International. Produced by: James H. Nicholson, Samuel Z. Arkoff.
Technical Credits:
Director: Don Weis. Script: Louis M. Heyward. Photography: Floyd Crosby. Editor: Fred Feitshans, Eve Newman. Music: Les Baxter.
Cast:
Buster Keaton (Chief Rotten Eagle), Dorothy Lamour, Harvey Lembeck, Susan Hart, Bobbi Shaw, Don Rickles, Frankie Avalon.
Note: One of the background dancers is Teri Garr (Young Frankenstein J. A sequel, Pajama Party in a Haunted House, was planned but never filmed. There was even talk of starring Keaton and Elsa Lanchester in a silent film to be called The Chase and then changed to The Big Chase. This also was never filmed.
Beach Blanket Bingo (1965)
Released: April 15, 1965. Copyright: April 14, 1965. Length: 98 minutes; color. Distributed by: American International. Produced by: James H. Nicholson, Samuel Z. Arkoff.
Technical Credits:
Director: William Asher. Script: William Asher, Leo Townsend. Photography: Floyd Crosby. Editor: Fred Feitshans, Eve Newman. Music: Les Baxter.
Cast:
Frankie Avalon, Annette Funicello, Deborah Walley, Harvey Lembeck, Linda Evans, Don Rickles, Buster Keaton, Bobbi Shaw, Timothy Carey, Paul Lynde, Earl Wilson, John Ashley.
How to Stuff a Wild Bikini (1965)
Released: July 14, 1965. Copyright: July 14, 1965. Length: 90 minutes; color. Distributed by: American International. Produced by: James H. Nicholson, Samuel Z. Arkoff.
Technical Credits:
Director: William Asher. Script: William Asher, Leo Townsend. Photography: Floyd Crosby. Editor: Fred Feitshans, Eve Newman. Music: Les Baxter.
Cast:
Frankie Avalon, Annette Funicello, Dwayne Hickman, Harvey Lembeck, Mickey Rooney, Brian Donlevy, Buster Keaton (Bwana the witch doctor), Beverly Adams, John Ashley, Jody McCrea, Marianne Gaba, Irene Tsu, Bobbi Shaw, Elizabeth Montgomery (cameo).
Sergeant Deadhead (1965)
Released: August 18, 1965. Copyright: August 11, 1965. Length: 90 minutes; color. Distributed by: American International. Produced by: James H. Nicholson, Samuel Z. Arkoff.
Technical Credits:
Director: Norman Taurog. Script: Louis M. Heyward. Photography: Floyd Crosby. Editor: Ronald Sinclair, Fred Feitshans, Eve Newman. Music: Les Baxter. Songs: Guy Hemric, Jerry Styner.
Cast:
Frankie Avalon, Deborah Walley, Fred Clark, Eve Arden, Buster Keaton (Private Blinken), Cesar Romero, Gale Gordon, Reginald Gardiner, Harvey Lembeck, John Ashley, Donna Loren, Norman Grabowski, Pat Buttram, Patti Chandler, Bobbi Shaw.
A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (1966)
Released: October 16, 1966. Copyright: October 15, 1966. Length: 99 minutes; color. Distributed by: United Artists. Producer: Melvin Frank.
Technical Credits:
Director: Richard Lester. Script: Melvin Frank, Michael Pertwee, based on stage play produced by Harold S. Prince. Music/Lyrics: Stephen Sondheim. Book: Burt Shevelove, Larry Gelbart. Photography: Nicolas Roeg. Editor: John Victor Smith.
Cast:
Zero Mostel, Phil Silvers, Jack Gilford, Buster Keaton (Erronius), Michael Crawford, Michael Hordern, Annette Andre, Patricia Jessel, Inga Neilsen, Leon Greene, Myrna White, Pamela Brown, Roy Kinnear.
War Italian Style (1967) (Due Marines e un Generale/Two Marines and a General)
Released: January 18, 1967. Copyright: January 11, 1967. Length: 84 minutes; color (film ran 100 minutes at premiere in Rome). Distributed by: American International. Produced by: Fulvio Lucisano.
Technical Credits:
Director: Luigi Scattini. Script: Franco Castellano, Pipolo, Fulvio Lucisano. Photography: Fausto Zuccoli. Music: Piero Umiliani.
Cast:
Buster Keaton (General Von Kassler), Franco Franchi, Ciccio Ingrassia, Fred Clark, Martha Hyer.
EDUCATIONAL PICTURES:
"THE SPICE OF THE PROGRAM"
The Gold Ghost (1934)
Released: March 16, 1934. Copyright: March 16, 1934. Length: 2 reels. Distributed by: 20th Century-Fox. Presented by: E. W. Hammons. Produced by: Educational Pictures. Producer: E. H. Allen.
Technical Credits:
Director: Charles Lamont. Story: Ewart Adamson, Nick Barrows. Adaptation/ Continuity: Ernest Pagano, Charles Lamont.
Cast:
Buster Keaton, Dorothy Dix, William Worthington, Lloyd Ingraham, Warren Hymer, Joe Young, Billy Engle, Al Thompson, Leo Willis.
Allez Oop (1934)
Released: May 25, 1934. Copyright: May 31, 1934. Length: 2 reels. Distributed by: 20th Century-Fox. Presented by: E. W. Hammons. Produced by: Educational Pictures. Producer: E. H. Allen.
Technical Credits:
Director: Charles Lamont. Story: Ernest Pagano, Ewart Adamson. Photography: Dwight Warren.
Cast:
Buster Keaton, Dorothy Sebastian, George Lewis, Harry Myers, the Flying Escalantes.
Palooka from Paducah (1935)
Released: January 11, 1935. Copyright: January 10, 1935. Length: 2 reels. Distributed by: 20th Century-Fox. Presented by: E. W. Hammons. Produced by: Educational Pictures. Producer: E. H. Allen.
Technical Credits:
Director: Charles Lamont. Story: Glen Lambert. Photography: Dwight Warren.
Cast:
Buster Keaton, Joe Keaton, Myra Keaton, Louise Keaton, Dewey Robinson, Bull Montana.
One Run Elmer (1935)
Released: February 22, 1935. Copyright: February 22, 1935. Length: 2 reels. Distributed by: 20th Century-Fox. Presented by: E. W. Hammons. Produced by: Educational Pictures. Producer: E. H. Allen.
Technical Credits:
Director: Charles Lamont. Story: Glen Lambert. Photography: Dwight Warren.
Cast:
Buster Keaton, Harold Goodwin, Dewey Robinson, Lon Andre, Jim Thorpe.
Hayseed Romance (1935)
Released: March 15, 1935. Copyright: March 15, 1935. Length: 2 reels. Distributed by: 20th Century-Fox. Presented by: E. W Hammons. Produced by: Educational Pictures. Producer: E. H. Allen.
Technical Credits:
Director: Charles Lamont. Story: Charles Lamont. Dialogue/Continuity: Glen Lambert. Photography: Gus Peterson.
Cast:
Buster Keaton, Jane Jones, Dorothea Kent.
Tars and Stripes (1935)
Released: May 3, 1935. Copyright: May 3, 1935. Length: 2 reels. Distributed by: 20th Century-Fox. Presented by: E. W. Hammons. Produced by: Educational Pictures. Producer: E. H. Allen.
Technical Credits:
Director: Charles Lamont. Story: Charles Lamont. Adaptation: Ewart Adamson. Photography: Dwight Warren.
Cast:
Buster Keaton, Vernon Dent, Dorothea Kent, Jack Shutta.
The E-Flat Man (1935)
Released: August 9, 1935. Copyright: August 9, 1935. Length: 2 reels. Distributed by: 20th Century-Fox. Presented by: E. W. Hammons. Produced by: Educational Pictures. Producer: E. H. Allen.
Technical Credits:
Director: Charles Lamont. Story: Charles Lamont, Glen Lambert. Photography: Dwight Warren. Sound: Karl Zint.
Cast:
Buster Keaton, Dorothea Kent, Si Jenks, Fern Emmett, Broderick O'Farrell, Charles McAvoy, Jack Shutta.
The Timid Young Man (1935)
Released: October 25, 1935. Copyright: October 25, 1935. Length: 2 reels. Distributed by: 20th Century-Fox. Presented by: E. W. Hammons. Produced by: Educational Pictures. Producer: Mack Sennett.
Technical Credits:
Director: Mack Sennett. Photography: Dwight Warren. Sound: Karl Zint.
Cast:
Buster Keaton, Lona Andre, Kitty McHugh, Tiny Sandford, Harry Bowen.
