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Buster Keaton invents silent explosives. The irony? The comedy's pretty loud.
TMDB
63
IMDb
62

The Chemist (1936)

slapstick chaospre-code weirdnessmad scientist energy

Overview

Comedy

Buster plays Elmer "Happy" Triple, a scientist who is expected to develop the next big thing. That big thing ends up to be a powder when combined with water, produces major blasts that make no sound, which catches the eyes of three robbers who want Elmer's secret powder.

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Content warning

Standout Aspects

Acting

Keaton's deadpan despair in a sound film still finding its legs.

Practical Effects

Lo-fi explosion gags that somehow still land almost 90 years later.

Best for:Solo: Quick hit of vintage Keaton when you need a laugh break.·Background: Chaos you can half-watch while doing literally anything else.
Heads up:Triggers: Casual 1930s ethnic stereotypes in minor roles.
Al Christie

Director

Al Christie

ReleasedOct 9, 1936
Runtime19m
StatusReleased

Vibe

Pacefast
Intensitymedium
Tonelight
Feellight

Top Cast

Buster Keaton

Buster Keaton

Elmer Triple

Donald MacBride

Donald MacBride

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Deep Dive

Trivia, insights & behind the scenes

Cultural

This was Keaton's desperate 1930s phase: divorced, broke, making shorts for Educational Pictures while his silent masterpieces were already being forgotten.

Trivia

Director Al Christie was a comedy factory veteran; Keaton reportedly despised these quickie productions but needed the paycheck.

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