Lightnin'
Lightnin'

Lightnin'

1925Movie104 minEnglish

Set in a hotel straddling the border between California and Nevada, this early John Ford comedy follows a female hotel owner's efforts to turn a profit and get some work out of her husband.

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Insights

IMDb7.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes93%
Director: Buster Keaton, Clyde BruckmanGenres: Comedy, Western

Plot Summary

A naive young man, Bill, is in love with Pretty Soft, but her father, Mayor "Gator" Jackson, disapproves of him. A valuable deed to a property that includes a profitable oil well goes missing, and Bill is wrongly accused of the theft. He must then overcome the mayor's prejudice and the machinations of a crooked lawyer to prove his innocence and win the hand of his beloved.

Critical Reception

Lightnin' is generally considered a classic silent comedy, praised for its inventive gags, Keaton's signature deadpan performance, and its surprisingly effective blend of Western and comedic elements. While perhaps not reaching the heights of Keaton's absolute masterpieces, it is still highly regarded by critics and audiences for its humor and charm.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for Buster Keaton's physical comedy and charming performance.
  • Appreciated for its blend of Western themes and comedic situations.
  • Seen as a solid, enjoyable entry in Keaton's filmography.

Google audience: Audience reception for Lightnin' is largely positive, with viewers often highlighting the film's humor, Keaton's unique comedic style, and the engaging storyline. Many appreciate its classic silent film charm.

Fun Fact

The film is based on a popular 1918 stage play of the same name, which was one of the longest-running plays on Broadway at the time.

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