
Movie spotlight
Thunder, Lightning and Sunshine
Relations between Huckebein, a humble tailor, and Greizinger, a wealthy farmer, become strained after Greizinger breaks off the romance between his son, Franzl, and Huckenbein's daughter, Evi. However, after a situation with a 100 mark note taken from a pair of trousers pressed by Huckebein belonging to Greisinger is resolved, a valuable mineral spring is found on the tailor's property,and the warring fathers become friends and Evi and Franzl are married.
Insights
Plot Summary
In this short musical comedy, Buster Keaton plays a man who attempts to sell his "miracle tonic" to a group of wary farmers. His sales pitch takes a musical turn, but his efforts are constantly disrupted by a local bully. The film is a series of gags and musical numbers as Keaton tries to make a sale and escape the antagonist.
Critical Reception
As a short subject from the mid-1930s, "Thunder, Lightning and Sunshine" is often viewed as a minor entry in the filmographies of its participants. It's recognized more for its historical context within the era of studio shorts and the presence of Buster Keaton in a later, less prominent role, rather than for groundbreaking critical acclaim. Audience reception would have been tied to the overall quality of Columbia Pictures' short film output at the time.
What Reviewers Say
Features the distinctive physical comedy of Buster Keaton, albeit in a later stage of his career.
The musical numbers offer a pleasant diversion within the short's comedic framework.
Relies on familiar gags and situations typical of short comedies from the era.
Google audience: While specific Google user reviews for this 1936 short are not readily available, audiences familiar with Buster Keaton's work might appreciate his presence and comedic timing, even in a less iconic role. The musical elements would have appealed to those who enjoyed the genre during that period.
Fun Fact
This short film marked one of Buster Keaton's many brief appearances in films made by other studios after his peak stardom, where he often played supporting or cameo roles.
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