“The Balloonatic” is a silent comedy short film released in 1923, directed by and starring Buster Keaton. The film follows the story of Buster, who plays a young man that gets on a hot air balloon after a young woman, played by Phyllis Haver, he has just met does so as well. The balloon takes off with them both aboard, and the two of them have various misadventures as they try to land safely.

As they soar through the air, the pair encounters a series of obstacles including a group of aggressive eagles, a turbulent storm, and a waterfall. They also land in a remote area where they encounter a group of indigenous people who are initially hostile towards them, but eventually become their allies.

In the end, Buster and the young woman finally land the balloon safely and are relieved to be back on solid ground. However, as Buster tries to show off his bravery, he accidentally knocks himself out, leaving the young woman to revive him and walk off with another man.

“The Balloonatic” is a classic example of Keaton’s mastery of physical comedy and innovative use of visual gags. The film’s stunning visuals and thrilling action sequences made it a major success at the time of its release and have ensured its enduring popularity with audiences over the years.

Directors:
Edward F. Cline, Buster Keaton

Writer:
Edward F. Cline, Buster Keaton

Stars:
Buster Keaton, John Brown, Phyllis Haver

“The Rodeo” is a silent Western film released in 1929 and directed by Ralph Ince. The film stars Hoot Gibson as a rodeo performer named Hoot who becomes embroiled in a conflict between ranchers and a gang of cattle rustlers.

As Hoot performs in a rodeo, he becomes acquainted with a young woman named Mary, who works for the local ranchers. Mary is being harassed by the cattle rustlers, who are trying to force the ranchers to sell their land. Hoot takes it upon himself to help Mary and the ranchers, leading to a series of action-packed confrontations with the rustlers.

The film is notable for its thrilling rodeo scenes and its portrayal of the Wild West during the early 20th century. It was generally well-received upon its initial release and is now considered a classic of the Western genre.

Overall, “The Rodeo” is an exciting and entertaining film that showcases Hoot Gibson’s talents as a rodeo performer and actor, as well as the rugged beauty of the American West.

Directors:
Alfred J. Goulding

Writer:
Carl Harbaugh, Jefferson Moffitt, Earle Rodney

Stars:
Raymond McKee, Ruth Hiatt, Mary Ann Jackson

“The Campus Vamp” is a silent comedy film released in 1928 and directed by Harry Edwards. The film stars Joan Crawford in one of her early roles as a flirtatious college student named co-ed Betty who tries to win the affections of a shy, nerdy student named Bob.

Betty uses her feminine wiles to manipulate Bob into doing her bidding, such as completing her schoolwork and taking her on dates. However, as Bob becomes more confident and popular with his peers, he begins to see through Betty’s manipulations and turns the tables on her.

The film is known for its witty humor and fast-paced physical comedy, as well as its portrayal of college life in the 1920s. It was generally well-received upon its initial release and is now considered a classic of early Hollywood cinema.

Overall, “The Campus Vamp” is a charming and entertaining comedy that showcases Joan Crawford’s early talent and charisma on screen.

Directors:
Harry Edwards

Writer:
Ewart Adamson, Carl Harbaugh, Jefferson Moffitt

Stars:
Daphne Pollard, Johnny Burke, Sally Eilers