The Navigator (1924)

Buster Keaton & Donald Crisp’s “The Navigator”


Buster Keaton’s “The Navigator” tells the story of a wealthy man named Rollo who decides to propose to his socialite neighbor Betsy, only to be turned down. However, after hijinks ensue, the two of them find themselves stuck alone on an abandoned cruise liner out at sea. Keaton crafts the story to focus on the physical comedy that takes place on and around the ship. Keaton’s protagonist is a spoiled wealthy man who turns out to be completely inept when left alone on the shop to survive for himself. Perhaps ‘The Navigator’ is poking fun at the lack of real-world abilities of an upper-class society. Keaton uses this ineptitude to create the spark for the comedy throughout the film, as the viewer continues to laugh at the protagonist’s inability to do things like cook or take care of himself or Betsy. The film ends with them being saved by a submarine just in time for them to evade capture by hostile cannibals. 


Bets Shot:

The best shot of the film comes when Rollo is trying to light candles so they can see in the darkness of the boat. Keaton uses the framing of the shadows to ignite visual comedy for the viewer. There are plenty of gags in the film, this one being one of the best visually.



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