
Movie spotlight
Holy Crime
A celebrated melodrama. A bank employee who steals money to buy medicine for his dying wife is caught, jailed and dies of shame.
Insights
Plot Summary
In this comedic crime film, Buster Keaton plays a timid, aspiring writer who gets entangled with a gang of bank robbers. Mistaken for a getaway driver, he finds himself on the run with the criminals, leading to a series of chaotic and humorous situations. He must find a way to escape the clutches of the law and the mob while trying to stay alive and perhaps even write his own success story.
Critical Reception
Holy Crime is generally regarded as a minor but enjoyable entry in Buster Keaton's filmography. While it doesn't reach the heights of his silent masterpieces, it showcases his enduring comedic talent and physical comedy. Critics and audiences at the time appreciated its lighthearted tone and Keaton's signature performance, though some found the plot less inventive than his earlier works.
What Reviewers Say
Buster Keaton's physical comedy remains a highlight.
The crime-comedy premise provides ample opportunities for gags.
A pleasant, if not groundbreaking, late-career film for Keaton.
Google audience: Audience reviews are scarce for this older film, but where available, they often praise Buster Keaton's continued ability to deliver laughs through his unique comedic style. Some viewers found the story a bit predictable for its time.
Fun Fact
Buster Keaton's later career saw him working in sound films, and 'Holy Crime' was one of his earlier attempts in this new medium, still demonstrating his mastery of visual gags within a talkie format.
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