Description:

(Buster Keaton and Donald Crisp, 1924, US, 35mm, 59 min.)

After an unsuccessful marriage proposal Rollo Treadway (Buster Keaton) decides to sail away from his sorrows by going on his honeymoon cruise alone. In his rush to get away, he leaves for the dock at night, accidentally boarding a ship that his would-be fiancé’s father has just sold to a small country at war. The intricate set-up comments on the absurdity of war and provides a brilliant excuse for a slew of gags about everything from the wealthy learning to take care of themselves (without servants, can you imagine?) to the ingenuity required to retrofit a giant cruise ship to the needs of two guests. How do you make breakfast for two in a galley meant to cook for thousands? Keaton’s favorite of his features pours a little cold water on the promise of industrial progress without blowing all of modernity out of the water. Live musical accompaniment by David Drazin.