The Scarecrow is a 20-minute Buster Keaton comedy (co-directed with Edward F. Cline) from 1920, in which Buster Keaton eats lunch, runs away from a dog, and also pretends to be a scarecrow for about 10 seconds.
The film is essentially two entirely separate parts. The first part, in which Buster Keaton and his flatmate have lunch in a tiny house filled with mechanical space-saving contraptions, is utterly brilliant (and very reminiscent of Wallace and Gromit’s elaborate living arrangements).
The second part, in which Buster Keaton and his flatmate pursue the farmer’s daughter’s hand in marriage, while her father, and also the farmer’s incredibly excellent dog, try to chase them away, isn’t quite as good, but it’s still pretty fun.
__________
Notes
1. I watched this on youtube here
2. The utterly amazing dog in this is Luke, who is so wonderful he even has his own wikipedia page.
3. This was his last film
4. Although he lived for another 6 years in retirement.
5. So please don’t be too sad.
6. This is one of five Buster Keaton films from 1920, so hopefully I’ll watch all of them sometime soon.
7. Also thanks again to Vom Vorton for recommending this one to me.
__________
Film Information
Title: The Scarecrow
Directors: Buster Keaton and Edward F. Cline
Year: 1920
Duration: 20 minutes
Watch: youtube