The above "?" was inserted because this film isn't exactly full-length or a short--it runs at about 44 minutes. I would have to say it was very enjoyable and fun--better than most comedies of the 20s, though not as good as Keaton's very best films (such as OUR HOSPITALITY, THE GENERAL or STEAMBOAT BILL, Jr.).

A word of caution, though, about seeing this film. The videotape version by Kino Films, frankly, sucks. This isn't a word I have often used in describing any film, but it really irritated me that the musical accompaniment on the tape was so bad and so inappropriate. Modern instruments are used and the tempo is way too fast for the film. It was a major distraction--so bad that I had to turn off the sound after a while so I could enjoy the film! On to the film itself--Keaton works at a movie theater AND wants to be a detective. The detective aspect of the film at the beginning didn't work all that well compared to the rest of the film, though a few times it did offer some laughs (such as when the book recommended trailing the suspect--Buster walked only about a foot behind him and followed him move for move!). Instead, what really worked well was when he was the projectionist and fell asleep. Then a surreal dream sequence began and was very creative (and highly reminiscent of Woody Allen's PURPLE ROSE OF CAIRO). Buster walked to the movie screen and literally walked into the film! This was done, for 1924, exceptionally well. Then when he became the movie detective, the film hit its stride.

The movie gets very high marks for creativity and pacing. Give it a watch,...with the sound turned WAY DOWN!