dhoffman

Ultimately, this is a disappointing film. There are too many characters for a short film, all except Karloff being predictable and undeveloped. And Karloff has done better work than this. The plot is simplistic and expects the viewer to accept the idea of restoring one to life after being dead. There is a 30's flippancy in the first trial scene that is undoubtedly intended as comic relief but succeeds is doing nothing more than being intrusive. It would seem that a mood would be essential for a horror film, but there is none to be found. Yes, the camera work is more than adequate and the score is at times quite nice. However, there are too many strikes against the film. Hardly a classic, and only worth the effort if this genre of film appeals to you.

One of the best paced of all Keaton films, `Battling Butler' is not uproariously funny but is consistently amusing and entertaining. Being mistaken for an up-and-coming boxer, Alfred Butler (Keaton) falls in love and marries on the basis of this mistaken identity. Trying to keep his wife from finding out creates the needed comic situation to allow the humor to emerge. His leading lady, Sally O'Neil, sparkles in her supporting role. Snitz Edwards, humorous in his own right, is a delight as Keaton's valet. The final scene is a gem!

Perhaps it is the clichéd framework of the film that puts me off; perhaps Keaton is not quite as ingenious in this film as in others. Whatever, `The Love Nest' lacks the effervescence of many of Keaton's shorts. He is quite innovative in some scenes, the best his being caught with a rifle in his hands; without losing pace, he proceeds to go out and shoot a fish. This is part of his true mastery, salvaging a situation with hilarious results. Joe Roberts, who appears in several Keaton films, is good as the sinister whaling captain.