“The Navigator” is a film that definitely shows the audience why Buster Keaton is one of the three kings of silent comedy.
The film not only offers wonderful physical and risky comedy that Keaton is best known for, the amount of gags and having an actress such as Kathryn McGuire, also willing to take part in the physical comedy leads to the film’s efficacy.
Although only 60 minutes long, to describe this film and say that it features a man and woman stranded on a ship in the middle of nowhere and features the duo overcoming what they think is a haunted ship, not knowing how to prepare their own meals, facing cannibals and Keaton taking on a swordfish and octopus may read as if this film is kitsch but the way its presented is hilarious, fun and a film that features a string of vaudeville gags, and Keaton’s understanding of how comedy works, makes this film so enjoyable and entertaining, but most importantly, accessible to young and old.
The chemistry between Buster Keaton and Kathryn McGuire is fantastic! They both need each other as if one is near harm, the other is their to save them. Both are privileged, wealthy young adults who probably have never cooked a meal, have never had to do any form of manual labor until they get stuck on the ship and it’s just fun to see how these two gradually get to understand their surroundings.
The battle against the cannibals is one of the most hilarious but also exciting moments I have seen Buster Keaton in. Yes, he was amazing in “Steamboat Bill, Jr.” and “The General” and has risked his life in many films, but for “The Navigator”, to see the characters of Rollo and Betsy taking on dozens of cannibals was so fun to watch because of the number of people involved.
I watched this film with my 9-year-old and he was laughing hard along with me while watching this film. And I know I am not alone. Many times I have heard from silent film fans how they have introduced their children or spouses to a Keaton film and “The Navigator” was a film that they used to cajole a friend or family member into enjoying silent film, especially Buster Keaton films.
While “The Navigator” was one of Keaton’s favorite films, it is important to note that the film was supposed to have an unhappy ending (as mentioned in Rudi Blesh’s 1974 biography “Keaton”), but Keaton knowing that his comedy films should not have any of the main characters dying, his films are primarily positive and upbeat with the happy ending. Personally, I don’t know if I can even imagine a tragic ending for “The Navigator” as it would have possibly ruined the film for me.
“The Navigator” is a film that I have waited to come out on Blu-ray. Not only is this a fantastic film to introduce people to silent comedy but it’s a entertaining, upbeat and fun Buster Keaton film that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. I loved the film! My nine-year-old loved it! “The Navigator” is a film full of vaudeville gags, hilarious action and it’s also a film that shows us why Buster Keaton is definitely one of the kings of silent comedy.
“The Navigator” is highly recommended!
