The Acid Test
The Acid Test

Movie spotlight

The Acid Test

1932
Movie
10 min
English

George Shelton asks Tom Howard to help him impress his girl as a he-man. Howard is to insult him, and then Shelton comes up and punches out Howard. The gag works, so Howard tries to use the same gag, recruiting Donald MacBride as his foil.

Insights

IMDb6.2/10
Director: James W. HorneGenres: Comedy, Short

Plot Summary

In this silent short film, a wealthy but somewhat naive young man (Buster Keaton) is put to the test by his fiancée's father. He must demonstrate his worthiness and ability to handle responsibility, which leads to a series of comedic and chaotic situations as he attempts to prove himself.

Critical Reception

As a Buster Keaton short from his later period, 'The Acid Test' is generally considered a minor but entertaining entry. While not reaching the heights of his silent feature films, it showcases his signature physical comedy and deadpan delivery, providing lighthearted amusement for fans.

What Reviewers Say

  • Features classic Buster Keaton physical gags.

  • A charming, albeit brief, comedic effort.

  • Enjoyable for its historical significance in Keaton's filmography.

Google audience: Audience reviews often highlight Buster Keaton's enduring comedic talent and the film's nostalgic appeal. Some note that its brevity limits its impact, but it's generally viewed as a pleasant diversion.

Fun Fact

This short film was one of Buster Keaton's last independent productions before his contract with the studio system fully took hold, marking a transition in his career.

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