Watch Buster Keaton - Grand Slam Opera

Buster Keaton - Grand Slam Opera is a sports-themed comedy film directed by Charles Lamont, which was released in 1936. The film is a typical Buster Keaton-style movie, complete with his signature deadpan humor, slapstick comedy, and stunts. In the movie, Buster plays a hapless baseball player named Elmer who is comically inept on the field. However, he has a secret passion for opera singing and decides to pursue his dream after being sidelined by the team's manager. Elmer soon finds himself caught between the two worlds of sports and opera, trying to keep his two careers separate, while also trying to win the heart of the team owner's daughter.

Along the way, Buster's character has to contend with a scheming rival player, played by Harold Goodwin, who tries to sabotage his opera career. Elmer also enlists the help of his friend, played by Diana Lewis, who leads the opera company that he joins.

Buster's character takes to his new career with impressive gusto, and the film features several elaborate and comedic musical performances. One of the standout scenes sees Buster performing a duet with a cow, which is just one of the many crazy moments in the film.

Overall, Buster Keaton - Grand Slam Opera is a lighthearted and breezy comedy that showcases Buster's incredible physicality and comedic timing. The film's mix of baseball and opera sets up an unusual and entertaining premise that allows Buster to flex his comedic muscles in a unique way. While the film may not be a classic of the silent era, it is an enjoyable romp that will have audiences laughing along with Buster throughout its brisk runtime.

The cast members all deliver solid performances, with Buster in particular shining as the hapless yet lovable Elmer. Diana Lewis is charming as always, while Harold Goodwin makes for a suitably slimy antagonist. The supporting cast is also strong and helps to flesh out the film's world and provide ample comedic fodder for Buster's antics.

As with many classic comedies, the film does rely on some offensive stereotypes for its humor, including a cringe-worthy scene involving the Asian team owner. However, these moments are infrequent and don't detract too much from the overall enjoyment of the film.

In terms of its technical aspects, the film features some beautiful black-and-white cinematography that captures both the gritty world of baseball and the glitz and glamour of the opera world. The musical numbers are also well-staged, with some impressive camerawork that helps to showcase Buster's physicality.

Overall, Buster Keaton - Grand Slam Opera is a fun and entertaining comedy that should appeal to fans of both sports and the opera. While it may not be as well-known as some of Buster's earlier works, it is a worthy addition to his comedic canon and showcases why he remains one of the silent era's most enduring and beloved performers.

Buster Keaton - Grand Slam Opera is a 1936 comedy with a runtime of 20 minutes.