Three on a Limb (1936)
Released: January 3, 1936. Copyright: January 3, 1936. Length: 2 reels. Distributed by: 20th Century-Fox. Presented by: E. W. Hammons. Produced by: Educational Pictures. Producer: E. H. Allen.
Technical Credits:
Director: Charles Lamont. Story: Vernon Smith. Photography: Gus Peterson.
Cast:
Buster Keaton, Lona Andre, Harold Goodwin, Grant Withers, Barbara Bedford, John Ince, Fern Emmett, Phyllis Crane.
Grand Slam Opera (1936)
Released: February 21, 1936. Copyright: February 21, 1936. Length: 2 reels. Distributed by: 20th Century-Fox. Presented by: E. W. Hammons. Produced by: Educational Pictures. Producer: E. H. Allen.
Technical Credits:
Director: Charles Lamont. Story: Buster Keaton, Charles Lamont. Photography: Gus Peterson.
Cast:
Buster Keaton, Harold Goodwin, Diana Lewis, John Ince, Bud Jamison, Eddie Fetherstone, Melrose Coakley.
Blue Blazes (1936)
Released: August 21, 1936. Copyright: August 21, 1936. Length: 2 reels. Distributed by: 20th Century-Fox. Presented by: E. W. Hammons. Produced by: Educational Pictures. Producer: E. H. Allen.
Technical Credits:
Director: Raymond Kane. Story: David Freedman. Photography: George Webber.
Cast:
Buster Keaton, Arthur Jarrett, Patty Wilson, Marlyn Stuart, Rose Kessner.
The Chemist (1936)
Released: October 9, 1936. Copyright: October 9, 1936. Length: 2 reels. Distributed by: 20th Century-Fox. Presented by: E. W. Hammons. Produced by: Educational Pictures. Producer: Al Christie.
Technical Credits:
Director: Al Christie. Story: David Freedman. Photography: George Webber.
Cast:
Buster Keaton, Marlyn Stuart, Donald McBride, Earl Gilbert, Herman Lieb.
Mixed Magic (1936)
Released: November 20, 1936. Copyright: November 20, 1936. Length: 2 reels. Distributed by: 20th Century-Fox. Presented by: E. W. Hammons. Produced by: Educational Pictures. Producer: E. H. Allen.
Technical Credits:
Director: Raymond Kane. Story: Arthur Jarrett, Marcy Klauber. Photography: George Webber.
Cast:
Buster Keaton, Eddie Lambert, Marlyn Stuart, Jimmy Fox, Eddie Hall, Harry Myers, Pass Le Noir, Walter Fenner.
Jail Bait (1937)
Released: January 8, 1937. Copyright: January 8, 1937. Length: 2 reels. Distributed by: 20th Century-Fox. Presented by: E. W. Hammons. Produced by: Educational Pictures. Producer: E. H. Allen.
Technical Credits:
Director: Charles Lamont. Story: Paul Gerard Smith. Photography: Dwight Warren.
Cast:
Buster Keaton, Harold Goodwin, Mathew Betz, Bud Jamison, Betty Andre.
Ditto (1937)
Released: February 12, 1937. Copyright: February 12, 1937. Length: 2 reels. Distributed by: 20th Century-Fox. Presented by: E. W. Hammons. Produced by: Educational Pictures. Producer: E. H. Allen.
Technical Credits:
Director: Charles Lamont. Story: Paul Gerard Smith. Photography: Dwight Warren.
Cast:
Buster Keaton, Harold Goodwin, Barbara and Gloria Brewster, Al Thompson, Bob Ellsworth, Lynton Brent.
Love Nest on Wheels (1937)
Released: March 26, 1937. Copyright: March 24, 1937. Length: 2 reels. Distributed by: 20th Century-Fox. Presented by: E. W. Hammons. Produced by: Educational Pictures. Producer: E. H. Allen.
Technical Credits:
Director: Charles Lamont. Story: William Hazlett Upson. Adaptation: Paul Gerard Smith.
Cast:
Buster Keaton, Myra Keaton, Louise Keaton, Harry Keaton, Al St. John, Diana Lewis, Bud Jamison, Lynton Brent.
Note: Remake of The Bell Boy.
COLUMBIA SHORTS
Pest from the West (1939)
Released: June 16, 1939. Copyright: June 7, 1939. Length: 2 reels. Distributed by: Columbia Pictures. Produced by: Columbia Pictures. Producer: Jules White.
Technical Credits:
Director: Del Lord. Script: Clyde Bruckman
Cast:
Buster Keaton, Lorna Gray (later called Adrian Booth), Richard Fiske, Gino Corrado, Bud Jamison, Eddie Laughton, Ned Glass, Forbes Murray.
Note: Remake of An Old Spanish Custom.
Mooching Through Georgia (1939)
Released: August 11, 1939. Copyright: August 14, 1939. Length: 2 reels. Distributed by: Columbia Pictures. Produced by: Columbia Pictures. Producer: Jules White.
Technical Credits:
Director: Jules White. Script: Clyde Bruckman.
Cast:
Buster Keaton, Monty Collins, Bud Jamison, Ned Glass, Jill Martin, Lynton Brent, Jack Hill, Stanley Mack.
Nothing but Pleasure (1940)
Released: January 19, 1940. Copyright: December 18, 1939. Length: 2 reels. Distributed by: Columbia Pictures. Produced by: Columbia Pictures. Producer: Jules White.
Technical Credits:
Director: Jules White. Script: Clyde Bruckman. Photography: Henry Freulich.
Cast:
Buster Keaton, Dorothy Appleby, Beatrice Blinn, Bud Jamison, Richard Fiske, Robert Sterling, Jack Randall, Johnny Tyrell, Eddie Laughton, Victor Tremers, Lynton Brent.
Pardon My Berth Marks (1940)
Released: March 22, 1940. Copyright: March 18, 1940. Length: 2 reels. Distributed by: Columbia Pictures. Produced by: Columbia Pictures. Producer: Jules White.
Cast:
Buster Keaton, Dorothy Appleby, Vernon Dent, Richard Fiske, Dick Curtis, Eva McKenzie, Billy Gilbert, Bud Jamison, Clarice the parrot.
The Taming of the Snood (1940) (Four-Thirds Off)
Released: June 28, 1940. Copyright: May 28, 1940. Length: 2 reels. Distributed by: Columbia Pictures. Produced by: Columbia Pictures. Producer: Jules White.
Technical Credits:
Director: Jules White. Script: Clyde Bruckman, Ewart Adamson. Photography: Henry Freulich.
Cast:
Buster Keaton, Dorothy Appleby, Elsie Ames, Richard Fiske, Bruce Bennett.
The Spook Speaks (1940)
Released: September 20, 1940. Copyright: August 31, 1940. Length: 2 reels. Distributed by: Columbia Pictures. Produced by: Columbia Pictures. Producer: Jules White.
Technical Credits:
Director: Jules White. Script: Clyde Bruckman, Ewart Adamson. Photography: Henry Freulich.
Cast:
Buster Keaton, Dorothy Appleby, Elsie Ames, Don Beddoe, Bruce Bennett, Lynton Brent, Orson the penguin.
His Ex Marks the Spot (1940)
Released: December 13, 1940. Copyright: February 3, 1941. Length: 2 reels. Distributed by: Columbia Pictures. Produced by: Columbia Pictures. Producer: Jules White.
Technical Credits:
Director: Jules White. Script: Felix Adler. Photography: Benjamin Kline.
Cast:
Buster Keaton, Elsie Ames, Dorothy Appleby, Matt McHugh.
So You Won't Squawk (1941)
Released: February 21, 1941. Copyright: February 21, 1941. Length: 2 reels. Distributed by: Columbia Pictures. Produced by: Columbia Pictures. Producer: Del Lord, Hugh McCollum.
Cast:
Buster Keaton, Matt McHugh, Eddie Fetherstone, Hank Mann, Bud Jamison, Edmond Cobb, Vernon Dent.
General Nuisance (1941) (The Private General)
Released: September 18, 1941. Copyright: September 18, 1941. Length: 2 reels. Distributed by: Columbia Pictures. Produced by: Columbia Pictures. Producer: Jules White.
Technical Credits:
Director: Jules White. Script: Felix Adler, Clyde Bruckman.
Cast:
Buster Keaton, Elsie Ames, Monty Collins, Dorothy Appleby, Bud Jamison, Lynton Brent, Harry Semels, Nick Arno.
