“The High Sign” is a silent short film released in 1921 and directed by Buster Keaton and Eddie Cline. The film follows Buster Keaton’s character, who wanders into a shooting gallery looking for work. He’s hired by the gallery owner to be a sharpshooter, but he’s not very good at it.
Later, he meets a group of burglars who ask him to help them rob a house. They give him a high sign, but he doesn’t understand what it means. Buster unintentionally foils their robbery attempt and accidentally saves the day.
As the burglars escape, they leave behind a clue that points to Buster as the mastermind behind the robbery. The police chase him, and Buster finds himself in a house full of secret passages and traps, where he tries to evade the police and clear his name.
In the end, Buster catches the real mastermind behind the robbery, and the police exonerate him. The film ends with Buster finding a new job, and the burglars being apprehended.
“The High Sign” is known for its inventive stunts and physical comedy, which were a hallmark of Buster Keaton’s films. It’s considered one of his early classics and helped establish him as a major star in the silent film era.
Directors:
Edward F. Cline, Buster Keaton
Writer:
Edward F. Cline, Buster Keaton
Stars:
Buster Keaton, Bartine Burkett, Charles Dorety
