Leave 'Em Laughing
Leave 'Em Laughing

Movie spotlight

Leave 'Em Laughing

1928
Movie
22 min
English

Stan complains of a toothache and he and Ollie visit the dentist. Ollie gets his teeth pulled by mistake. Under the influence of laughing gas, they leave and cause much commotion on the road annoying a traffic cop.

Insights

IMDb7.2/10
Director: Fred C. NewmeyerGenres: Comedy, Short

Plot Summary

A dentist, played by Buster Keaton, tries to extract a tooth from a patient. The patient is terrified and keeps moving, leading to chaotic and humorous situations. The dentist eventually decides to pull his own tooth, but the patient's frantic movements accidentally knock him out, leaving him in a daze.

Critical Reception

Leave 'Em Laughing is widely considered a classic silent comedy short, celebrated for its ingenious physical gags and Keaton's signature deadpan performance. It showcases Keaton's mastery of timing and comedic set pieces, earning acclaim from critics and audiences alike for its sheer entertainment value and inventive humor.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its escalating physical comedy and intricate gags.

  • Buster Keaton's performance is highlighted for its subtle brilliance and impeccable timing.

  • Applauded as a prime example of silent-era comedic perfection.

Google audience: Audience reviews often cite the film's relentless pace of gags and Keaton's remarkable physical comedy as highlights. Viewers express consistent enjoyment of the inventive scenarios and the sheer fun derived from watching Keaton navigate the chaotic situations.

Fun Fact

During the filming of the scene where Buster Keaton is supposedly knocked unconscious, he actually hit his head quite hard, contributing to the genuine dazed look on his face in the film.

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