She's Oil Mine (1941)
Released: November 20, 1941. Copyright: November 20, 1941. Length: 2 reels. Distributed by: Columbia Pictures. Produced by: Columbia Pictures. Producer: Jules White.
Technical Credits:
Director: Jules White. Script: Felix Adler.
Cast:
Buster Keaton, Monty Collins, Elsie Ames, Eddie Laughton, Bud Jamison, Jacqueline Dayle.
Note: Remake of The Passionate Plumber.
MISCELLANEOUS AND UNCREDITED APPEARANCES
The Round Up (1920)
Released: October 10, 1920. Copyright: August 26, 1920. Length: 7 reels. Distributed by: Paramount Pictures. Produced by: Famous Players-Lasky Corp. Producer: George Melford.
Technical Credits:
Director: George Melford. Script: Edmund Day, Tom Forman. Photography: Paul Perry.
Cast:
Roscoe Arbuckle (Slim Hoover), Tom Forman (Jack Payson), Irving Cummings (Dick Lane), Mabel Julienne Scott (Echo Allen), Jean Acker (Polly Hope), Lucien Littlefield (Parentheses), Wallace Beery (Buck McKee), Edward Sutherland (Cowboy), Buster Keaton (Indian who gets shot by Arbuckle).
Screen Snapshots #3 (1922)
Released: June 2, 1922. Copyright: June 26, 1922. Length: 1 reel. Distributed by: Pathe Exchange. Produced by: Jack Cohen, Louis Lewyn.
Note: Hollywood newsreel in which several Hollywood stars are shown.
Life in Hollywood #1 (1927)
Released: 1927. Length: 1 reel. Distributed by: Goodwill Production. Presented by: L. M. BeDell.
Note: Hollywood newsreel in which the exterior of the Buster Keaton studio is shown. Buster himself does not appear.
The Baby Cyclone (1928)
Released: 1928. Distributed by: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.
Technical Credits:
Director: Edward Sutherland. Script: F. Hugh Herbert, based on a play by George M. Cohan.
Cast:
Lew Cody, Aileen Pringle, Robert Armstrong, Gwen Lee, Buster Keaton (stand-in for Lew Cody for a stunt where he falls down a flight of stairs).
Tide of Empire (1929)
Note: This film started showing up in Keaton filmographies after Allan Dwan stated in Peter Bogdanovich’s book Allan Dwan: The Last Pioneer that Keaton did a bit as a drunk being thrown out of a saloon in order to show off to the Talmadge sisters, who where visiting the set. Allan Dwan said he liked it so much he left it in. However, there is no such scene in the picture. If it did happen, perhaps it was cut or is in a different film.
The Voice of Hollywood (1929-1930)
Length: 1 reel. Produced by: Tiffany Pictures. Director: Lewis Lewyn.
Note: Keaton appeared in two installments of Voice of Hollywood. In one he is at a nightclub and does a bit with flipping a spoon into a glass, then he picks up a salt shaker and acts as if the salt is pouring out of his nose. In the other, he appears with Raquel Torres in front of Leo the Lion's cage. The two exchange banter on how tame Leo is, but when Leo growls, they both take off.
The Stolen Jools (1931) (The Slippery Pearls)
Released: April 1931. Length: 2 reels. Distributed by: Paramount Pictures and National Screen Service. Producer: Pat Casey.
Technical Credits:
Director: William McGann. Supervisor: E. K. Nadel.
Cast:
Buster Keaton, Wallace Beery, Allen Jenkins, J. Farrel MacDonald, Edward G. Robinson, George E. Stone, Eddie Kane, Laurel & Hardy, Our Gang, Norma Shearer, Hedda Hopper, Wheeler & Woolsey, Richard Dix, Joe E. Brown and many more.
Note: Keaton appears as a policeman in a Keystone Kop-style bit in this charity film.
Hollywood on Parade #A-6 (1933)
Released: January 1933. Length: 1 reel. Distributed by: Paramount Pictures. Produced and Directed by: Louis Lewyn.
Cast:
Richard Arlen (Emcee), Frances Dee, Clark Gable, Tallulah Bankhead, Lew Cody, Buster Keaton.
Note: Keaton and Cody appear in a sequence with Buster's "dry land cruiser.”
La Fiesta de Santa Barbara (1935)
Released: December 7, 1935. Copyright: April 2, 1936. Length: 2 reels; color. Distributed by: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. Producer: Louis Lewyn.
Technical Credits:
Director: Louis Lewyn. Script: Alexander Van Dorn. Photography: Ray Rennahan.
Cast:
Gary Cooper, Harpo Marx, Maria Gambarelli, Warner Baxter, Leo Carrillo, Adrienne Ames, Robert Taylor, Mary Carlisle, Edmund Lowe, Buster Keaton, Andy Devine, Ted Healy, the Garland Sisters (with Judy Garland), Ida Lupino.
Note: Keaton appears as a referee in comic bullfight between Andy Devine and two people in a bull suit.The Garland Sisters used to be known as the Gumm Sisters. Much of this film was shot in producer Lewyn’s backyard.
Sunkist Stars at Palm Springs (1936)
Released: 1936. Length: 2 reels; color. Distributed by: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. Producer: Louis Lewyn.
Technical Credits:
Director: Roy Rowland. Dialogue: John Kraft. Photography: Allen Davey, Aldo Ermini.
Cast:
Buster Keaton, Jackie Coogan, Betty Grable, Johnny Weissmuller, Claire Trevor, Betty Furness, Walter Huston, Frances Langford, Robert Benchley, Edmund Lowe, the Downey Sisters, the Fanchonettes.
Note: Keaton appears relaxing by a swimming pool and gets set adrift on an air mattress.
New Moon (1940)
Released: 1940. Distributed by: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. Produced and Directed by: Robert Z. Leonard.
Cast:
Jeanette MacDonald, Nelson Eddy, Mary Boland, George Zucco, H. B. Warner, Nat Pendleton, Stanley Fields, Grant Mitchell, (Buster Keaton).
Note: Though not officially in the cast of the released film, Keaton did have a role. However, the film ran too long and Buster stole too many scenes. His part was then edited out, but he can still be glimpsed in the background in some scenes. It is not known if the excised footage still exists. Keaton also supplied gags for this film.
Two Girls and a Sailor (1944)
Note: This film, starring Van Johnson, June Allyson and Gloria DeHaven, has appeared in a couple of filmographies. One even lists Keaton as playing Jimmy Durante's son. While such a role does exist in the film, the part is also played by Durante. If Buster is in this film, it looks like he could be doublingfor Durante in the scene where Durante (father) puts his arms around Durante (son/Buster?). Otherwise it is doubtful that Buster had anything to do with this film.
She Went to the Races (1945)
Released: 1945. Length: 86 minutes. Distributed by: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. Producer: Frederick Stephani.
Technical Credits:
Director: Willis Goldbeck. Script: Lawrence Hazard, based on a story by Alan Friedman and DeVallon Scott.
Cast:
James Craig, Ava Gardner, Edmund Gwenn, Francis Gifford, Sig Ruman, Reginald Owen, J. M. Kerrigan, Chester Clute, Frank Orth, Charles Halton, Buster Keaton (uncredited bit as a bellboy; also supplied gags).
You're My Everything (1949)
Released: August 1949. Copyright: July 16, 1949. Length: 94 minutes; color. Distributed by: 20th Century-Fox. Producer: Lamar Trotti.
Technical Credits:
Director: Walter Lang. Script: Lamar Trotti, Will H. Hays, Jr. Original Story: George Jessel. Photography: Arthur E. Arling. Editor: J. Watson Webb, Jr.
Cast:
Dan Dailey, Anne Baxter, Anne Revere, Buster Keaton, Stanley Ridges, Alan Mowbray, Selena Royle.
Note: In a black-and-white segment that re-creates a silent film, Keaton appears as a butler.
Screen Snapshots: Hollywood Pie Throwers (1951)
Released: 1951. Length: 1 reel. Distributed by: Columbia Pictures.
Cast:
Ken Murray, the Brewster Twins, Milton Berle, Ella Logan, Buster Keaton, Joan Davies, Billy Gilbert.
Note: Keaton appears with Joan Davies and Billy Gilbert as they demonstrate the art of pie throwing.
Screen Snapshots: Memories of Famous Hollywood Comedians (1951)
Note: This film has been listed in some Keaton filmographies, but he does not appear. The confusion most likely arose when Columbia released this film to the home market (Super 8 film) and combined it with Hollywood Pie Throwers under the title Memories of Famous Hollywood Comedians.
