Steamboat Bill Jr.

Now committed to protecting his jailed father’s interest against rival King (Tom McGuire), hospitalized Bill (director and star Buster Keaton) is compelled into action by weather conditions, beginning the landmark action-comedy finalè of Steamboat Bill, Jr., 1928.

Meeting the son he hasn’t seen in many years, Bill (Ernest Torrence), with first-mate Tom (Lewis), is looking for a guy with a white carnation, not expecting the dandified college man William Jr. (Buster Keaton), the first appearance by the director and star, in Steamboat Bill, Jr., 1928.

Arrived in River Junction, his father (Ernest Torrence), alarmed at his appearance and tastes, brings the title character (director and star Buster Keaton) to the hat shop, a famous routine — certainly not the “mere slapstick” Keaton greatly disliked — from Steamboat Bill, Jr., 1928.

Determined to make good on an invitation from Mary (Marion Byron), daughter of his dad's wealthy steamboat rival (Tom McGuire), Canfield Jr. (director and star Buster Keaton) employs an elaborate costume switch to evade his father (Ernest Torrence), in Steamboat Bill, Jr., 1928.

The jaunty opening, in which star Buster Keaton credits his colleagues for contributions to writing and directing, though he always did the work himself, and the introduction of rivals King (Tom McGuire) and Canfield (Ernest Torrence, with first mate Tom Lewis), in Steamboat Bill, Jr., 1928.

Why is October Star of the Month, Buster Keaton, one of the greatest silent filmmakers? Scott McGee and Amanda Dabbas discuss the depths of his genius in the latest TCM Video Podcast. Join the conversation now at facebook.com/tcmtv

Comedian Richard Lewis on his first fanatical, then personal connection to TCM's October Star Of The Month, the incomparable Buster Keaton.