THE PALEFACE

Cinemavixion Review

Edward F. Cline's "The Paleface" from 1922 is a delightful silent comedy that showcases Buster Keaton's unparalleled physical prowess and deadpan delivery. The film ingeniously pits a lone frontiersman against greedy oil barons threatening a Native American tribe. Keaton, alongside Virginia Fox and Joe Roberts, crafts a narrative brimming with visual gags and charmingly absurd situations, as evident in the plot where he inadvertently becomes a hero to the tribe. While the OMDb data notes a runtime of 20 minutes and a genre blend of Short, Comedy, and Western, the core appeal remains Keaton's masterful performance. The film's enduring charm lies in its simple yet effective storytelling and its commentary on land disputes, all delivered with Keaton's signature comedic genius. It's a gem from the silent era, proving that laughter and social commentary can indeed go hand-in-hand.