Friday, July 07, 2006

Free and Easy?

Does anyone out there own TCM's Buster Keaton Collection DVD set? It includes The Cameraman, Spite Marriage, and Free and Easy. I have Free & Easy burned on DVD from TCM itself, but I'm just curious if there's anything worthwhile in buying the set. It's 1930 super-early Robert Montgomery.

If you haven't seen Free and Easy, it's Buster's first talking film. While it has awkward moments, it's a cute movie - I can't think of any other word than cute. Here's a quick rundown from Amazon:

Gopher City Kansas hosts a beauty contest. The winner, Elvira Plunkett (Anita Page), and her mother go to Hollywood. The Chamber of Commerce also provides Elvira with an agent, Gopher City's own Elmer J. Butz (Buster Keaton). Elmer likes Elvira and the shy Elvira likes him, but Mrs. Plunkett, a formidable woman, has little use for hapless Elmer. On the train west, they meet movie star Larry Mitchell (Robert Montgomery), who takes a shine to Elvira and helps her meet MGM directors once they get to Tinsel Town. Elmer, meanwhile, wants to help Elvira with her career and he also wants to be her man. Movie stardom does come to the Gopher City entourage, but to whom is a surprise. And who will win the lovely Elvira's hand?

Some of my fav. moments include:

  • Buster trying to get the attention of Cecil B. DeMille on the MGM lot
  • Buster & Bob discussing Kansas
  • The costumes
  • The darn catchy tune at the end

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