The Railrodder

One year before his death in 1966, Buster Keaton, although far from the great popularity he enjoyed for the better part of the 1920's, squandered with the advent of sound under the autocratic rule of a studio that had no clue whatsoever how to use a man as talented as Buster, who had proved with THE CAMERAMAN (his first film for MGM after Jo Shenck sold his contract) to be absolutely unbeatable when left to his own devices and his own team of gagmen, the genius of silent cinema came on stage one last time for a final bow. THE RAILRODDER and the other short film he did the same year for Alan Schneider and Samuel Beckett, FILM, the first a joyous celebration of a legend, the other a sad, thoughtful examination of a man and myth; taken together, they form a great tribute to a great figure of cinema.

Although the style, the train setting, and a lot of the gags are a throwback, intentional homage, to some of Buster Keaton's most famous moments (THE GENERAL first among them), unlike the short films that made him a star in the 20's, this time Buster shares the stage. Vying for attention and getting it are both the Canadian countryside, open prairies and mountains, and the beautiful photography. To be appreciated for its cinematic merits as well as Keaton's presence, The Railrodder is a purely enjoyable, not particularly funny, but pleasant, warm, sympatico short film. And even in his old age, Buster has lost none of his stonefaced charm, that boyish naivety and oblivion to danger.

Sad, in a way. Here's the greatest comedian of the silent era (sorry, Chaplin fans, but you're just wrong, okay?) showing that he can still cut it, never mind how old he might be.

Film appears to be an advert for Canada (probably is), but is still a joy. A endless series of inspired sight-gags as Buster sails calmly through the wilderness on a railroad buggy. The dexterity, poise and, above all, quiet dignity of the man shine through.

Pity the world forgot about him for so long.

The film that I was really reminded of here turned out to have been Powell and Pressburger's "49th Parallel" -- a slice through almost exactly the same set of coast-to-coast scenery. I had no idea I could recognise Canada subconsciously like that...

"The Railrodder" is an amiable and slightly surreal travelogue, which bears a resemblance at times to a live-action version of the adventures of the Road Runner or other cartoon antics: e.g. a massive freight train vanishes into one end of a tunnel, a small railcar enters the other, and the sound of an almighty smash-up is heard from within... to unexpected result! However, despite this and the featuring of a dialogue-free Buster Keaton in the principal role (one he must surely have relished, given the emphasis on his beloved trains) it isn't really a comedy as such, but more of an off-beat ode to the Canadian landscape. There are at least two laugh-out-loud gags to treasure, though: the very typical Keaton-solution to rain in one's teacup, and the arrival of an equally intrepid voyager from the Pacific coast.

An odd little light-weight piece, on the whole amusing.

Yes, that's about it. As the film was produced by the National Film Board of Canada, it was a look at Canada, with Buster along for the ride. I saw this in school when it was first released, and as I had never heard of Buster, I became very interested in Buster Keaton's famous stone face. I was glad to see the film, as it started me off on a journey to see as many of the oldies as I could. And having an 8 movie retrospective of Keaton at our local repertory theater, was definitely one of my high points! With "The Three Ages" "The General" Steamboat Bill Jr." and many others, I discovered how good he was. While "The Railrodder" may be more of a film for die hard Keaton fans, I would recommend it.

Having finally watched this comedy/documentary, yes, even I can make connections to the wonderfully underrated The Straight Story starring Richard Farnsworth. Interesting to note that both of these beloved men were STUNTMEN thru and thru!! The Railrodder is amazing, and contrary to previous discussions, Keaton was a survivor of alcoholism, and his dignity and wit shine through even as cancer was ravaging him. Keaton was a Genius! Having never traveled Canada, I am pleasantly surprised to hear this AMAZING country shown in this film still exists. I keep pronouncing the title of this film as Rail-Rodder, like hot rodder! The behind the scenes document is a wonderful revelation of the artist as an older and wiser man, not the washed up alcoholic some suggest. Keaton was in fine form through all this,even with cancer.