SFF26 - The Cameraman (1928) (U)

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1928. Director: Edward Sedgwick & Buster Keaton. Runtime: 65min.

Buster Keaton’s genius for slapstick, stunts and storytelling is on full display in this entertaining comedy packed with hilarious set-pieces and precision gags.

Keaton plays our hapless hero, who falls for the secretary of the MGM newsroom and decides to join the gung-ho newsreel team to win her heart. On his quest to impress, he must negotiate disastrous tech fails, an awkward date at the local swimming pool, and a chaotic gang war in Chinatown. Never fear! Nothing will get in his way… not even the deceitful love rival intent on bad-mouthing our Buster.

The film includes a Wung Fa Tang warfare sequence that relies on stereotypes associated with the ‘yellow peril’ trope. Whilst these elements are problematic, they sit alongside moments of brilliantly orchestrated choreographic precision. The hilarious scenes of Keaton grappling to get his trunks on in a tiny shared changing room cubicle or miming a baseball game at the Yankee Stadium are simply comedy genius.

This popular Jeely Jar show starts with the legendary HippFest Heads and Bahookies competition for all the audience.

Dir. Edward Sedgwick & Buster Keaton USA | 1928 | U | b&w | English intertitles 1h 12m

With: Buster Keaton, Marceline Day, Harold Goodwin

Performing live: John Sweeney (piano), Frank Bockius (percussion)

Content advisory: Contains stereotyped racial depictions. Contains a performing monkey.

Screening material courtesy of Park Circus/Warner Bros