
Movie spotlight
Precious Fools
Being a tramp is not always a disadvantage. For example when there is a masquerade ball. Indeed wearing flea-ridden rags might just mean having donned a costume. This is what happens to two resourceful Brussels bums, La Cloche and Picolard, who manage to gain entry in a fancy-dress ball. Once there, La Cloche is mistaken by an oriental prince for a respected doctor. His mission will be to give care to a music-hall diva. Even more exciting, he is asked to vaccinate a whole troupe of showgirls. Trouble guaranteed.
Insights
Plot Summary
In this short comedy, Buster Keaton plays a man who inherits a fortune and tries to live a life of leisure, but his attempts at sophistication are met with comical disasters. He finds himself entangled with various characters, including a con artist and a woman he believes to be his true love, all while his newfound wealth causes more problems than it solves.
Critical Reception
As a short film from the late 1930s, 'Precious Fools' received limited critical attention during its release. It is primarily remembered as a late-career outing for Buster Keaton, showcasing his signature physical comedy style. Audience reception at the time would have been tied to its screening as part of a larger program, with its effectiveness largely dependent on Keaton's performance and the comedic situations presented.
What Reviewers Say
Buster Keaton's physical comedy remains a highlight.
The plot is thin, typical for a short film.
A decent, albeit brief, showcase of Keaton's enduring talent.
Google audience: Information on specific Google user reviews for this short film from 1938 is not readily available. However, general audience sentiment for Buster Keaton's work often praises his innovative use of physical comedy and timing.
Fun Fact
This film marked one of Buster Keaton's many appearances in short films during his later career, often as a way to work within the studio system after his silent film era.
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