Today’s quick review: Steamboat Bill, Jr. After graduating from college, William Canfield, Jr. (Buster Keaton) goes to work with his father (Ernest Torrence), the cantankerous captain of an old steamboat. Willie tries to learn the ropes of the family business, but he upsets his father by courting Kitty King (Marion Byron), the daughter of rival steamboat captain J.J. King (Tom McGuire).
Steamboat Bill, Jr. is a classic comedy starring Buster Keaton. The movie revolves around the mismatched pairing of a gentle, educated young man and his rough, blue collar father. True to most of Buster Keaton’s films, Steamboat Bill, Jr. relies on slapstick and acrobatics for much of its humor. In spite of a slow start, Steamboat Bill, Jr. earns its place as a classic with innovative gags and impressive stunt work.
The early parts of the film are mundane but entertaining. Willie’s father tries to toughen up his son for life on the river, trying to change his son’s image and attitude with little success. Later on, the situation escalates when a storm hits town, turning it into a treacherous obstacle course. The later stunts are notable for both their creativity and their scale, and they include a couple of Keaton’s most iconic moments.
Steamboat Bill, Jr. is a solid pick for fans of slapstick comedy. It has a relatively simple plot and gets off to a modest start, but Keaton’s physical skill and some ingenious gags are more than enough to carry the film. For another classic from Buster Keaton, try The General.
7.9 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.0 to 7.5 for clever comedy and excellent stunts.