In his second year of acting independent and producing solo, Buster Keaton began hitting his stride and became comfortable with a team of writers to produce unforgettable movies. Towards the end of 1921, his November-released film, "The Boat" proved to be a hit in theaters. Today, many cite the picture as one of his best short two-reeler.
Keaton had addressed his theme of man versus machine in earlier movies, but in "The Boat," multiple examples of his 'little man' trying to gain control of disastrous events are shown, including the adventures in his motorized pleasure yacht. The comedian is shown building his boat inside a house, only to see his home destroyed when he forces it through the structure. Using his car to tow the boat to the launching skid, Keaton sinks his autombile in the process. And when caught in a storm and using his radio to call for help, Keaton says his boat's name, Damfino, to the Coast Guard operator, who dismisses the call as a prank. The 'damn-if-I-know' name symbolizes Keatons' underlying themes throughout the remainder of his movies.
Keaton had addressed his theme of man versus machine in earlier movies, but in "The Boat," multiple examples of his 'little man' trying to gain control of disastrous events are shown, including the adventures in his motorized pleasure yacht. The comedian is shown building his boat inside a house, only to see his home destroyed when he forces it through the structure. Using his car to tow the boat to the launching skid, Keaton sinks his autombile in the process. And when caught in a storm and using his radio to call for help, Keaton says his boat's name, Damfino, to the Coast Guard operator, who dismisses the call as a prank. The 'damn-if-I-know' name symbolizes Keatons' underlying themes throughout the remainder of his movies.