At times this shows the brilliance of Keaton's best, but most of the time it's lifeless, repetitive and a bit mean spirited. Amusing, but definitely a lesser work.

Fast paced and enjoyable but low on the laughs. You can see how much control Keaton has, and it isn't much.

"Elmer"...? Buster Keaton plays by studio rules for the most part of film, but only when he gets control and redo the idea of his two-reeler "The Boat" it gets fun. "Spite Marriage" marks the last silent (only some sound effects and music) Buster Keaton's movie, and last where he had some creative control over the film. Sad milestone.