The Haunted House
The Haunted House

Movie spotlight

The Haunted House

1921
Movie
19 min
English

A bank teller becomes involved with a hold-up, counterfeiters and a theatrical troupe posing as spooks in a haunted house.

Insights

IMDb6.7/10
Director: Buster KeatonGenres: Comedy, Short, Horror

Plot Summary

In this silent short film, Buster Keaton, a lonely bank clerk, attempts to propose to his sweetheart by pretending to be a millionaire. To impress her and her family, he visits a supposedly haunted house on Halloween night. Inside, he encounters a series of gags and surreal events, including a piano that plays itself and a ghostly figure that causes him to jump out of his skin.

Critical Reception

As one of Buster Keaton's early shorts, 'The Haunted House' is considered a minor but charming entry in his filmography. It showcases his developing physical comedy and signature deadpan style, setting the stage for his later, more elaborate features. While not as groundbreaking as some of his other works, it remains a delightful piece of silent comedy history.

What Reviewers Say

  • Showcases Keaton's early mastery of physical comedy and surreal gags.

  • A fun, if somewhat slight, entry in the silent comedy era.

  • Features impressive visual gags and a charmingly spooky atmosphere.

Google audience: Information on Google user ratings for this early silent film is not readily available.

Fun Fact

The 'ghosts' in the haunted house were often portrayed by Keaton's family members and fellow comedians, adding a layer of insider humor to the production.

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