LAMORINDA WEEKLY | Celebrating Silent Film Star Buster Keaton's Zany Fun


Buster Keaton Photos provided

Buster Keaton will be inducted into the Classic Film Hall of Fame this week.

We all know the name Buster Keaton, but do we know him? At 7 p.m. on March 26, Buster Keaton will be inducted into the Classic Film Hall of Fame at the Rheem Theatre, 350 Park St. in Moraga. The evening will include screening of three of Keaton's short films accompanied by a live baby grand piano score by pianist, Patti Leidecker. Derek Zemrak, Founder of the Classic Film Hall of Fame, will be giving a lecture on Keaton and the silent film era during the evening.

Here's a brief history on Keaton: He was born in Piqua, Kansas, on Oct. 4, 1895. His given name was Joseph Frank Keaton IV. How he got his name "Buster" is a great story that has a touch of magic to it that you will learn at the induction on the March 26. His parents Joe and Myra were both vaudevillian actors and Buster began performing with his parents at the age of 3-years-old. Keaton became the pioneer of the silent film-era comedians, taking his vaudeville talent to the screen.

The lineup of great Buster Keaton silent short films is:

"The Scarecrow" (1920): Two farmhands compete for the farmer's daughter. Who will win her heart?

"The Goat" (1922): A series of adventures begins when an accident during the taking of a photograph causes Keaton to be mistaken for Dead Shot Dan, the evil bad guy. He is once again in the wrong place at the wrong time.

"My Wife's Relations" (1922): Keaton ends up marrying a menacing woman by accident when a Polish judge, who cannot speak English, performs the ceremony. Her family is not happy, resulting in a wild chase.

Come enjoy this unique evening of "Old Hollywood," with a live music score for three of the greatest silent shorts ever made. Learn about silent film history and one of its greatest stars. The Rheem Theatre will be offering a small popcorn for five cents with the purchase of a Buster Keaton Festival Ticket. Come dressed in 1920 attire and get free admission. It will be fun for the whole family.