THE NAVIGATOR (1924) tells the story of a bored, wealthy young man (Buster Keaton) who, after having his marriage proposal rejected, decides to go for a cruise. Unfortunately, he winds up on the wrong boat and sets sail on an empty ship that is headed for destruction. There he meets his would-be fiancée (Kathryn McGuire), whose father sold the ship to a small country at war, and whose enemies decided to set it adrift. Comic complications ensue. Directed by Buster Keaton and Donald Crisp.
SCRIPT: THE NAVIGATOR is definitely one of Keaton's most entertaining efforts. The movie lasts barely an hour, but is full of comic invention and ingenuity. Among the highlights are Keaton's hilariously inept attempts to make breakfast on the ship, his battle with a swordfish, and their epic battle against cannibals. This movie gave my wife and me lots of laughs! SCORE: 9/10
ACTING: Buster Keaton was known for his "stoneface" routine, remaining comically unflappable in the face of dire circumstances, and he does it well here. He does well at portraying the bored rich young man, and is also very athletic when the situation calls for it. Kathryn McGuire is also very good as his love interest. McGuire comically mocks the "damsel in distress" style of acting at times, and she's very game for all of the slapstick funny business as well. They are the two who are most prominent in the movie; in fact, they're the only people involved for long stretches of the film, and their chemistry and talent help keep things afloat. SCORE: 9/10
CINEMATOGRAPHY/PRODUCTION: This film was expertly shot by Byron Houck and Elgin Lessley. In many cases, all they have to do is just set the camera up and let it roll to capture Keaton's stunningly inventive gags, but there are nice tracking shots and underwater camera-work as well. Also, the battle between Keaton, McGuire, and the cannibals is given the right epic feel while still being quite funny. Solid work overall. SCORE: 8/10
SUMMARY: THE NAVIGATOR is great fun, with lots of inventive gags and great comic chemistry between the two leads. It's one of Keaton's best films, and it stands the test of time as a wonderful example of the imaginative richness of silent comedy. SCORE: 9/10.
SCRIPT: THE NAVIGATOR is definitely one of Keaton's most entertaining efforts. The movie lasts barely an hour, but is full of comic invention and ingenuity. Among the highlights are Keaton's hilariously inept attempts to make breakfast on the ship, his battle with a swordfish, and their epic battle against cannibals. This movie gave my wife and me lots of laughs! SCORE: 9/10
ACTING: Buster Keaton was known for his "stoneface" routine, remaining comically unflappable in the face of dire circumstances, and he does it well here. He does well at portraying the bored rich young man, and is also very athletic when the situation calls for it. Kathryn McGuire is also very good as his love interest. McGuire comically mocks the "damsel in distress" style of acting at times, and she's very game for all of the slapstick funny business as well. They are the two who are most prominent in the movie; in fact, they're the only people involved for long stretches of the film, and their chemistry and talent help keep things afloat. SCORE: 9/10
CINEMATOGRAPHY/PRODUCTION: This film was expertly shot by Byron Houck and Elgin Lessley. In many cases, all they have to do is just set the camera up and let it roll to capture Keaton's stunningly inventive gags, but there are nice tracking shots and underwater camera-work as well. Also, the battle between Keaton, McGuire, and the cannibals is given the right epic feel while still being quite funny. Solid work overall. SCORE: 8/10
SUMMARY: THE NAVIGATOR is great fun, with lots of inventive gags and great comic chemistry between the two leads. It's one of Keaton's best films, and it stands the test of time as a wonderful example of the imaginative richness of silent comedy. SCORE: 9/10.