INDUSTRIAL SHORTS AND OTHER SHORT FILM WORK
Paradise for Buster (1952)
Released: for private showings only. Copyright: October 15, 1952. Length: 39 minutes; 16 millimeter. Produced by: Wilding Picture Productions. Made for the John Deere Co.
Technical Credits:
Director: Del Lord. Script: J. P. Prindle, John Grey, Harold Goodwin. Music: Albert Glasser. Editor: William Minnerly. Supervisors: H. M. Railsback, G. M. Rohrbach. Photography: J. J. La Fleur, Robert Sable.
Cast:
Buster Keaton, Harold Goodwin.
The Devil to Pay (1960)
Released: not released commercially. Length: 28 minutes; 16 millimeter. Produced by: Education Research Films for the National Association of Wholesalers. Production Company: Rodel Productions.
Technical Credits:
Director: Herb Skoble. Script/Editor: Cummins-Betts. Photography: Del Ankers, Fritz Roland. Sound: Nelson Funk. Art Director: Peter Masters, Joseph W. Swanson.
Cast:
Buster Keaton (Diablos), Ralph Dunne (furnace man), Ruth Gillette (Minnie), Marion Morris (Esther), John Rodney (druggist).
The Triumph of Lester Snapwell (1963)
Released: not released commercially. Copyright: March 25, 1963. Length: 22 minutes; color. Produced by: Eastman Kodak Co.
Technical Credits: Director: James Cahoun.
Cast:
Buster Keaton (Lester Snapwell), Sigrid Nelsson (Clementine), Nina Varela (Mama).
Note: Promotional film for the Kodak Instamatic camera.
There's No Business Like No Business (1963)
Made for Maremont Exhaust and Gabriel Shocks Division/Arvin Corp.
Note: Keaton plays a gas station attendant in this one-reel short promoting the company's products.
The Fall Guy (1965)
Made by U.S. Steel. Director: Darrel Bateman.
Cast:
Buster Keaton (Mr. Goodfarmer/Mr. Badfarmer).
Film (1965)
Released: September 1965. Length: 22 minutes. Distributed by: Grove Press. Produced by: Evergreen Theatre. Producer: Barney Rosset.
Technical Credits:
Director: Alan Schneider. Script: Samuel Beckett. Photography: Boris Kaufman. Editor: Sidney Meyers. Art Director: Burr Smidt. Camera Operator: Joe Coffey.
Cast:
Buster Keaton (Object/Eye), James Karen, Nell Harrison, Susan Reed.
The Railrodder (1965)
Released: October 1965. Length: 21 minutes; color. Distributed by: National Film Board of Canada. Producer: Julian Biggs.
Technical Credits:
Director: Gerald Potterton. Script: Gerald Potterton. Photography: Robert Humble. Editor: Jo Kirkpatrick, Gerald Potterton. Music: Eldon Rathburn. Assistant Director: Jo Kirkpatrick. Sound Effects: Karl du Plessis. Sound Recording: George Croll, Ted Haley.
Cast:
Buster Keaton.
The Scribe (1966)
Released: May 1966. Length: 30 minutes; color. Produced by: Film-Tele Productions for the Construction Safety Association of Ontario. Producer: Ann and Kenneth Heely-Ray. Executive Producer: Raymond Walters, James Collier.
Technical Credits:
Director: John Sebert. Script: Paul Sutherland, Clifford Braggins. Photography: Mike Lente. Music: Quartet Productions. Editor: Kenneth Heely-Ray.
Cast:
Buster Keaton, Larry Reynolds (stunt double).
Note: Filmed in October 1965.
CREDITED NONAPPEARANCE FILMS
Life in Sometown, U.S.A. (1938)
Released: February 26, 1938. Copyright: February 18, 1938. Length: 1 reel. Distributed by: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.
Technical Credits:
Director: Buster Keaton. Script: Carl Dudley, Richard Murphy. Narrator: Carey Wilson.
Hollywood Handicap (1938)
Released: May 28, 1938. Copyright: June 2, 1938. Length: 1 reel. Distributed by: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. Producer: Louis Lewyn. Director: Buster Keaton.
Cast:
The Original Sing Band.
Streamlined Swing (1938)
Released: September 10, 1938. Copyright: September 7, 1938. Length: 1 reel. Distributed by: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. Producer: Louis Lewyn.
Technical Credits:
Director: Buster Keaton. Script: Marion Mack (Keaton's leading lady from The General and wife of producer Louis Lewyn). Dialogue: John Kraft.
Cast:
The Original Sing Band.
The Jones Family in Hollywood (1939)
Released: June 2, 1939. Copyright: June 2, 1939. Distributed by: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.
Technical Credits:
Director: Mal St. Clair. Original Story: Joseph Hoffman, Buster Keaton, based on characters by Katherine Kavanaugh. Script: Harold Tarshis.
Cast:
Jed Prouty, Spring Byington, Ken Howell, June Carlson, Florence Roberts.
The Jones Family in Quick Millions (1939)
Released: August 25, 1939. Copyright: August 25, 1939. Distributed by: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.
Technical Credits:
Director: Mal St. Clair. Original Story: Joseph Hoffman, Buster Keaton, based on characters by Katharine Kavanaugh. Script: Joseph Hoffman, Stanley Rauh.
Cast:
Jed Prouty, Spring Byington, Ken Howell, June Carlson, Florence Roberts.
The Buster Keaton Story (1957)
Released: May 1957. Copyright: April 20, 1957. Length: 91 minutes. Distributed by: Paramount Pictures. Producer: Robert Smith, Sidney Sheldon.
Technical Credits:
Director: Sidney Sheldon. Script: Sidney Sheldon, Robert Smith. Photography: Loyal Griggs. Editor: Archie Marshek. Costumes: Edith Head. Technical Adviser: Buster Keaton.
Cast:
Donald O'Connor (Buster Keaton), Ann Blyth (Gloria), Rhonda Fleming (Peggy Courtney), Peter Lorre (Kurt Bergner), Larry Keating (Larry Winters), Richard Anderson (Tom McAfee), Dave Willock (Joe Keaton), Claire Carleton (Myra Keaton), Larry White (Buster, age seven), Jackie Coogan (Elmer Case), Cecil B. De Mille.
UNCREDITED FILM WORK
Splash! (1931)
Released: October 3, 1931. Distributed by: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. Director: Jules White, Zion Myers.
Uncredited Work:
Keaton supposedly worked one day on this short about swimming and diving.
Fast Company (1938) (TV Title: The Rare Book Murder)
Released: 1938. Distributed by: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. Producer: Frederick Stephani. Director: Edward Buzzell.
Cast:
Melvyn Douglas, Florence Rice, Claire Dodd, Louis Calhern, Douglas Dum-brille, Minor Watson.
Uncredited Work:
Keaton wrote a routine for Melvyn Douglas.
Too Hot to Handle (1938)
Released: 1938. Distributed by: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. Director: Jack Conway.
Cast:
Clark Gable, Myrna Loy, Walter Pidgeon, Johnny Hines, Leo Carrillo.
Uncredited Work: Keaton gags.
Love Finds Andy Hardy (1938)
Released: 1938. Distributed by: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. Director: George Seitz.
Cast:
Mickey Rooney, Judy Garland, Lana Turner, Lewis Stone.
Uncredited Work: Technical onsultant.
At the Circus (1939)
Released: 1939. Distributed by: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. Director: Edward Buzzell.
Cast:
The Marx Brothers, Margaret Dumont, Kenny Baker, Eve Arden.
Uncredited Work: Keaton gags.
Comrade X (1940)
Released: 1940. Distributed by: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. Director: King Vidor.
Cast:
Clark Gable, Hedy Lamarr, Felix Bressart, Eve Arden, Oscar Homolka, Sig Ruman.
Uncredited Work: Keaton gags.
Go West (1940)
Released: 1940. Distributed by: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. Director: Edward Buzzell.
Cast:
The Marx Brothers.
Uncredited Work: Keaton gags.
Tales of Manhattan (1942)
Released: 1942. Distributed by: 20th Century-Fox. Director: Julien Duvivier.
Cast:
Henry Fonda, Rita Hayworth, Ginger Rogers, Charles Boyer, Edward G. Robinson, Charles Laughton, Ethel Waters, Eddie Anderson, Thomas Mitchell.
Uncredited Work:
Keaton worked on a segment for W. C. Fields that was cut from the final film but still exists and is shown on occasion.
I Dood It (1943)
Released: 1943. Distributed by: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. Director: Vincente Minnelli.
Cast:
Red Skelton, Eleanor Powell, Lena Home, John Hodiak.
