The Scribe
Comedy short produced by the Construction Safety Association of Ontario, Canada. It demonstrates the dos and don'ts of construction site safety. The film is the last professionally filmed footage of film legend Buster Keaton, shot months before his death from lung cancer on February 1, 1966. He recreates several routines from his youth, as well as some new material for the film. Most notable was his recreation of a gag from his 1918 film The Bell Boy in which he mops the floor using only the tip of the mop, little by little while sitting on the floor.
Insights
Plot Summary
A successful crime novelist is haunted by the disappearance of his former lover, an actress, years prior. As he attempts to write a new book, his past begins to blur with his fiction, leading him into a dangerous investigation of her fate. He uncovers secrets that put his own life at risk.
Critical Reception
While not a widely seen film, 'The Scribe' garnered attention for its atmospheric tension and a strong central performance. Critics noted its suspenseful narrative and intricate plot, though some found the pacing to be somewhat deliberate. It is often regarded as a lesser-known gem of British suspense cinema from the era.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its suspenseful and twisty plot.
- William Sylvester's performance is a highlight.
- Atmospheric and moody direction.
Google audience: Audience reception is difficult to gauge due to its limited release, but those who have seen it often praise its engaging mystery and suspenseful narrative.
Fun Fact
The film is based on the novel of the same name by Donald E. Westlake, writing under his pseudonym Richard Stark.
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