Buster Keaton: the story on HearLore

Buster Keaton

Joseph Frank Keaton arrived in Piqua, Kansas on the 4th of October 1895. His father Joe ran a traveling medicine show called the Mohawk Indian Medicine Company. The family act became known as The Three Keatons. A young Joseph appeared on stage in Wilmington, Delaware during 1899. He wore slapsoles and bald-headed wigs alongside his parents Myra and Joe. The routine involved throwing the child against scenery or into the orchestra pit. A suitcase handle was sewn into his clothing to help with the constant tossing. Authorities occasionally arrested him for what looked like child abuse. Keaton always showed them he had no bruises or broken bones. He eventually earned the billing The Little Boy Who Can't Be Damaged. At eighteen months old an actor friend named George Pardey gave him the nickname Buster after a fall down stairs. Harry Houdini later claimed credit for the name but the family did not meet him until years afterward.

The Silent Era Masterpiece Years

Keaton began working with producer Joseph M. Schenck and director Edward F. Cline in the early 1920s. They created a series of successful two-reel comedies including One Week released in 1920. The Playhouse arrived in 1921 followed by Cops and The Electric House both in 1922. He moved to feature-length films shortly thereafter. Sherlock Jr. appeared in 1924 while The General came out in 1926. Steamboat Bill, Jr. and The Cameraman were released in 1928. Orson Welles later called The General the greatest comedy ever made. Critics praised these works for their inventive stunts and physical comedy. A scene from Steamboat Bill, Jr. required Keaton to stand still as a two-ton building facade toppled forward on top of him. The prop had only a few inches of clearance around his body yet he emerged unscathed through a single open window. During the railroad water-tank scene in Sherlock Jr. Keaton broke his neck when a torrent of water fell on him from a water tower. He did not realize the injury until years afterwards.

When and where was Buster Keaton born?

Joseph Frank Keaton arrived in Piqua, Kansas on the 4th of October 1895. His father Joe ran a traveling medicine show called the Mohawk Indian Medicine Company.

How did Buster Keaton get his nickname Buster?

At eighteen months old an actor friend named George Pardey gave him the nickname Buster after a fall down stairs. Harry Houdini later claimed credit for the name but the family did not meet him until years afterward.

Why was Buster Keaton fired from Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer?

Louis B. Mayer fired him on the 2nd of February 1933 for good and sufficient cause due to his absences costing the company three thousand dollars per day. He became visibly intoxicated both on-camera and off-camera during this period of professional decline.

What happened during the Steamboat Bill Jr building facade stunt?

A scene required Keaton to stand still as a two-ton building facade toppled forward on top of him with only a few inches of clearance around his body. The prop had a single open window through which he emerged unscathed.

When did Buster Keaton die and what caused his death?

Keaton died of lung cancer on the 1st of February 1966 aged seventy in Woodland Hills, Los Angeles. He was never told he was terminally ill despite being diagnosed with cancer in January 1966.

Buster Keaton

The Silent Era Masterpiece Years

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Common questions

When and where was Buster Keaton born?

How did Buster Keaton get his nickname Buster?

Why was Buster Keaton fired from Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer?

What happened during the Steamboat Bill Jr building facade stunt?

When did Buster Keaton die and what caused his death?

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Resurgence In Two-Reel Comedies

Television Stardom And Final Years

The Deadpan Persona And Physical Precision

Posthumous Recognition And Cultural Legacy