Sherlock Jr. (1924)

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Buster and Ward are rivals for Kathryn. Ward steals her father's watch and Buster is blamed.

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Directed By: Buster Keaton

Written By: Clyde Bruckman, Jean C. Havez, Joseph A. Mitchell

Starring: Buster Keaton, George Davis, Kewpie Morgan, Kathryn McGuire, Joe Keaton, Ward Crane, Erwin Connelly, Doris Deane, Betsy Ann Hisle, Ford West, Steve Murphy, Christine Francis

Genres: Romance, Comedy, Fantasy, Action

Country: USA

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Sherlock Jr. belongs to 93 collections

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TCI | Percentile | Date Rated | # Stars (Reviews)

Stars	User	Rating
8	Magb	95 _94th
The main story arc is simple yet effective, and nothing is lingered on for too long. Most importantly, though, the stunts are mind-blowing and clearly very dangerous. Buster fractured his neck in one of the sequences, 'nuff said. And what would you know, there's a rather intriguing subtext about the nature of watching a film and its relationship to dreaming going on here as well, not to mention all the clever stuff with "walking into the frame" and the film within the film.
7	Paxton	82 _90th
This film is impressive and impressive in an impressive way that both impresses and leaves you impressed. Sorry, these silent movies leave me with so few words.
6	eveelun	91 _98th
This is my favorite Keaton film, and one of the best silent comedies I've seen. The sight gags are spot on, the film within a film premise is brilliant and quite innovative, and the pacing is excellent, keeping it short and sweet instead of drawing out the plot before getting to the "good stuff" (which I think several other silent comedies have done).
6	Alex Watkins	5 _91st
My first Keaton, and a fine introduction to him it was. I was impressed by his skills on both sides of the camera - the clever editing and illusions must've been rather impressive upon their release, and they're still highly effective and enjoyable. Keaton really shines with his physical comedy as well - especially in the runaway motorcycle sequence, which climaxes with him flying through a window, feet-first, and kicking an opponent through a wall. Hilarious. Holds up extremely well.
6	Enthusiast	90 _95th
I sat down with this expecting a dry history lesson in the craft a la "Potemkin", and instead I laughed my ass off. And never in that condescending "o! what simple times they must have been" sort of way; this is genuinely funny stuff. I have to imagine filmmakers had gone meta before this, but I doubt they managed to weave it so effortlessly into the whole experience.
5	BeeDub	95 _91st
Very funny silent film that still feels fresh almost 100(!) years later. All of Buster Keaton's considerable talents are on display here, from his jaw-dropping stunts to impeccable comic timing. The simple plot is merely a clothesline on which Keaton hangs his memorable set pieces, including the innovative "film within a film" and the amazing motorcycle sequence. Short, but very sweet.
4	purgatos	95 _96th
The humour still holds up fine, the film is very exciting and the editing is just magnificent all along. Particularly in the scene after he first steps into the film, wow. Everything is done right.
3	Moribunny	63 _60th
Undeniably dated, it won't make you roll around on the floor laughing. Still, it takes silent comedy to its very limits and keeps pushing, is increasingly inventive cinematically, and definitely fun, captivating stuff. For a richer experience, watch the version to which the magnificent Club Foot Orchestra has added its original new music. That's a brilliant band by itself, by the way.
3	Anomaly	92 _96th
Great comedy with impressive stunts that can still make you blow your mind trying to figure out how Keaton did it. Wonderfully self-aware with brilliant pacing, this is slapstick done right. Few other comedies compare.
3	frederic_g54	8 _77th
Genuinely amusing to say the least, yet I can't help but compare Keaton to Chaplin - although the latter was a far better comedian. Maybe I feel this way because I've seen almost all of Chaplin's shorts and films, but he's just funnier than 'Stone Face' Keaton. Keaton's 'bad guys', the execution of some of his jokes, and the story weren't always that appealing. Sure, he's a very good stuntman, and he uses that amazing talent for his gags that eventually tickle people's funny bone.
3	KMcNeil	10 _98th
Woman: "I lost a dollar." Keaton (pondering): "... Describe it." The timing, pacing and sheer audacity (i mean, who in their right mind would ever concoct such crazy stunts?) is nothing short of spectacular. Comedy of and for both body and mind. Standouts: "Walk into screen" gag, shadowing gag and pool gag. But every second is magical. Breathtaking.
3	Luna6ix	91 _98th
extremely clever and very unique, easily proof that keaton had one of the most brilliant minds in early film. i really saddens me that every keaton movie i watch is one more to seeing them all.
3	Dean Franz	95 _93rd
Hoe-lee shytte! (said the way Belushi says it in Animal House after the horse dies). Probably the third best silent film ever made, surpassed only by Jeanne d'Arc and Caligari. Buy the print - Melt it down - Smear it on your nipples. Myes.
