Comedian Keaton Buster: biography with photo

Keaton Buster is a famous American comedian, director and producer, Great stone face of a silent screen. Known for his unflappable comic expressions, which are brilliantly demonstrated in complex scenes.

Like many great actors of silent movies, Buster remained unknown and unclaimed for several years. Only towards the end of his life was his activity rightfully rewarded. A psychologically astute actor, Keaton created dozens of short films that confirm that he was one of the most talented and innovative artists of his time.

Buster Keaton: date of birth and early years

Joseph Frank Keaton was born on October 4, 1895 in Piqua, Kansas, USA. He was the eldest of the three children of Joseph Hally Keaton and Myra Cutler. His father was the director of the roving troupe Mohawk Indian Medicine Company, in which he performed brilliantly along with his wife and famous magician Harry Houdini.

According to legend, Keaton got his nickname "Buster" when he was 18 months old, after falling down the stairs. Fortunately, Harry Houdini managed to pick him up and, turning to his parents, joked that Joseph Jr. fell like a "real bugler" (a buster with an English "daredevil").

Early entrance to the stage

Already at the age of three, he began performing at the shows with his parents. During a comic acrobatic performance, his father did incredible tricks with him (even dangerous tosses). After that his family was accused by the American authorities of cruel treatment of children. But, as Keeton himself recalls, he actually never suffered from falls, as he simply played the role of a "mop-man". Even then, Buster really liked that all the audience laughed at him.

At such a young age, the future comedian noticed that when he merrily imitated his father, the audience did not react at all. Then Keaton Buster invented his unflappable expression to amuse the public. So he took the path of a comedian. His talent led the family to New York in 1909.

Carier start

In 1917, his father Joseph Keaton began serious problems with alcohol, because of which the family broke up. Actor Buster Keaton for a long time did not appear on stage. But during this break he was offered a role in the Broadway show with a staggering fee at that time - $ 250 per week. However, an accidental meeting with the comedian Roscoe Arbaklom led to the rupture of this contract. He was persuaded to play the main role in the short film "Assistant Butcher" (1917).

After that, Buster noticed that his calm expression on the film looked very good. The only time he laughed in Roscoe's "Coney Island" (1917).

In 14 short films his friend starred Buster Keaton, the best films - "His Wedding Night" and "Corridor." His excellent film career was interrupted when Buster in 1918 joined the Rifle Division in France during the First World War.

After returning to the United States in 1919, he played the leading roles in several Roscoe films. They had tremendous commercial success. In 1920, Buster Keaton, a comedian, makes his first full-length feature film "Balda", where he plays along with Bertie Elstin. His work was duly appreciated, thanks to the pleasant reviews of the audience. This film was considered the basis for the further career of Keaton.

Directing activity

In 1920, Roscoe Arbuckle stopped making comedic films, and Buster became the new head of the company that belonged to Joseph Schenk. His first directorial efforts were unsuccessful. Then he decided to work hard both for the camera and for her. His partner Eddie Cline claimed that Keaton always took on most of the work.

Criticist Peter Hog wrote that Buster impresses everyone with his ideal and expressive work, as well as harmony between the roles of the performer and the director. This balance came into effect with the movie "Theater" (1921). He independently developed innovative special effects, which made him one of the first leaders in this field. Keaton began using moving cameras, while many of his colleagues continued to use stationary cameras.

Career peak

May 31, 1921 Buster marries actress Natalie Tolmadzh. They have two sons, Joseph and Robert. Soon, thanks to the excellent achievements of Buster and his undeniable success, Comic Films was renamed Keaton Buster Productions. It is important to note that he did not own any part of the shares. The actor became the artistic director of projects, in the formulation of which he developed his own working method, shooting two films a year.

In 1923, he begins to produce only full-length films. Buster Keaton makes a parody of the famous picture of D.W. Griffith "Intolerance" (1916) entitled "Three Centuries". In 1924, two of his best films were shot. The first is "Sherlock Jr.", in which he plays the role of a dreamy projectionist who wants to become a real detective. In the process of filming all the tricks Keaton performs independently. He even injures his neck, but will only find it in 10 years. The second film is "Navigator": according to the plot, Buster is shot on an ocean liner.

At the height of his career, Keaton became a celebrity. His salary was 3500 dollars a week. Working hard, he was able to build a $ 300,000 mansion in Beverly Hills.

Buster Keaton: the filmography of the mid-20-ies

Thanks to interesting subjects and a brilliant game, Buster films continue to enjoy great popularity. The paintings "The Seven Opportunities" (1925), "West" (1925) and "Batling Buster" (1926) have a tremendous commercial success. The film "The General" (1926) about the heroes of the Civil War was ridiculed by many critics, but soon it was considered technically impeccable. During the filming Keaton spent 42,000 dollars to send the train through the burning bridge.

In 1928, he makes the last film with "Keaton Buster Productions" - "Steamboat Bill Jr.". He pleased the critics, but had no commercial success.

"Falling Down"

In 1928, Joseph Schenk, owner of Keaton Buster Productions, sells its shares to Metro-Goldwyn-Meyer. Keaton never paid much attention to the business side of the film industry and paid a considerable price for it. He lost control over the creative process of his paintings. The first film with the new owners was pretty good (The Cameraman, 1928), but the last one - "Marriage Angrily" (1929) - was a real failure in Buster's career. The arrival of the "sound era" in the cinema did not work in favor of Keaton. And in 1933 the company breaks the contract with him.

Because of failures in the work, he survived and several personal crises - a divorce from Natalie Tolmage, started problems with alcohol. Soon he will marry again - on the nurse Elizabeth May Scriven. However, this marriage was not lasting, and in 1935 he was again divorced.

Again, the "white band"

After a short tour of Europe Buster was able to overcome his alcohol dependence. In 1937, he again signed a contract with Metro-Goldwyn-Meyer, but only as a writer of witticisms. He manages to surprise all with his unmatched talent.

In 1938, Buster Keaton became the new artistic director of United Artists. Short comedies that were made under his leadership, had unimaginable success.

In 1940, Keaton marries for the last time on the dancer Eleanor Ruth Norris.

In 1949, he first appears on television and even begins to appear in commercials. Buster even performed in such shows: "Playhouse-90", "Rut-66" and "Twilight-show". Keaton conducts his own concerts in 1949 "Buster Keaton Kamedi Shaw", and in 1951 - "Buster Keaton Show." Correspondent "New York Times" Karin James wrote that Keaton's television performances were warmly received by the audience. He managed, after a decade of obscurity, to perpetuate his comic images, embracing the new environment.

In the mid-50's, Buster Keaton appeared again on the screen. The best films with his participation: "Around the World in 80 Days" (1956), "This Mad, Mad, Mad World" (1963), "Wars in Italian Style" (1966) and others.

On February 1, 1966, the actor dies of lung cancer in Woodland Hills, California.

Summarizing, it is worth noting that the secret of the actor's lasting success lies in his amazing skill and talent. Few artists could also fall so funny that all spectators laugh to tears, or make an unruffled expression that you will never forget. Only the brilliant Buster Keaton knew how to do this (the photos presented above confirm this). And even 50 years after his death, films with Keaton's participation seem funny and relevant to the audience.