MUSEUM OF TELEVISION & RADIO SCREENING SERIES, THE:
THE RETURN OF THE MAN IN THE PORKPIE HAT: BUSTER
KEATON ON TELEVISION, PACKAGE 2: A LOT TO SMILE
ABOUT (1954-1957)
Summary
"A Lot to Smile About"
(1954Ð1957)
While traveling through Europe on a variety bill, Keaton
spent several days in London filming a dark, political
story for Douglas Fairbanks, Jr.'s anthology series--a
foray into dramatic acting that marked a unique turn in
the comedian's career. But in late 1955 a sudden throat
hemorrhage nearly killed him. While recovering in the
hospital, Keaton met with a writer working on a screen
biography of his life. Dramatic liberties aside, 1957Õs
"The Buster Keaton Story," starring Donald OÕConnor,
bought Buster the good life: a ranch in the San Fernando
Valley that he would spend the rest of his days
outfitting with ingeniously designed gadgets. A
more rounded portrayal was delivered on Ralph EdwardsÕs
"This Is Your Life."
"Douglas Fairbanks, Jr. Presents: 'The Awakening'"
(1954; 25 minutes)
"Being for a straight dramatic role, it was a flattering
offer," Buster noted of being cast as the humble clerk
who defies an authoritarian government in this
adaptation of GogolÕs "The Cloak."
"Screen Directors Playhouse: 'The Silent Partner'"
(1955; 25 minutes)
In a scenario close to KeatonÕs heart, a forgotten
showbiz legend gets a second chance. Costarring ZaSu
Pitts and Joe E. Brown.
"The Martha Raye Show" (1956; 3 minutes)
Martha joins Buster for a retake of the celebrated
Chaplin/Keaton "concert scene" from "Limelight."
"The Rosemary Clooney Show" (1956; 4 minutes)
Backed by the stealthy harmonizations of the Hi-Lo's,
"Keystone Kop" Keaton foils a cat burglar.
"The Ed Sullivan Show" (1957; 4 minutes)
Buster demonstrates a surreal "jump through the
peddler woman" gag from "Sherlock Jr."
"This Is Your Life" (1957; 30 minutes)
"We furnished our whole house out of Ralph Edwards,"
Eleanor later said. Among the guests are Red Skelton,
Donald OÕConnor, and KeatonÕs sons Bob and Jim.
Details
- NETWORK: N/A
- DATE: November 30, 1995
- RUNNING TIME: 1:27:25
- COLOR/B&W: N/A
- CATALOG ID: T:45530
- GENRE: N/A
- SUBJECT HEADING: N/A
- SERIES RUN: N/A
- COMMERCIALS: N/A
CREDITS
- Buster Keaton