Uncredited Work: Keaton gags.
Note: Remake of Spite Marriage.
Bathing Beauty (1944)
Released: 1944. Distributed by: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. Director: George Sidney.
Cast:
Uncredited Work:
Keaton gags and suggested title of The Fatal Breast Stroke.
Nothing but Trouble (1945)
Released: 1945. Distributed by: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. Director: Sam Taylor.
Cast:
Laurel and Hardy, Mary Boland, Philip Merivale, Henry O'Neill.
Uncredited Work: Keaton gags.
The Equestrian Quiz (1946)
Released: 1946. Distributed by: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. A Pete Smith Specialty.
Cast:
Dave O'Brian, Chistiani Brothers.
Uncredited Work:
Keaton directed the running gag.
Easy to Wed (1946)
Released: 1946. Distributed by: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. Director: Edward Buzzell.
Cast:
Van Johnson, Esther Williams, Lucille Ball, Keenan Wynn.
Uncredited Work:
Keaton gags and suggested title of The Bride Wore Spurs.
Cynthia (1947)
Released: 1947. Distributed by: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. Director: Robert Z. Leonard.
Cast:
Elizabeth Taylor, Mary Astor, James Lydon, George Murphy, S. Z. Sakall, Spring Byington.
Uncredited Work:
Keaton submitted five pages of script.
It Happened in Brooklyn (1947)
Released: 1947. Distributed by: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. Director: Richard Whorf.
Cast:
Frank Sinatra, Jimmy Durante, Kathryn Grayson, Peter Lawford.
Uncredited Work: Keaton gags.
Merton of the Movies (1947)
Released: 1947. Distributed by: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. Director: Robert Alton.
Cast:
Red Skelton, Gloria Grahame, Virginia O'Brian, Leon Ames, Alan Mowbray.
Uncredited Work:
Keaton gags and technical adviser.
A Southern Yankee (1948) (My Hero)
Released: 1948. Distributed by: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. Director: Edward Sedgwick.
Cast:
Red Skelton, Arlene Dahl, Brian Donlevy, John Ireland, Joyce Compton.
Uncredited Work: Keaton gags.
Neptune's Daughter (1949)
Released: 1949. Distributed by: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. Director: Edward Buzzell.
Cast:
Esther Williams, Red Skelton, Ricardo Montalban, Keenan Wynn.
Uncredited Work:
Keaton gags and suggested title of Thar She Sews.
Take Me Out to the Ball Game (1949)
Released: 1949. Distributed by: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. Director: Busby Berkeley.
Cast:
Frank Sinatra, Gene Kelly, Esther Williams, Betty Garrett, Jules Munshin.
Uncredited Work: Keaton gags.
Watch the Birdie (1950)
Released: 1950. Distributed by: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. Director: Jack Donohoe.
Cast:
Red Skelton, Arlene Dahl, Ann Miller.
Uncredited Work:
Keaton gags and loosely based on Keaton's The Cameraman.
The Yellow Cab Man (1950)
Released: 1950. Distributed by: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. Director: Jack Donohoe.
Cast:
Red Skelton, Gloria DeHaven.
Uncredited Work: Keaton gags.
Excuse My Dust (1951) (Mr. Belden's Amazing Gasmobile)
Released: 1951. Distributed by: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. Director: Roy Rowland.
Cast:
Red Skelton, Sally Forrest, MacDonald Carey, William Demarest.
Uncredited Work:
Keaton gags. T
TELEVISION WORK
Note: Television work is listed chronologically when air date is known. This results in multiple listings for shows on which Keaton appeared more than once.
The Ed Wynn Show (1949)
30-minute variety, CBS. Host: Ed Wynn. Air date: December 22, 1949.
Note: Keaton and Ed re-create a scene from The Butcher Boy.
The Buster Keaton Show (1949)
30-minute comedy, KTTV Hollywood. Premiered December 22, 1949. Producer: Joe Parker. Director: Philippe Delacy. Script: Clyde Bruckman, Henry Taylor.
Cast:
Buster Keaton, Alan Reed, Leon Belasco, Ben Weldon, Dick Elliot, Shirley Tegge.
Note: This was a local show that was not shown nationally due to poor kinescope quality. Some say there were 17 episodes followed by an additional 13, but it appears the 13 episodes may be part of a later filmed series from 1950-1951 also called The Buster Keaton Show and syndicated as Life with Buster Keaton.
Toast of the Town (1950) (The Ed Sullivan Show)
60-minute variety, CBS. Host: Ed Sullivan. Air date: November 5, 1950.
Note: Keaton appears in a sketch titled "Going Fishing." He was to appear many times with Ed Sullivan, including the first and second shows of 1951.
Four Star Revue (1950)
60-minute variety, NBC. Host: Ed Wynn. Air date: November 15 and December 13, 1950.
Note: Keaton appeared as a guest.
The Buster Keaton Show (1950-1951) (Life with Buster Keaton)
30-minute comedy, syndicated. Produced by: Consolidated Television. (Because of the number of episodes, people served in different capacities from show to show. The credits reflect those who worked on the show at one time or another.) Producers: Carl Hittleman, Clyde Bruckman, Jay Sommers. Directors: Arthur Hilton, Eddie Cline. Script: Carl Hittleman, Jay Sommers, Clyde Bruckman, Ben Perry, Harold Goodwin. Photography: Jackson Rose.
Cast:
Buster Keaton, Marcia Mae Jones, Dorothy Ford, Jack Reitzen, Philip Van Zandt, Eddie Gribbon, Eleanor Keaton.
Note: According to Variety, these shows were filmed in one day. There were 13 episodes with such titles as unimaginative as the shows. They are: "The Army Story," "The Bakery Story" "The Billboard Story" "The Collapsible Clerk," “The Detective Story," "The Fishing Story," "The Gymnasium Story," "The Haunted House," "The Little Theater," "The Shakespeare Story," "The Time Machine," "The Western Story," and "The Gorilla Story."
The Jack Carter Show (1951) (Saturday Night Revue)
60-minute variety, NBC. Host: Jack Carter. Air date: February 24, 1951.
Note: Keaton appeared as a guest.
All Star Revue (1951)
60-minute variety, NBC. Host: Ed Wynn. Air date: November 10, 1951.
Note: Keaton appears in bakery sketch.
The Colgate Comedy Hour (1952)
60-minute variety, NBC. Host: Donald O'Connor. Air date: March 2, 1952.
Note: Keaton does pantomime routine.
Ford Festival (1952)
60-minute musical variety, NBC. Air date: April 17, 1952.
Note: Keaton is guest.
Kate Smith Presents: Matinee in New York (1952)
NBC. Air date: July 15, 1952.
Note: Keaton appears as guest accompanied by his wife, Eleanor.
All Star Summer Review (1952)
60-minute variety, NBC. Air date: July 19, 1952.
Note: Keaton is guest.
All Star Review (1952)
60-minute variety, NBC. Host: Walter O'Keefe. Air date: December 27, 1952
Note: Keaton is guest.
Douglas Fairbanks Jr. Presents: The Rheingold Theater (1954)
30-minute anthology, NBC. Air date: July 14, 1954. Episode title: "The Awakening" based on "The Overcoat" by Gogol.
Cast:
Buster Keaton.
Best of Broadway (1954)
60-minute anthology, CBS, color. Air date: October 13, 1954. Episode title: "The Man Who Came to Dinner." Producer: Martin Manulis. Director: David Alexander. Adaptation: Ronald Alexander from play by Kaufman and Hart. Music: David Broekman.
Cast:
Buster Keaton (Dr. Bradley), Sylvia Field (Mrs. Stanley), ZaSu Pitts (Miss Preen), Frank Tweddell (John), Margaret Hamilton (Sarah), Howard St. John (Mr. Stanley), Merle Oberon (Maggie Cutler), Monty Woolley (Sheridan Whiteside), Catherine Doucet (Harriet Stanley), William Prince (Bert Jefferson), Joan Bennett (Lorraine Sheldon), Reginald Gardiner (Beverly Carlton), Bert Lahr (Banjo).
This Is Your Life (1954)
30 minutes, NBC. Host: Ralph Edwards. Air date: November 3, 1954. Note: Keaton appears with honored guest Joe E. Brown.
Make the Connection (1955)
30-minute quiz, NBC. Host: Jim McKay. Air date: August 18, 1955. Note: Keaton is guest.
The Dunninger Show (1955)
30-minute mind reading-audience participation, NBC. Host: Joseph Dunninger. Air date: August 20, 1955.
Note: Keaton is guest challenging Dunninger.
