Vintage Films

Nuar •
Short

The Scarecrow (1920)

The Scarecrow (1920) is a delightful two-reel silent comedy film starring the legendary Buster Keaton. Written and directed by Keaton himself alongside Edward F. Cline, this short film showcases Keaton’s impeccable sense of timing, physical comedy, and inventiveness. It tells the story of a farmhand who competes with his housemate for the affection of the farmer’s daughter. What ensues is a series of slapstick gags, misunderstandings, and one of the most memorable chases in silent film comedy. The film is a perfect example of Keaton’s genius, blending his signature physical humor with a lighthearted, fast-paced narrative. As always, Keaton is at the center of the action, performing daring stunts and getting himself into a series of absurd and hilarious situations—all while maintaining his trademark deadpan expression. Buster Keaton’s Physical Comedy: Gags and Stunts Buster Keaton, known for his impeccable physical comedy and ability to perform jaw-dropping stunts, delivers an outstanding performance in The Scarecrow. In the film, Keaton plays a farmhand who, in the process of competing with his housemate (Joe Roberts) for the affection of the farmer's daughter (Sybil Seely), gets caught up in a series of slapstick gags that showcase his remarkable physicality. One of the most memorable sequences involves Keaton being chased by a dog that he believes is rabid. In his frantic escape, Keaton races around brick walls, leaps through windows, and even tumbles into a hay thresher, losing most of his clothes in the process. His character is left in a state of disarray, and to cover up, he borrows a scarecrow’s clothes from a nearby field. The absurdity of this situation, coupled with Keaton’s flawless timing, results in one of the funniest moments of the film. In another comedic mishap, Keaton’s character accidentally trips into a kneeling position while tying his shoes. The farmer’s daughter, seeing him from a distance, misinterprets the action as a marriage proposal. This misunderstanding sets off a wild sequence of events that sends the characters on a high-speed chase across the countryside. A Hilarious and Unexpected Romance The romance in The Scarecrow is just as chaotic and unexpected as the physical gags that define the film. After the mistaken proposal, Keaton and Sybil Seely’s character speed off on a motorcycle, with Keaton’s rival and the farmer (played by Keaton’s own father, Joe Keaton) hot on their trail. The chase intensifies as they scoop up a minister along the way, and the couple is married in the midst of their wild ride—on the speeding motorcycle. The chase culminates in a slapstick finale where they splash into a stream, and in the middle of the water, the minister pronounces them husband and wife. The absurdity of the entire situation, combined with Keaton’s seamless performance, elevates this romantic comedy to the level of true silent film brilliance. The film’s humor is driven by Keaton’s physicality, his perfect timing, and his ability to play the absurd with complete sincerity. His deadpan expressions and ability to keep a straight face while engaging in the wildest of situations is what makes his comedy timeless. Influence and Legacy of The Scarecrow As a silent comedy short, The Scarecrow is a perfect example of Buster Keaton’s unique style of filmmaking. The film is filled with clever gags, inventive stunts, and a playful sense of humor that makes it an enduring classic. It is a shining example of the slapstick genre and remains one of Keaton’s best works from his early career. The film’s influence can be seen in the way it plays with the conventions of romantic comedy and silent slapstick. Keaton’s mastery of physical comedy set the stage for future comedic performers and filmmakers, ensuring that his influence would be felt in comedy long after the silent film era had ended. Conclusion: A Must-See for Fans of Silent Comedy The Scarecrow (1920) is a delightful and fast-paced silent comedy that showcases Buster Keaton’s extraordinary talent for physical humor and timing. From the absurd chases to the wild misunderstandings, the film is a brilliant example of Keaton’s ability to turn everyday situations into laugh-out-loud moments. For anyone interested in classic comedy, slapstick humor, or the history of silent film, The Scarecrow is an essential watch. It captures the essence of Keaton’s comedic genius and remains a testament to his lasting influence on the world of cinema.