Considering how wonderful most of Buster Keaton's films are, being an average one isn't really that bad. While Keaton had done other films about ships (such as THE BOAT and STEAMBOAT BILL, JR.), this one takes a very leisurely pace during much of the film. While this means that many of the typical Keaton acrobatics are saved for the end, the sweet, good-natured film is still well worth seeing for the many cute scenes on the boat. Buster and his lady love are stranded on a derelict ship and have absolutely no idea how to take care of themselves, as they both had been pampered rich kids. Later, the action picks up though I don't think the story improved, as the two fought off an attack by hostile cannibals (are there any FRIENDLY ones?). The very last scenes when they are rescued didn't do much for me--this segment seemed pretty contrived, even for a silent comedy.
The movie was well-paced and director Donald Crisp (yes--the famous supporting actor that appeared in almost 200 movies) did a good job, as did the actors.
The movie was well-paced and director Donald Crisp (yes--the famous supporting actor that appeared in almost 200 movies) did a good job, as did the actors.