My Wife’s Relations is a silent comedy film directed by and starring Buster Keaton. The film was released in 1922 and follows the story of a newlywed couple, Buster and his wife, who have to deal with her large and overbearing family.

The film begins with Buster and his wife getting married and driving away in their car. Along the way, they encounter a series of mishaps, including a flat tire, which leads them to seek help from her family.

Upon arriving, Buster is greeted by a large and rowdy group of in-laws who make it clear that they don’t think much of him. He struggles to fit in and win their approval, but their antics and constant interference make it nearly impossible.

Despite the challenges, Buster’s love for his wife never wavers, and he eventually comes up with a plan to win her family over. He stages a fake robbery, which leads to a series of hilarious misunderstandings and ultimately brings the family together.

The film is known for its physical comedy and Keaton’s impressive stunts, including a memorable scene where he jumps onto a moving train. It also explores themes of family dynamics and the challenges of fitting in with a new family.

Overall, My Wife’s Relations is a classic comedy that showcases Buster Keaton’s talent as a filmmaker and comedian. It is a must-see for fans of silent film and comedy.

Directors:
Edward F. Cline, Buster Keaton

Writer:
Buster Keaton, Edward F. Cline

Stars:
Buster Keaton, Wallace Beery, Monte Collins

“Hard Luck” is a 1921 comedy film directed by and starring Buster Keaton. The film follows the misadventures of a young man named Buster (played by Keaton), who has just been released from prison.

Buster’s first stroke of “hard luck” occurs when he is kicked out of his boarding house and forced to live on the streets. He soon meets a young woman (played by Virginia Fox), who he falls in love with. However, she is already engaged to a wealthy man, leading to a series of comedic misunderstandings and mishaps.

Buster’s misfortunes continue as he accidentally steals a watch, leading to a chase by the police and a dramatic rescue involving a high-rise building. The film culminates in a chaotic and hilarious chase sequence involving Buster, the police, and a parade.

As with many of Keaton’s films, “Hard Luck” features physical comedy and stunts, including a memorable scene in which Buster climbs a building and hangs from a clock face.

Overall, “Hard Luck” is a classic example of Keaton’s comedic style, combining slapstick humor with clever storytelling and impressive stunts. The film showcases Keaton’s talent as a writer, director, and performer, and remains a beloved classic of silent cinema.

Directors:
Edward F. Cline, Buster Keaton

Writer:
Edward F. Cline, Buster Keaton

Stars:
Buster Keaton, Virginia Fox, Joe Roberts

“Good Night Nurse” is a 1918 silent comedy film directed by Roscoe “Fatty” Arbuckle and starring Arbuckle himself alongside Buster Keaton and Al St. John. The film tells the story of a young man named Roscoe who is hired as a private nurse to care for a wealthy man named John Stuyvesant who is pretending to be ill to avoid paying his debts.

Roscoe is initially unaware of the scheme but soon discovers the truth and becomes embroiled in a series of comedic misadventures as he tries to keep Stuyvesant’s creditors at bay while also trying to woo a pretty nurse named Mary. Meanwhile, Stuyvesant’s scheming wife and her lover plot to get their hands on his money.

As the story unfolds, Roscoe and his friends engage in a series of hilarious antics, including mistaken identities, slapstick fights, and madcap chases. The film is notable for its fast-paced physical comedy and for showcasing the comedic talents of both Arbuckle and Keaton, who would later become a major Hollywood star in his own right.

Overall, “Good Night Nurse” is a classic silent comedy that exemplifies the humor and charm of the era. It is a lighthearted romp filled with laughs and hijinks that will entertain audiences of all ages.

Directors:
Roscoe ‘Fatty’ Arbuckle

Writer:
Roscoe ‘Fatty’ Arbuckle

Stars:
Roscoe ‘Fatty’ Arbuckle, Buster Keaton, Al St. John

“Daydreams” is a 1922 silent comedy film written, directed, and starring Buster Keaton.

The film follows the story of a young man, played by Keaton, who falls asleep and dreams of being transported to a magical world. In this world, he finds himself in various surreal situations, including being chased by a giant spider and performing a high-wire act.

Throughout his dream, the young man also falls in love with a beautiful woman, played by Renée Adorée. He must rescue her from danger, including being held captive by a group of tribal warriors and being pursued by a dangerous train.