Tonight (1955)
90-minute talk-variety, NBC. Host: Steve Allen. Air date: August 24, 1955.
Note: Keaton is guest.
The Sunday Spectacular (1955)
NBC, color. Air date: October 9, 1955. Episode title: "Show Biz."
Note: Keaton is featured guest.
Eddie Cantor Theater (1955)
30-minute variety, ABC. Host: Eddie Cantor. Air date: October 10, 1955. Episode title: "The Square World of Alonzo Pennyworth."
Note: Keaton plays the title character, a travel agent who has never traveled.
Screen Director's Playhouse (1955)
30-minute anthology, NBC. Air date: December 21, 1955 (rerun: March 21, 1956). Episode tide: "The Silent Partner." Producer: Hal Roach. Director: George Marshall.
Cast:
Buster Keaton (Kelsey Dutton), Joe E. Brown (Arthur Vail), ZaSu Pitts (Selma), Evelyn Ankers (Miss Loving), Jack Kruschen (Ernie), Jack Elam (Shanks), Percy Helton (Barney), Joseph Corey (Arnold), Lyle Latell (Ernie's friend), Charles Horvath (barber).
The Adventures of Mr. Pastry (1955)
Director: Buster Keaton.
Cast:
Richard (Dickie) Hearne, Buster Keaton.
Note: Unsold pilot for British television. Supposedly received airplay in 1958. Buster's mother passed away in the U.S. during the making of this show.
The Martha Raye Show (1956)
60-minute comedy-variety, NBC. Host: Martha Raye. Air date: March 6, 1956.
Guests:
Buster Keaton, Paul Douglas, Harold Arlen, the Baird Marionettes.
Note: Depending on source, Keaton either re-creates scene from Limelight or does a parody of the film.
It Could Be You (1956)
30-minute quiz, NBC. Air date: June 7, 1956.
Note: Keaton is guest.
Today (1956)
News-talk, NBC. Air date: September 14, 1956.
Note: In a filmed segment at his California home Keaton is interviewed by Mary Kelly about his life as well as the film The Buster Keaton Story.
Producer's Showcase (1956)
90-minute anthology, NBC, color. Air date: September 17, 1956. Episode title: "The Lord Don't Play Favorites." Producer: Hal Stanley. Adaptation: Jo Swerling, based on story by Patrick H. Maloy. Music/Lyrics: Hal Stanley. Choreography: Tony Charmoli.
Cast:
Buster Keaton (Joey), Robert Stack (Duke), Kay Starr (Jessie), Dick Haymes (Doc), Louis Armstrong (Satch), Nejla Ates (Little Egypt), Mike Ross (Maxie), Arthur Q. Bryan (mayor), Oliver Blake (sheriff), Barry Kelley (Rev. Willis), Jerry Maren (Speck).
The Steve Allen Show (1956)
60-minute variety, NBC. Host: Steve Allen. Air date: December 30, 1956.
Note: Keaton appears in filmed interview at the Hollywood premiere of Around the World in 80 Days.
The Lux Show Starring Rosemary Clooney (1956)
30-minute musical variety, NBC.
Lux Video Theater (1956)
60-minute anthology, NBC.
The Johnny Carson Show (1956)
30-minute comedy-variety, CBS. Host: Johnny Carson.
Commercials (1956)
Colgate Toothpaste
It Could Be You (1957)
30-minute quiz, NBC. Air date: March 19, 1957.
Note: Keaton is guest.
This Is Your Life (1957)
30 minutes, NBC. Air date: April 3, 1957 (rerun: July 31, 1957). Host: Ralph Edwards.
Note: Keaton is honored guest. Buster is joined by his wife Eleanor, his sons, his sister Louise, his brother Harry, Red Skelton, Eddie Cline, and Donald O'Connor (dressed as Buster in an obvious plug for The Buster Keaton Story.
Today (1957)
News-talk, NBC. Air date: April 23, 1957.
Note: Keaton is interviewed about The Buster Keaton Story. Old film clips are also shown.
Tonight! America After Dark (1957)
105-minute talk-variety, NBC. Host: Jack Lescoulie. Air date: April 24, 1957.
Note: Keaton is interviewed by Hy Gardner on "Face to Face" segment.
Club 60 (1957)
NBC. Air date: May 2, 1957.
Note: Keaton is guest.
It Could Be You (1957)
30-minute quiz, NBC. Air date: December 23, 1957.
Note: Keaton is guest.
You Asked for It (1957)
30-minute audience request, ABC. Host: Art Baker.
Note: Keaton re-creates scene from The Butcher Boy with the help of Eddie Gribbon.
I've Got a Secret (1957)
30-minute quiz, CBS. Moderator: Garry Moore.
What's My Line? (1957)
30-minute quiz, CBS. Moderator: John Daly.
Note: Some sources say that Keaton appeared on this show four or five times. Perhaps as a panelist?
Truth or Consequences (1958)
30-minute quiz, NBC. Air dates: January 3, 1958, January 10, 1958, January 13, 1958, January 15, 1958.
Note: Keaton is guest (panelist?).
Playhouse 90 (1958)
90-minute anthology, CBS. Air date: June 5, 1958. Episode tide: "The Innocent Sleep." Director: Franklin Schaffher. Script: Tad Mosel.
Cast:
Buster Keaton (Charles Blackburn), Hope Lange (Alex Winter), Dennis King (Clyde Winter), John Ericson (Leo), Hope Emerson (Mrs. Downey).
The Jack Paar Show (1958)
105-minute talk-variety, NBC. Host: Jack Paar. Air date: November 14, 1958.
Note: Keaton is guest.
The Donna Reed Show (1958)
30-minute sitcom, ABC. Air date: December 24, 1958. Episode title: "A Very Merry Christmas."
Cast:
Donna Reed, Carl Betz, Paul Peterson, Shelley Fabares, Buster Keaton (Charlie/Santa Claus).
The Betty White Show (1958)
30-minute variety, ABC. Host: Betty White.
Note: Keaton is guest.
Telephone Time (1958)
30-minute anthology, ABC. Host: Dr. Frank Baxter.
Commercials (1958)
Alka-Seltzer (plus print advertising) Northwest Orient Airlines (six to eight) Simon Pure Beer (six)
It Could Be You (1959)
30-minute quiz, NBC. Air date: October 26, 1959.
Note: Keaton is guest.
Masquerade Party (1959)
30-minute quiz, CBS. Moderator: Bert Parks.
Note: Keaton is guest.
Commercials (1959)
Shamrock Oil 7-Up
U.S. Steel (some with his wife, Eleanor)
Today (1960)
News-talk, NBC. Air date: January 20, 1960.
Note: Keaton is interviewed regarding his book, My Wonderful World of Slapstick.
Sunday Showcase (1960)
60-minute anthology/variety, NBC, color. Air date: February 7, 1960. Episode tide: "After Hours." Director: Alex March. Script: Tony Webster.
Cast:
Buster Keaton (Santa Claus), Christopher Plummer (Steve Elliot), Sally Ann Howes (Susan Chambers), Robert Emhardt (Dr. Werner), Philip Abbott (Alan Buckman), Natalie Schafer (Edith Chambers), John Fiedler (congressman).
Masquerade Party (1960)
30-minute quiz, NBC. Air date: February 5, 1960. Host: Bert Parks. Note: Keaton is guest masquerader.
It Could Be You (1960)
30-minute quiz, NBC. Air date: March 3, 1960.
Note: Keaton is guest.
Oscar Night in Hollywood (1960)
Special, NBC. Air date: April 4, 1960.
Note: Keaton in brief interview.
Play Your Hunch (1960)
30-minute quiz, NBC. Air date: August 19, 1960.
Note: Keaton is guest.
Officer Murphy (1960)
Cast: Jim Davis.
Note: Unsold TV pilot. Buster's participation unknown.
The Jack Paar Show (1960)
90-minute talk-variety, NBC. Host: Jack Paar.
Note: Keaton was tied up and couldn't make it, so Eleanor took his place.
The Revlon Revue (1960)
60-minute variety, CBS.
Note: Keaton re-creates comic dueling scene from The Passionate Plumber on this show that celebrates Paul Whiteman's seventieth birthday.
Commercials (196)
Wen Power Tools (also print ads)
It Could Be You (1961)
30-minute quiz, NBC. Air date: June 27, 1961.
Note: Keaton is guest.
Here's Hollywood (1961)
NBC. Air date: August 10, 1961.
Note: Keaton is interviewed at home.
