Although I love SEVEN CHANCES and PLAY HOUSE, COPS might just be Buster Keaton's best short film--and is a joy to behold. Unlike his full-length films, this one is relatively short on plot but it still works out perfectly--making this one of the very best silent shorts period--as good as anything Lloyd or Chaplin made.
Buster is having probably the worst day imaginable, as again and again and again, things go wrong that make this ordinary guy one of the most wanted people in America--and resulting in hundreds and hundreds of extras dressed as cops chasing him though the film. What makes this all work so well is that again and again wonderful sight gags and stunts all work perfectly and come with such fast timing that you almost have no time to breathe. Because it is so visual, it's best not to even try describing the action--you just have to see it to believe it. And, if you are a serious fan of silent comedy you MUST see this film. If you are not, then you must see it anyway, as you are in for a treat and even the biggest curmudgeon can't help but laugh!
Buster is having probably the worst day imaginable, as again and again and again, things go wrong that make this ordinary guy one of the most wanted people in America--and resulting in hundreds and hundreds of extras dressed as cops chasing him though the film. What makes this all work so well is that again and again wonderful sight gags and stunts all work perfectly and come with such fast timing that you almost have no time to breathe. Because it is so visual, it's best not to even try describing the action--you just have to see it to believe it. And, if you are a serious fan of silent comedy you MUST see this film. If you are not, then you must see it anyway, as you are in for a treat and even the biggest curmudgeon can't help but laugh!