2	joseywales	92 _98th
Hysterical and impressive! Everything from the motorcycle chase to the sinking boat is unforgettable.
2	Freder	100 _98th
Buster's best movie -- and that's saying a lot. MUST-SEE material for anyone who claims an interest in film history.
2	Barthalen	82 _86th
The film really gets going when we get to the movie-within-a-movie, a concept that was pretty genius considering the time period. From there on, it's just a wonderful series of gags and crazy stunts. Too bad the version I saw had a pretty annoying soundtrack, hurting the viewing experience a bit.
2	pompousass	100 _98th
Keaton's concern with the nature of the movie medium always far outdistanced Chaplin's or any other competitor's in the silent comedy field, and the dream sequence in which the mousy movie projectionist projects himself onto the movie screen is about as far in that direction as he ever went. The movie has some laughs, too -- in the pool game with an explosive 8-ball and in the obligatory chase.
2	omgfridge	9 _92nd
Where do I begin? You would think a 44 minute feature wouldn't have much to it. Buster Keaton stars in and directs this highly accessible silent film. Simple narrative that is bought to life by jolts of laughter and breathtaking stunts. Cinematic effects well illusions being used are way ahead of their time. Logical conclusion that "Sherlock, Jr." is a masterpiece is elementary, my dear Watson.
2	Bown	82 _63rd
This motherfucker is an absolute loony
2	SirRobbie	100 _99th
My favorite Buster Keaton movie. Marvelous piece of work by a truely gifted artist.
2	loc42	95 _96th
A poor man trying to survive in a cinematic world, a world where meaning is detached from reality (his false accusation). He rebels against this world through the dream machine of cinema but does that in a spatial and territorial way. He creates new constellations and assemblages, which is the revolutionary power of early cinema. That's why at the very last scene, he can't understand a time-image on the screen, which is too weak for BK's territorial mastery and imagination. 1 of the best films!
2	nobamba	70 _76th
The Sherlock plot is fairly thin, but the physical comedy is amazing considering he's doing all these stunts. I was confused about what being a "sheik" meant since I imagined it meant a rich/powerful person, like Ruldolph Valentino's The Sheik, but the one here's poorer than Buster Keaton. Fav scenes: out-of-body experience into the movie screen (how did he do that?) and the motorcycle chase.
1	MartinTeller	91 _95th
Delightful and entertaining. Some clever camera tricks and editing techniques for the time.
1	SlrSoapbox	70 _41st
Maybe I need more patience for early cinema, but all I can really feel about this film is the early techniques and narrative styles are impressive. It's not all that interesting without all of its innovations though.
1	Kerrek	98 _98th
Hilarious
1	Buster	100 _77th
I'll give almost ANY Buster Keaton 100 ... This one shows his love for cinema ( and inspired Woody's The Purple Rose of Cairo ! ) Buster Forever !!
1	Kavu	92 _97th
I'm usually not a huge fan of Keaton, but this was something else. Smart, funny, technically decades ahead of its time. A masterpiece.
1	Pickpocket	9 _93rd
How can you not love this?
1	supergloo	10 _93rd
In a film full of amazing stunts and effects, Buster's leap through "The Tie Lady" is incredible!
1	cagedwisdom	75 _65th
Mindblowing stunts and quite impressive special effects mixed with great comedy made this a very good watch despite the fact that the story didn't do much for me. I enjoyed the pacing of it and many parts, but things like what appeared to be the utter disregard for any rules of pool known to man kinda bugged me. Still, excellent.
1	Nathan S	4 _74th
Simple, yet so creative. Keaton's technical wizardry is still very effective, with many gags relying on crafty editing that is pretty impressive. I don't have a lot to say except that it's just a whole lot of fun.
1	PeaceAnarchy	85 _81st
Fun and it has some impressive visual tricks too.
1	gokhanince	95 _97th
'24 really? Keaton must have had a wild imagination. I cannot imagine the scenes that he thought of but could not shoot because of technological shortcomings. Simply astonishing...
1	Farzan	93 _94th
A fantastic comedy with some absolutely hilarious moments. The stunts were fantastic, ranging from the motorcycle chase, to the changing environment in the theatre, to the pacing and timing of every joke. An absolute must.
1	caiman	95 _98th
This is film making in its purest form. Keaton is one of the most talented, creative, imaginative, and gutsy film makers ever to live, and Sherlock Jr. is an example of the wizardry he is capable of. I laughed out loud on multiple occasions (the pool table gag is absolutely hysterical), and I gasped in amazement many times (entering the movie, through-the-window costume change, motorcycle over trucks, etc). A truly amazing movie from one of the greatest figures in film history.
1	Stain	100 _95th
Buster's best. Hilarious, and a clear influence on later filmmakers
1	WoozyB	95 _94th
Damn do I love some Buster Keaton.