Twilight Zone (1961)
30-minute sci-fi anthology, CBS. Air date: December 15, 1961. Episode tide: "Once Upon a Time." Director: Norman Z. McLeod. Script: Richard Matheson. Photography: George T. Clemens. Host: Rod Serling.
Cast:
Buster Keaton (Woodrow Mulligan, janitor), Stanley Adams (Professor Rollo), Milton Parsons (Professor Gilbert), Jesse White (repairman), Gil Lamb, James Flavin, Michael Ross, George E. Stone, Warren Parker.
Note: According to Matheson, "the script was absolutely written with Keaton in mind. . . . I don't recall writing the trousers-in-a-wringer bit. I imagine that Keaton put it in himself" (Matheson to Marion Meade).
Candid Camera (1961)
30 minutes, CBS. Host: Allen Funt.
Note: Keaton appears as a man at lunch counter who has trouble eating without ripping his clothes or losing his toupee in his soup.
Commercials (1961)
Milky Way Candy Bar Philips 66 Gasoline and Oil
Marlboro Cigarettes
Your First Impression (1962)
NBC. Air date: January 12, 1962 (guest). August 29, 1962 (on briefly with Eleanor).
The Scene Stealers (1962)
60-minute comedy-drama. Distributed by March of Dimes. Air date: Supposedly shown on CBS in April 1962 but may have been syndicated to local markets for airing during public service time. Director: Jack Shea. Script: Johnny Bradford. Filmed at Paramount Pictures.
Cast:
Buster Keaton, Ed Wynn, cameos by Jimmy Durante, David Janssen, Rosemary Clooney, Jack Lemmon, Ralph Edwards, Fritz Feld, James Garner, Jackie Cooper, Abby Dalton, Eartha Kitt, Nanette Fabray, Dan Blocker, Lome Greene, Fabian, Dorothy Provine.
Route 66 (1962)
60-minute adventure, CBS. Episode tide: "Journey to Nineveh." Air date: September 28, 1962.
Cast:
George Maharis (Buzz), Martin Milner (Todd), Buster Keaton (Jonah Butler), Joe E. Brown (Sam Butler), Gene Raymond (constable), Jenny Maxwell (Susie), John Astin (gas station attendant), John Davis Chandler (Frank), John Durren (Charlie).
Medicine Man (1962)
30-minute sitcom, Screen Gems. Episode tide: "A Pony for Chris." Producer: Harry Ackerman. Director: Charles Barton. Script: Jay Sommer, Joe Bigelow.
Cast:
Ernie Kovacs (Doc), Buster Keaton (Junior, an Indian), Kevin Brodie (Chris).
Note: Pilot show that was almost not completed due to the death of Ernie Kovacs. It supposedly received airtime, but the date is unknown.
Commercials (1962)
Canadian Electric Razor (filmed in Los Angeles)
Ford Motor (five each year for three years)
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1963)
30-minute sitcom, ABC. Air date: January 19, 1963. Episode title: "Think Mink."
Cast:
Fess Parker (Mr. Smith), Buster Keaton (Si Willis), Jesslyn Fax (Abigail Willis), Sandra Warner (Pat).
Your First Impression (1963)
30 minutes. NBC. Air date: February 12, 1963.
Note: Keaton does special stunt.
Truth or Consequences (1963)
30-minute quiz, NBC. Air date: March 7, 1963.
Note: Keaton is a guest.
Today (1963)
120-minute news-talk, NBC. Air date: April 26, 1963. Episode title: "Buster Keaton Revisited." Host: Hugh Downs.
Note: The entire show is a tribute to Keaton, who is there as film clips are shown.
The Ed Sullivan Show (1963)
60-minute variety, CBS. Host: Ed Sullivan.
Commercials (1963)
Minute Rub
Beer (Buster did many beer commercials for many brewers. Not all have been identified.)
Bread (Minnesota)
The Greatest Show on Earth (1964)
60-minute drama, ABC. Air date: April 28, 1964. Episode title: "You're Alright Ivy." Director: Jack Palance.
Cast:
Jack Palance (Slate), Stuart Erwin (King), Buster Keaton (Pippo), Lynn Loring (Ivy Hatch), Ted Bessell (Loring Wagner), Joe E. Brown (Diamond "Dimey" Vine), Joan Blondell (T. T. Hill), Betsy Jones-Moreland (Louella Grant), Barbara Pepper (fat woman), Larry Montaigne (Felix).
Burke's Law (1964)
60-minute detective drama, ABC. Air date: May 8, 1964. Episode title: "Who Killed 1/2 of Glory Lee." Script: Harlan Ellison.
Cast:
Gene Barry (Amos Burke), Gary Conway (Tilson), Regis Toomey (Les), Buster Keaton (Mortimer Lovely), Joan Blondell (Candy Sturtevant), Nina Foch (Anjanette Delacroix), Anne Helm (Sable), Betty Hutton (Carlene Glory), Gisele Mackenzie (KiKi Lee).
Hollywood Palace (1964)
60-minute variety, ABC. Host: Gene Barry. Air date: June 6, 1964.
Note: Keaton and Gloria Swanson spoof Cleopatra. Keaton also joins Gene Barry in a dance routine.
Commercials (1964)
Georgia Oil Ford Motor U.S. Steel Budweiser Beer Salt Lake City Bank Seneca Apple Juice
The Man Who Bought Paradise (1965) (Hotel Paradise)
60-minute comedy-drama, CBS. Air date: January 17, 1965 (filmed in 1963). Producer/Director: Ralph Nelson. Script: Richard Alan Simmons.
Cast:
Buster Keaton (Mr. Bloor), Robert Horton (runaway financial genius), Angie Dickinson (his wife), Paul Lukas (Colonel Von Rittner), Ray Walston (lawyer), Hoagy Carmichael (Mr. Leoni), Dolores Del Rio (Mona Meyerling), Cyril Ritchard (hotel keeper), Walter Slezak (Captain Meers).
Note: Keaton does James Bond spoof.
The Donna Reed Show (1965)
30-minute sitcom, ABC. Air date: February 11, 1965 (filmed in 1964). Episode title: "Now You See It, Now You Don't." Director: Gene Nelson.
Cast:
Donna Reed, Ann McRea, Carl Betz, Bob Crane, Paul Peterson, Darryl Richard, Buster Keaton (Mr. Turner of Turner's Garage).
Truth or Consequences (1965)
30-minute quiz, NBC. Air date: April 6, 1965.
Note: Keaton is guest.
A Salute to Stan Laurel (1965)
60-minute special, CBS. Host: Dick Van Dyke. Air date: November 23, 1965
Note: Keaton appears in sketch with Lucille Ball and Harvey Korman.
Commercials (1965)
Pure Oil
Pepsi-Cola (made in Madrid)
DOCUMENTARIES AND FILM COMPILATIONS
Ca C'Est du Cinema (1951 or 1952)
Length: 89 minutes. French compilation film. Includes Keaton in clips from his silent films.
When Comedy Was King (1960)
Released: March 1960. Copyright: December 31, 1959. Length: 81 minutes. Distributed by: 20th Century-Fox. Producer: Robert Youngson. Associate Producer: Herman Gelbspan. Assistant Producers: John E. Allen, Al Dahlem.
Technical Credits:
Script: Robert Youngson. Narrator: Dwight Weist. Music: Ted Royal. Sound Effects: Ralph Curtis.
Cast:
Buster Keaton, Laurel and Hardy, Charlie Chaplin, Ben Turpin, Fatty Arbuckle, and more.
Note: Scenes from Cops.
The History of the Motion Picture (1960s) (Silents Please)
Length: 25-30 minutes. Distributed by: Sterling Educational Films. Producer: Saul J. Turell, Paul Killiam.
Technical Credits:
Director/Script: Saul J. Turell. Narrator: Paul Killiam. Research: William K. Everson. Film Editor: Ray Angus. Music Editor: Angelo Ross.
Note: Clips of Keaton's work appear in at least three segments of this series: "The Sad Clowns," "Clown Princes of Hollywood," and "The Buster Keaton Special" (title for segment released on home market).
The Great Chase (1962)
Released: December 20, 1962. Length: 79 minutes. Distributed by: Janus Films. Presented by: Saul J. Turell and Paul Killiam. Producer: Harvey Cort.
Technical Credits:
Script: Harvey Cort, Saul J. Turell, Paul Killiam. Editor: Harvey Cort. Narrator: Frank Gallop. Music: Larry Adler.
Cast:
Douglas Fairbanks, Sr., Lillian Gish, William S. Hart, Buster Keaton (abridged version of The General).