As the young man’s dream comes to an end, he awakens to find himself in the real world, but with a newfound sense of adventure and bravery.

“Daydreams” is a classic silent comedy film filled with Keaton’s trademark physical humor and clever visual gags. The surreal dream sequences showcase Keaton’s creativity and imagination, and the film remains a must-see for fans of silent comedy and the work of Buster Keaton.

Directors:
Edward F. Cline, Buster Keaton

Writer:
Roscoe ‘Fatty’ Arbuckle, Edward F. Cline, Buster Keaton

Stars:
Buster Keaton, Renée Adorée,Edward F. Cline

“Charlie Chaplin Festival” is a compilation film released in 1938 by United Artists, featuring some of the most iconic moments from Charlie Chaplin’s films. The film was created to celebrate Chaplin’s 25 years in the film industry.

The film is divided into several segments, each showcasing a different aspect of Chaplin’s career. The segments include clips from some of his most famous films, such as “The Kid,” “City Lights,” and “Modern Times.”

In addition to the film clips, “Charlie Chaplin Festival” also includes interviews with Chaplin himself, as well as with some of his colleagues in the film industry. These interviews provide insight into Chaplin’s creative process and his approach to filmmaking.

The film also includes a musical score, composed by Chaplin himself, which adds to the overall mood and atmosphere of the film.

Overall, “Charlie Chaplin Festival” is a tribute to one of the greatest comedians in the history of cinema, showcasing the enduring appeal and timelessness of Chaplin’s work. It serves as a reminder of the impact that Chaplin had on the film industry and on popular culture as a whole.

Directors:
Charles Chaplin

Writer:
Charles Chaplin

Stars:
Charles Chaplin, Albert Austin, Lloyd Bacon

“Mabel’s Strange Predicament” is a silent comedy film produced by Keystone Studios and released in 1914, directed by Mabel Normand and starring Charlie Chaplin. The film is notable for being the first appearance of Chaplin as his iconic character, The Tramp.

The film opens with Mabel (played by Normand) getting locked out of her hotel room in the middle of the night, wearing only a nightgown and slippers. She wanders around the hotel, trying to find a way back into her room, but all the doors are locked. She then encounters The Tramp, a wandering vagabond, who helps her sneak back into her room through a window.

After Mabel falls asleep, The Tramp accidentally wakes her up by snoring loudly. Mabel tries to get him to leave, but he refuses, insisting that he has nowhere else to go. The two then engage in a series of comedic hijinks, including The Tramp stealing a cop’s uniform to sneak out of the hotel, and Mabel pretending to be a wealthy patron in order to avoid paying her bill.

The film ends with The Tramp being chased by a mob of angry people after accidentally setting a dog on fire. Mabel intervenes and helps him escape, and the two part ways.

Overall, “Mabel’s Strange Predicament” is a lighthearted and humorous film that showcases the early comedic talents of Charlie Chaplin and Mabel Normand.

Directors:
Mabel Normand

Writer:
Charles Chaplin, Henry Lehrman

Stars:
Mabel Normand, Charles Chaplin, Chester Conklin

“Kids Auto Race At Venice” is a short silent comedy film released in 1914 and directed by Henry Lehrman. The film stars Charlie Chaplin in one of his earliest roles, playing a version of his iconic Tramp character.

The film takes place at a children’s auto race in Venice, California, where a film crew is shooting a documentary. Charlie Chaplin’s character, referred to as the “Little Tramp,” is a bystander who keeps getting in the way of the film crew’s shots.

As the children’s race gets underway, Chaplin’s character becomes increasingly enamored with the camera, vying for attention and trying to get his face on film. He begins to interfere with the race, tripping over wires and distracting the drivers.

Despite the chaos he causes, Chaplin’s character ultimately manages to steal the show, with the filmmakers realizing that his antics would make for a great comedic short film. In the final scene, Chaplin’s character rides off into the sunset, chased by a mob of children.

“Kids Auto Race At Venice” is considered a groundbreaking film in the history of comedy, as it marked the first appearance of Charlie Chaplin’s iconic Tramp character on screen. The film is also notable for its use of improvisation and its blending of documentary footage with comedic elements. It remains a beloved classic of silent film comedy to this day.

Directors:
Henry Lehrman

Writer:
Henry Lehrman, Charles Chaplin

Stars:
Charles Chaplin, Henry Lehrman, Gordon Griffith