1	Icarus	98 _98th
One of the great films of all time, Sherlock Jr. beautifully blends intrigue, adventure, laughs, and pathos, all within a story that, at times, borders on the surreal. The changing scenery of the dream sequence is brilliant, the motorcycle ride provides both thrills and laughs, but best of all is that wonderful conclusion. There's a reflexive aspect to the sequence, posing for us the question that Keaton's Sherlock is asking: Can the movies really teach us everything we need to know about life?
1	nandorizzi	85 _88th
One of the best silent film ever made.
1	Paradigma	85 _94th
Keaton was really a match for Chaplin that time.
1	chemical404	85 _98th
Easily the best Keaton's short (trust me, I have seen them all). It's funny, it's thrilling, it's amazing. Some of the stunts seems too risky to be real. But that's early cinema for you, no CGI, no bullshiting, just all guts and hard work to entertain us.
1	graveyardtan	95 _93rd
I think "stupendous" is the apposite word.
1	begoniabol	89 _93rd
I had such a good time watching this. What a well made movie; the editing, acting and stunts were phenomenal!
1	wetwillies	100 _98th
Short but really really sweet.
1	mwgerb	75 _91st
One of the best silent films I've seen. The action, comedy, stunts, and effects still feel fresh today, and the level of suspense in the film-within-a-film is worthy of Hitchcock. I might fault the overall movie for its simplistic plot and the break in its storyline, but I still loved this. And that's coming from someone who's frequently takes issue with meta-films or silent movies. Just an utterly enjoyable time.
1	Rufam	60 _29th
Several neat technical and narrative (especially the 'film within a film' parts) tricks here considering the time it was made -still, watched today, "Sherlock Jr." rarely ever rose above 'moderately charming' for me. (Keaton's deadpan charisma assured that it almost never fell below that level as well.) I upgraded the score five points for the final scene alone.
1	PetrosTser	100 _99th
A technical miracle for 1924, "Sherlock Jr." is a monumental film. Filled with hilarious gags, action, romance, twists and turns, this makes for an exciting watch, while the breathtakingly side-splitting chase at the end is a definitive highlight of this classic laugh-fest (and of cinema in general). A work of brilliance.
1	Noblet	92 _96th
There are some amazing stunts, some really funny scenes, and it doesn't overstay it's welcome at all. It's a really joyful experience.
1	Ressa	97 _91st
Simply just funny as hell throughout the whole movie. The dream-sequence is fantastic and the The billard-scene together with the motorcyle-part is just brilliant, turning Keaton into a surreal mix of early James Bond and Sterling Archer. Fantastic.
1	Colten97	100 _88th
The ultimate reward of watching Buster Keaton's films- like the movie for his projectionist in "Sherlock Jr.," they allow your dreams to become a reality...if only for a short time. And when they're over, maybe you feel a little better about your reality, and have the courage to do what might have been difficult before. That he has become one of my all-time favorites should come as no surprise.
1	lisa-	6 _83rd
fan-freaking-tastic comedy. the visual humour is even better than usual for keaton, but it's probably the band that sticks out, adding plenty of pizzazz that silents often lack. probably the funniest silent i've seen.
1	KenMeisters	79 _83rd
At first some great comedy, then absolute insane stunts until the end. Great fun and only 45 minutes long!
1	MacSwell	100 _99th
The finest showcase of Keaton’s unparalleled bravery and ingenuity in early stunt work is undoubtedly Sherlock Jr. It’s three quarters of an hour packed to the gills with visual gags so brilliant and innovative that it’s difficult to not simply declare it the greatest of all silent comedies and move on. The motorcycle sequence is especially fantastic.
1	Yiannos	63 _53rd
Innovative premise and presumably one of the first films to make an explicit connection between cinema and dreams in a narrative context. Keaton's technical wizardry can't be denied, and he really had a talent for tightly editing complicated sequences to maximise their visceral impact. On the whole though, I found that I respected it more than I actually enjoyed it and didn't laugh much, but it's likely I missed something fundamental along the way that hampered my appreciation.
1	backwardsuit	92 _98th
Hilarious, engaging and technically dazzling. From what I've seen, it's Keaton at his zenith, combining impeccable physical comedy, transcendent mechanical mastery and fluid storytelling with a delightful touch of the surreal. Timeless and magical masterpiece.
1	le mami	80 _82nd
I just like Keaton.
1	anilscn	55 _53rd
yalan yok bu adamı hiç sevmem. the general ve seven chances filmlerinde baştan aşağıya mantık hatası, anlamsızlık, militarizm övgüsü ve ırkçılık doluydu. bu filme de bir sanatsal geçit töreni diyemem ancak ilk kez "helal olsun" dedim adama. 97 yıl önceden bir rüya sekansı tahmin etmezdim ve yine öncül çekim teknikleri. ama verilen çoğunluk 90-95 puanlar tamamen komedi. asla ama asla kişisel görüş diyemem buna. sorry

Average Percentile 78.49% from 1810 Ratings