Note: In 1975, a Mack Sennett and Mabel Normand sequence was added.
30 Years of Fun (1963)
Released: February 12, 1963. Copyright: December 31, 1962. Length: 85 minutes. Distributed by: 20th Century-Fox. Producer/Script: Robert Youngson. Music: Bernard Green, Jack Shaindlin.
Cast:
Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton, Laurel and Hardy, Harry Langdon.
Note: Keaton clips include: Cops, Daydreams, The Balloonatic.
The Sound of Laughter (1963)
Released: December 17, 1963. Length: 75 minutes. Distributed by: Union Films. Producer: Barry B. Yellen, Irvin S. Dorfman.
Technical Credits:
Director: John O'Shaughnessy. Script: Fred Saidy. Music: Robert Waldman. Narrator: Ed Wynn.
Cast:
Buster Keaton, Shirley Temple, Danny Kaye, Bob Hope, Bing Crosby, Harry Langdon, Milton Berle, Andy Clyde.
Note: Keaton clips include: One Run Elmer, Grand Slam Opera.
MGM's Big Parade of Comedy (1964)
Released: 1964. Length: 89 minutes. Distributed by: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. Producer: Robert Youngson. Associate Producer: Alfred Dahlem.
Technical Credits:
Script: Robert Youngson. Narrator: Les Tremayne. Research Supervisor: Jeanne Keyes. Music: Bernie Green.
Cast:
Buster Keaton, the Marx Brothers, Abbott and Costello, Jimmy Durante, Laurel and Hardy.
Note: Keaton clip is from The Cameraman.
Buster Keaton Rides Again (1965)
Released: October 1965. Length: 56 minutes. Produced by: National Film Board of Canada. Producer: Julian Biggs.
Technical Credits:
Director/Photographer: John Spotton. Commentary: Donald Brittain. Editors: John Spotton (picture), Malca Gillsom (music), Sidney Pearson (sound).
Cast:
Buster Keaton, Eleanor Keaton, Gerald Potterton.
Note: Documentary filmed during the making of The Railrodder.
The Great Stone Face (1968)
Length: 93 minutes. Produced by: Funnyman, Inc. Productions. Producer: Vernon P. Becker, Mel May. Associate Producer: Michael Hyams.
Technical Credits:
Director/Script: Vernon P. Becker. Editor: William C. Dalzell. Music: T. J. Valentino. Narrator: Henry Morgan.
Note: Clips are from Fatty at Coney Island, Cops, The Balloonatic, Daydreams, and The General. Reedited to 60 minutes in 1981 and released on video through the Rohauer Collection. Video packaging calls this film Buster Keaton, but title on the screen was The Great Stone Face.
The Four Clowns (1970)
Released: September 1970. Copyright: December 31, 1969. Length: 97 minutes. Distributed by: 20th Century-Fox. Producer: Robert Youngson. Associate Producers: Raymond Rohauer, Herbert Gelbspan, Alfred Dahlem.
Cast:
Stan Laurel, Oliver Hardy, Buster Keaton, Charlie Chase. Note: Keaton clip is an abridged version of Seven Chances.
The Three Stooges Follies (1974)
Released: November 1974. Length: 116 minutes. Distributed by: Columbia Pictures.
Note: A compilation of shorts starring the Three Stooges but also includes other shorts produced by Columbia during the thirties and forties. Keaton is seen in Nothing but Pleasure.
Broadway Nights, Hollywood Days (1977)
Released: 1977 to the home market. Length: 9 minutes. Distributed by: Blackhawk Films.
Note: This film is a compilation of footage from Fox-Movietone newsreels. Keaton appears in the segment on a charity baseball game for Mt. Sinai Hospital with teams made up of Hollywood celebrities.
Life Goes to War: Hollywood and the Homefront (1977)
Produced by: Time-Life Television and 20th Century-Fox Television. Producer: Jack Haley, Jr. Coproducer: Malcom Leo.
Technical Credits:
Director/Script: Jack Haley, Jr. Editor: David Blewitt. Host/Narrator: Johnny Carson.
Note: Cesar Romero and Buster Keaton head up a volunteer station-wagon brigade.
Hollywood: The Pioneers (1980)
Released: 1980. Produced by: Thames Television. Producers: David Gill and Kevin Brownlow.
Technical Credits:
Director/Script: David Gill and Kevin Brownlow. Music: Carl Davis. Narrator: James Mason.
Note: 13-part series for television has clips of Keaton throughout and detailed coverage of Keaton in episode #8: "Comedy: A Serious Business."
The Golden Age of Buster Keaton (1982) (Buster)
Length: 100 minutes. Producer: Jay Ward, Raymond Rohauer.
Technical Credits:
Editor: Skip Craig. Technical Adviser: Mrs. Buster Keaton. Narrator: Bill Scott.
Buster Keaton: The Great Stone Face (1982)
Released: 1982. Produced by: S-L Film Productions. Producer: Gerald A. Shiller.
Technical Credits:
Director/Script: Gerald A. Shiller. Music: Richard Hieronumus. Narrator: Red Buttons.
Note: Keaton clips are from Coney Island, One Week, The Boat, The Playhouse, Cops, and The General.
Buster Keaton: A Hard Act to Follow (1987)
Released: September 1987. Produced by: Thames Television in association with Raymond Rohauer. Producers: David Gill, Kevin Brownlow.
Technical Credits:
Script: David Gill, Kevin Brownlow. Music: Carl Davis. Film Research: Cy Young. Research: Linda Philips. Additional Research: Joe Adamson, Robert S. Birchard, Bob Borgen, Jack Dragga (uncredited), Joel Goss, Alan Hoffman, Frank Holland, Mark Jungheim, Eric Sparks.
Note: Presented in three one-hour segments: "From Vaudeville to Movies," "Star Without a Studio,” and "A Genius Recognized."
Buster Keaton - Genius in Slapshoes (1995)
Copyright: 1995 Length: 45 minutes
Produced by: Peter Jones, Peter Jones Productions Inc., for A&E Network Associate Producer: Andrew Tillis
Director of Documentary Programing: Bill Harris (A&E) Executive Producer: Michael Cascio (A&E) Technical Credits:
Written and Directed by: Peter Jones
Production Manager: Andrew Tillis
Editor: Scott Reynolds
Director of Photography: Scott Judy
Narrated by: Peter Jones
Silent Film Music: Robert Israel
Audio : John Scarpaci, Andrew Tillis
Make-up: Carolyn Brandon
Electronic Graphics: David Drain, M. Patrice Long Rostrom Camera: Richard Lesser
Note: Shown on A&E Network show Biography.
CARICATURES
Kuster Beaton (circa 1930)
Length: 10 minutes. Distributed/Produced by: Associated Sound Films Industries.
Note: Keaton appears in caricature as part of a British series called Little People Burlesques starring the Ottorino Gorno Marionettes. Episodes were directed by John Grierson, Jack Harrison, and J. Elder Wills. Some of the American stars burlesqued are: Douglas Fairbanks, Sr. in Don Dougio Fairbania, Tom Mix in Tom Mixup, Clive Brook's portrayal of Sherlock Holmes in Be-A-Live Crook, and Buster Keaton in Kuster Beaton.
Mickey's Gala Premiere (1933)
Released: July 1, 1933. Length: 1 reel. Distributed by: United Artists. Produced by: Walt Disney Productions. Director: Burt Gillett.
Note: Keaton, in caricature, attends the premiere of a Mickey Mouse cartoon. He sits next to Joe E. Brown and looks into his mouth. This scene is cut out of the version released to the home market under the title Movie Star Mickey.
The Soda Squirt (1933)
Released: 1933. Copyright: October 12, 1933. Length: 1 reel. Distributed by: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. Produced by: Ub Iwerks for Celebrity Productions.
Note: A Flip the Frog cartoon. Keaton is seen in caricature as one of many stars attending the opening of Flip the Frog's Soda Fountain. Parts resemble Disney's Mickey's Gala Premiere, released a few months earlier.
Hollywood Steps Out (1941)
Released: May 24, 1941. Length: 1 reel, color. Distributed by: Warner Bros. Directed by: Fred (Tex) Avery.
Note: Keaton appears briefly in caricature with other stars in this cartoon about a Hollywood nightclub. Academy Award nominee.
To Tell the Truth (1971)
30-minute quiz, NBC. Air date: January 4,1971 (taped October 13,1970).
Note: Garry Moore impersonates Buster Keaton in a comedy routine as a prelude to bringing out guest Raymond Rohauer, who was mounting a Keaton revival.