SLIGHT SPOILERS AHEAD Despite their low budgets and rushed schedules many of Buster Keaton's Educational-period films are quite enjoyable, whilst a few, (such as this and Grand Slam Opera), are almost on a par with his silent work. Jail Bait is a fast moving gem, packing a great deal into it's 18 minutes. Yet it doesn't feel rushed and both story line and direction are distinctly Keatonesque. Buster, unable to buy his girl an engagement ring, frames himself for a murder so his best friend can track down the real killer and they can share the reward. His friend - frequent co-star Harry Goodwin - flies off to find the killer on board a plane ominously numbered 13. Meanwhile Buster tries to get himself arrested - a delightful sequence of Buster acting suspicious for a disinterested cop. Finally arrested for jay walking - then let off - Buster storms back into the station amd dramatically announces his guilt. He is tried and sentenced to death for the crime, but is not even slightly fazed - Buster shakes the judge's hand in gratitude. What makes this so enjoyable is that the style is completely in keeping with his silent work For example on death row, an unflappable Buster informs his prison warder that the bars are broken in his cell, and, blissfully confident of his imminent reprieve, picks up an old newspaper to browse. As he read we see the front page headline telling of the fatal crash of Flight 13. When Buster turns the paper round and reads this we don't see his expression change - the camera just pulls out from the paper as it starts violently shaking in his hands. What follows is a series of inventive and often hilarious gags as Buster has to escape and track down the real killer.
All things considered this a near vintage Keaton and demonstrates that given some creative freedom, and a compatible (Lamont), Buster could work wonders. 8/10
All things considered this a near vintage Keaton and demonstrates that given some creative freedom, and a compatible (Lamont), Buster could work wonders. 8/10