Grand Slam Opera

Down on his luck, out of favour, no longer the huge star he used to be, and broke, Buster Keaton signed to do a series of shorts with Educational pictures. Most are merely amusing. But Grand Slam Opera is a flash of comedic brilliance that reminded us just who we were watching: one of the greatest movie comedians and directors who ever lived.

Keaton pulls off the funniest parody of Fred Astaire ever in a sequence where he mimics the famous scene from Top Hat, dancing in his dingy room, up on the furniture and down again, disturbing the lady trying to sleep below. He pokes fun at Sinatra's Hoboken Four, and Major Bowes' Hour. Deadpan, he dances through an international medley of music, improvising the appropriate dance as the music changes. He lampoons pretentious singers, annoying band leaders, and introduces a pick-up line that you will never forget. He sings, he dances, and he falls in ways that only he can. Best of all, he gets the girl. If you love Keaton, you'll love this short.