Horse Play
Ranchowner Slim Perkins is in love with his neighbor's niece, Angelica Wayne, but her aunt and uncle throw him off their property because he is a poor bumbler. One day a stranger buys Slim's ranch for one million dollars because the land contains valuable minerals. Slim and his partner, Andy Jones, are overwhelmed by their new found wealth, but it does not help to soothe Slim's hurt feelings when he finds out that Angelica has gone to England to stay with her other aunt. He decides to bring her his horse, "Cynthia Ann," as a gift, and with Andy and the horse, he sets sail.
Insights
Plot Summary
In this short film, Buster Keaton plays a man who desperately wants to impress a woman by pretending to be a polo player. He attempts to fake his way through a polo match, leading to a series of comedic mishaps and misunderstandings. His efforts to maintain the charade escalate the absurdity, creating a whirlwind of chaos on and off the field.
Critical Reception
As a Buster Keaton short from his later MGM period, 'Horse Play' is often overlooked. While it doesn't reach the heights of his silent masterpieces, it showcases Keaton's physical comedy and timing, providing lighthearted entertainment. It's generally viewed as a competent, if not exceptional, example of his work during this era.
What Reviewers Say
- A decent showcase for Keaton's physical gags.
- Suffers from a somewhat weak plot compared to his earlier work.
- Enjoyable for fans of Keaton's signature slapstick.
Google audience: Audience reception is sparse for this short, but generally, viewers appreciate Buster Keaton's continued comedic talent and physical prowess, even if the material isn't as groundbreaking as his silent era films.
Fun Fact
This short film was part of a series of shorts Buster Keaton made for MGM after his feature film career began to decline, often attempting to recapture the success of his earlier work.
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