Up until the thrilling conclusion, this seemed like a lesser Keaton film. Apparently Keaton himself wasn't thrilled with the results either, as he shelved this for a year before it was released--and only because Keaton had an injury and the public was clamoring for more films from this master comedian. However, given the amazing final portion of the film, I think Keaton was premature in holding the film from circulation as the overall product is excellent.
The film begins with Buster looking for a job. Following an ad in a very strange newspaper, he applies for a job at a shooting gallery at the beach. The problem, however, is that they want an expert shot and Buster is a klutz. So, using some ingenuity, he is able to fake his way into a job. What he doesn't realize, however, is that the man who owns the business is actually the leader of a group of extortionists and assassins. The title of the film refers to the secret sign the members use to recognize each other. Well, because Buster did such a good job of convincing the guy he was a great shot, he is invited to join this secret society and he is given the job of killing a man--the same man who Buster already agreed to protect as a body guard! Once the gang discovers Buster is NOT going to kill the man, the film shoots into high gear--with amazing stunts in a house built specially for the film and using amazing camera work to show what is happening in all four rooms at the same time.
Keaton's acrobatics are at their finest here and the film is a classic. Watch it!
The film begins with Buster looking for a job. Following an ad in a very strange newspaper, he applies for a job at a shooting gallery at the beach. The problem, however, is that they want an expert shot and Buster is a klutz. So, using some ingenuity, he is able to fake his way into a job. What he doesn't realize, however, is that the man who owns the business is actually the leader of a group of extortionists and assassins. The title of the film refers to the secret sign the members use to recognize each other. Well, because Buster did such a good job of convincing the guy he was a great shot, he is invited to join this secret society and he is given the job of killing a man--the same man who Buster already agreed to protect as a body guard! Once the gang discovers Buster is NOT going to kill the man, the film shoots into high gear--with amazing stunts in a house built specially for the film and using amazing camera work to show what is happening in all four rooms at the same time.
Keaton's acrobatics are at their finest here and the film is a classic. Watch it!