THE HAUNTED HOUSE

Cinemavixion Review

Buster Keaton's comedic genius shines through in 'The Haunted House,' a delightful short film that masterfully blends slapstick with eerie undertones. The narrative follows Keaton as a bank clerk who unwittingly stumbles into a robbery plot, seeking refuge in a house rigged with booby traps and inhabited by actors in spooky costumes. The film excels in its escalating series of gags, where Keaton's physical comedy and precise timing are on full display as he navigates the 'haunted' abode. Directed by Edward F. Cline and Keaton himself, this 1921 gem showcases the silent film star's unparalleled ability to create humor from chaos and misfortune. Its clever premise, which plays on the perception of the supernatural, remains engaging, solidifying its place as a classic of early cinematic comedy.