The allure of Buster Keaton is how without a word he can have you busting at the seams with laughter or, for the soft-hearted, make you want to scoop him up in your arms. SO IOLANS, roll out the welcome mat.
After 100 years, Keaton’s staying power comes from his ability to win the hearts of his audience as he performs outrageous physical comedy with a face that betrays not a hint of emotion. Hence the nickname “The Great Stone Face.”
Of a diminutive size and the physique of a gymnast, Keaton faces all kinds of trials — both physical and emotional — most often on the quest to win the woman of his dreams.
Good stuff.
Keaton is most famous for his years as a silent film actor in the early 1900s.
For the last 22 years Iola has benefited from a somewhat remote connection to Keaton. Turns out he was born in nearby Piqua on Oct. 4, 1895, while his vaudevillian parents were en route to some other location.
Organizers have taken advantage of the situation and turned the Buster Keaton Celebration into an annual event that for many puts Iola, Kansas on the map.
If you haven’t participated in the celebration, you’re missing out. It’s so much fun, the educational aspect is sometimes unrecognizable.
After all, it’s difficult to think how far the world has come, especially the technology of the film industry, when you’re watching a couple tied to tracks with a train bearing down on them.
Again, no words. Just the fright in their eyes. The billowing black smoke from the train as its wheels keep churning closer and closer. And … nope. No spoiler alert here.
This year’s event also features the films of the Marx Brothers and some of their collaborative efforts with Keaton.
Film scholars from across the country will present talks about both, interspersed with film shorts. Again, they are as entertaining as they are educational.
On Friday and Saturday nights, as well as Saturday afternoon, full-length movies will be shown. For the schedule go to iolakeatoncelebration.org.
This year’s entertainment includes the Mont Alto Motion Picture Orchestra to provide the melodramatic score — the only “sound” element — for the films.
The Mont Alto Orchestra is world renown and it’s a real honor to have it here.
And better yet, come treat yourself and your family. For the kids, especially, seeing a silent movie is a real occasion and the setting, the Bowlus Fine Arts Center, couldn’t be more perfect.
All the presentations and films are free and open to the public.
It doesn’t get any better.
— Susan Lynn
Keaton Celebration has staying power
