Welcome back to another installment of Review Stew! This week I cross another Buster Keaton film off of my watchlist with… Battling Butler (1926).
Title: Battling Butler
Director: Buster Keaton
Released: August 2, 1926 (United States)
Runtime: 1 hour 17 minutes
Alfred Butler (Buster Keaton) is millionaire who lives a rather posh life. His father tells him that he should go on a camping trip as it will build some character and toughen him up some. Alfred begrudgingly agrees but decides to bring his butler (Snitz Edwards) along with him.
When we see his campsite all set up, it becomes clear that Alfred is not there to “toughen up”. No, he is there to do some glamping. He has a full-size bed in his massive tent, complete with a full-sized portable bath. As if that weren’t enough, his butler goes so far as to prepare full meals for him, just like at home.
The two men go out on a hunt with Alfred carrying a loaded shotgun. As we follow them through the woods, we see a fox, some quail, a raccoon, though Alfred says there’s nothing out there to hunt. As they’re walking, Alfred accidentally fires the shotgun.
The shot is dangerously close to a mountain girl (Sally O’Neil) who is also walking through the woods. Instantly, Alfred is smitten with the mountain girl and begins apologizing. There’s just one problem though, the girl, along with her father and brother, believe that Alfred Butler is the prizefighter who goes by the name of Alfred “Battling” Butler.
Love makes you do crazy things.
So naturally, Alfred rolls with it and presents himself as Alfred the “Battling” Butler.
But what will he do when the real Alfred “Battling” Butler has his next fight?
Battling Butler (1926) is based on a 1922 musical of the same name. Because it is an adaptation, and he chose to stay true to the material, we see a more restrained performance from Buster Keaton. I have to say, I enjoyed seeing a different type of performance from him.
Yes, Battling Butler (1926) is a comedy. Though it isn’t the usually physical comedy we are used to from Buster Keaton. Instead, the comedy lies within the story. This doesn’t stop Keaton from still getting some physical comedy in, it just isn’t the driving factor of the film.
I can appreciate that Buster Keaton didn’t insert a bunch of physical gags in order to put his twist on things. Although, the pacing of the story could have benefited from a bit more action. The second act is a bit of a slog and makes the runtime of just 77 minutes feel much longer.
However, even when it might not be great, there’s never really a “bad” Buster Keaton movie. And Battling Butler (1926) proves just that.
By no means would I say that it is essential viewing, but Battling Butler (1926) is certainly worthy of at least one viewing.
So, have you seen Battling Butler (1926)?
If so, leave a comment below or reach out on Bluesky and tell me your thoughts on it!
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