quiet_curiosity (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
quiet_curiosity) wrote2010-03-27 06:07 pm
quiet_curiosity) wrote2010-03-27 06:07 pm
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Our Hospitality (1923)
Summary: Willie McKay returns to his ancestral abode to claim his inheritance. But before leaving, his aunt tells him of the Canfield/McKay family feud and warns him to stay away from the Canfield family. As luck would have it, Willie happens to (unintentionally) fall head over heals for their daughter. While inside their home, the Canfields treat Willie to their Southern hospitably. But the feud threatens to start up again the moment he steps outside. And Willie will do whatever it takes to woo the girl and stay alive.
Stars: Buster Keaton, Natalie Talmadge, Joe Roberts, Ralph Bushman, Craig Ward, Monte Collins, Joe Keaton, Buster Keaton Jr.
Directed by: Buster Keaton and John G. Blystone
Viewed Via: TCM/VCR
Current Commercial Availability: Sherlock Jr./Our Hospitality (R1 - Kino International); Soon to be released on Blu-Ray (Kino International)
1) The attention to detail is pretty freaking great. Costumes and set dressings look great. Some clearly archaic devices were rebuilt to maintain period setting. These were the Stephenson's Rocket (an early steam engine train) and a Gentleman's Hobbyhorse (an early bicycle). The Gentleman's Hobbyhorse was eventually donated to the Smithsonian Institution, who lacked a original artifact.
2) The train ride is a hoot. In particular, I love the dog. He's able to keep pace with the slow running train without showing a bit of fatigue.
3) The opening prologue doesn't show a hint of the comedy that will follow. It very seriously sets up the feuding families and ends on a sad note.
4) The supporting cast is solid and holds up their fair share of the comedic weight. This was Joe Roberts', the frequent heavy in Keaton's shorts, final film.
5) Keaton is as nimble and quick as always. The big river finale shows off all of the physically demanding action that one expects from Keaton. While these sequences were very demanding on the actor, it was work well done.
6) Natalie Talmadge is cute and occasionally good as the love interest. But she falls very short when the role demands more from her than mere cuteness.
7) The tensions between Willie and the Canfields is played up to great effect. I particularly loved all of the men peaking out at each other during the prayer.
8) While their marriage is supposed to be a happy moment in the film, I couldn't help but look at them (Keaton and Talmadge) and think "You're both going to be so miserable". History might get in the way appreciating the couple as they are.
While not my favorite Keaton, I enjoyed it.
Stars: Buster Keaton, Natalie Talmadge, Joe Roberts, Ralph Bushman, Craig Ward, Monte Collins, Joe Keaton, Buster Keaton Jr.
Directed by: Buster Keaton and John G. Blystone
Viewed Via: TCM/VCR
Current Commercial Availability: Sherlock Jr./Our Hospitality (R1 - Kino International); Soon to be released on Blu-Ray (Kino International)
1) The attention to detail is pretty freaking great. Costumes and set dressings look great. Some clearly archaic devices were rebuilt to maintain period setting. These were the Stephenson's Rocket (an early steam engine train) and a Gentleman's Hobbyhorse (an early bicycle). The Gentleman's Hobbyhorse was eventually donated to the Smithsonian Institution, who lacked a original artifact.
2) The train ride is a hoot. In particular, I love the dog. He's able to keep pace with the slow running train without showing a bit of fatigue.
3) The opening prologue doesn't show a hint of the comedy that will follow. It very seriously sets up the feuding families and ends on a sad note.
4) The supporting cast is solid and holds up their fair share of the comedic weight. This was Joe Roberts', the frequent heavy in Keaton's shorts, final film.
5) Keaton is as nimble and quick as always. The big river finale shows off all of the physically demanding action that one expects from Keaton. While these sequences were very demanding on the actor, it was work well done.
6) Natalie Talmadge is cute and occasionally good as the love interest. But she falls very short when the role demands more from her than mere cuteness.
7) The tensions between Willie and the Canfields is played up to great effect. I particularly loved all of the men peaking out at each other during the prayer.
8) While their marriage is supposed to be a happy moment in the film, I couldn't help but look at them (Keaton and Talmadge) and think "You're both going to be so miserable". History might get in the way appreciating the couple as they are.
While not my favorite Keaton, I enjoyed it.