Ep 6. Electric House

Buster Keaton Show season 1 episode 6, Electric House, is a classic silent film comedy from the early 1920s. The episode is directed by and stars Buster Keaton, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest comedians in the history of cinema.

The episode opens with Buster as a naive college student who is given an inheritance of a mansion by his wealthy father. The mansion is also equipped with a butler, played by Keaton's longtime co-star, Syd Chaplin. However, there is a catch.

Buster's father stipulated in his will that the mansion must be modernized with the latest electrical gadgets. This leads to a hilarious sequence where Buster and his crew of dim-witted handymen attempt to install various electrical contraptions throughout the house. The result is chaos as the devices malfunction and cause mayhem.

One of the standout scenes in the episode involves Buster's attempting to use a moving staircase, which quickly transforms into an out-of-control conveyor belt that sends Buster tumbling through various rooms of the mansion. Another memorable scene involves Buster's getting electrocuted after accidentally sinking his hand into a bowl of water that has been electrified by a malfunctioning gadget.

As the episode progresses, Buster's electrical upgrades become progressively more elaborate. These include a self-opening front door, an automatic sofa that comes to life and a massive elaborate dinner table that folds out of the wall.

The episode's climax involves a group of burglars who attempt to rob the mansion. Buster, with the aid of his newly electrified house, relentlessly thwarts their efforts in a series of thrilling chase sequences that highlight Keaton's trademark physical comedy and stuntwork.

A standout moment in the climax involves Buster's utilizing an electric magnet to control a dollhouse within the mansion. The dollhouse ultimately proves to be a key element in Buster's victorious strategy against the burglars.

Electric House is a masterful example of Keaton's groundbreaking physical comedy and his pioneering work with film technology. The episode's use of early electrical technology both showcases Keaton's ingenuity and creativity as a filmmaker and highlights the technological advancements of the time.

Electric House is a must-see episode for fans of classic silent film comedy and for those interested in the history of cinema technology. The episode is a testament to Buster Keaton's genius and a reminder of the enduring power of his work.