THIS IS YOUR LIFE: THE CLASSICS {BUSTER KEATON} {APRIL 3, 1957} (TV)
Summary
One in this series of nostalgic programs hosted by Ralph Edwards, in which he introduces classic episodes of his live television program "This Is Your Life." The program honors the career of an unsuspecting guest, usually a celebrity, and features surprise testimonials from family and friends. In this episode, originally broadcast on April 3, 1957, Edwards surprises the legendary motion picture comedian Buster Keaton, with the assistance of Al Gregory and NBC programming executive John Nelson. Then, with the aid of Keaton's family and friends, Edwards chronicles the poker-faced performer's tumultuous career. Vaudeville performer Louise Dresser reminisces about how Keaton, the son of vaudeville performers, was known for his amazing acrobatics as a child. Another vaudevillian, Will Rawls, recalls how Keaton's parents were frequently arrested for child abuse but stresses Keaton's devotion to his parents. Next, his brother, Harry, and his sister, Louise, reminisce about how their older sibling at age nineteen supported the family when their parents gave up the act. Fellow movie actors and silent film directors Eddie Cline and Donald Crisp discuss several topics, including Keaton's rise to stardom after Fatty Arbuckle cast him in motion pictures; his penchant for on-screen daredevil stunts; and his well-known generosity. Clips from Keaton's silent film classics "Steamboat Bill, Jr." and "The Navigator" are shown. Edwards then recounts some of the obstacles in Keaton's life during the 1930s, including his divorce, which coincided with a declining film career; his financial difficulties; and his health problems. Fellow comedian Red Skelton then pays tribute to the guest of honor, who worked for Skelton as a gag writer and an idea man. Also, Keaton's third wife, Eleanor (Norris), comments on their current life, and actor Donald O'Connor drops by to promote his role in Paramount's upcoming biopic about Keaton. Finally Keaton's sons Bob and Jim join in the tribute. Commercials deleted.
("This Is Your Life" aired on NBC from 1952 to 1961.)
Details
- NETWORK: Syndicated
- DATE: November 30, 1989
- RUNNING TIME: 0:24:12
- COLOR/B&W: B&W
- CATALOG ID: T:25413
- GENRE: Talk/Interview
- SUBJECT HEADING: Talk/Interview; Biography; Comedy and comedians; Film - Production and direction
- SERIES RUN: NBC - TV series, 1952-1961; 1987, 1993 / Syndication - 1971-1973; 1983-1984
- COMMERCIALS: N/A
CREDITS
- Ralph Edwards … Executive Producer
- Axel Gruenberg … Producer
- Richard Gottlieb … Director
- Paul Phillips … Writer
- Von Dexter … Music by
- Jan Boehme Miller … Researcher
- For "Ralph Edwards Updating Segments"
- John Couch … Production (Misc.), Production Staff
- Barbara Dunn-Leonard … Production (Misc.), Production Staff
- Gary Edwards … Production (Misc.), Production Staff
- Pat Gleason … Production (Misc.), Production Staff
- George Moore … Production (Misc.), Production Staff
- Ralph Edwards … Host
- Buster Keaton … Honoree
- Eddie Cline … Guest
- Louise Dresser … Guest
- Bob Keaton … Guest
- Harry Keaton … Guest
- Jim Keaton … Guest
- Louise Keaton … Guest
- Keaton, Eleanor (Norris) … Guest
- Donald O'Connor … Guest
- Red Skelton … Guest
- Will Rawls … Guest
- Arbuckle, Roscoe "Fatty"
- Al Gregory
- John Nelson