Thus proving I'll watch Buster Keaton in pretty much anything?
Buster is trapped in a weak script, one with very few truly funny bits, and the pace of this film is sluggish at best. He and Jimmy Durante have a couple of moments, but overall this one is pretty stiff and lacks charm. Even the banter is toned down to a pale reflection of good pre-Code films. Buster needed creative control and to be set loose to shine, and it doesn't happen here. His best physical moment is when he uses some creativity to get Thelma Todd up off the floor, and I smiled when he opened the umbrella to cover himself the next morning. The best line comes during a review of a dance number:
Keaton: But it would be much more effective if you were in the nude. Durante: Professor, Professor. That's out. No nudes! Keaton: But, James, it was done so in Athens. Durante: Yeah, they might get away with that in Athens. That's a college town!
Buster is trapped in a weak script, one with very few truly funny bits, and the pace of this film is sluggish at best. He and Jimmy Durante have a couple of moments, but overall this one is pretty stiff and lacks charm. Even the banter is toned down to a pale reflection of good pre-Code films. Buster needed creative control and to be set loose to shine, and it doesn't happen here. His best physical moment is when he uses some creativity to get Thelma Todd up off the floor, and I smiled when he opened the umbrella to cover himself the next morning. The best line comes during a review of a dance number:
Keaton: But it would be much more effective if you were in the nude. Durante: Professor, Professor. That's out. No nudes! Keaton: But, James, it was done so in Athens. Durante: Yeah, they might get away with that in Athens. That's a college town!