Buster Keaton in His Own Time

Wes D. Gehring is a distinguished professor of film at Ball State University and associate media editor for USA Today magazine, for which he also writes the column “Reel World.” He is the author of 40 film books, including biographies of James Dean, Carole Lombard, Steve McQueen, Robert Wise, Red Skelton and Charlie Chaplin.

Table of Contents


Preface and Acknowledgments

Prologue

 1. Working Towards the Feature Films of 1923–1929

 2. The First Two Features: The Three Ages (July 25, 1923) and Our Hospitality (November 20, 1923)

 3. Sherlock, Jr. (April 4, 1924): John Bunny and Fatty Arbuckle Factors

 4. The Navigator (October 14, 1924): Arguably Keaton’s Greatest Film

 5. Seven Chances (April 22, 1925)

 6. Go West (November 23, 1925)

 7. Battling Butler (August 30, 1926)

 8. The General (December 22, 1926): Groundbreaking Dark Comedy but Keaton’s Greatest Film?

 9. College (September 10, 1927): Punishment by Way of Harold Lloyd Land

10. Steamboat Bill, Jr. (June 2, 1928)

11. The Cameraman (September 15, 1928): A Visit to Yankee Stadium

12. Spite Marriage (April 22, 1929): Somewhat Saved by Silence

Epilogue: Period Material Provides a Modern View

Filmography

Chapter Notes

Bibliography

Index