The Paleface (1922)

Buster helps a Native American tribe save their land from greedy oil barons.

Directors:

Edward F. Cline (as Eddie Cline), Buster Keaton (as 'Buster' Keaton)

Writers:

Edward F. Cline (as Eddie Cline), Buster Keaton (as 'Buster' Keaton)

Stars:

Buster Keaton, Virginia Fox, Joe Roberts

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Buster Keaton	...	Little Chief Paleface

Storyline

Evil oil barons have given the Indians one day to vacate their land. The Indian chief tells his braves to kill the first white man they see. Buster shows up chasing a butterfly. Later he keeps moving the stake to which he is tied and at which he is to be burned. He becomes one of the tribe and helps them with their fight.

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Plot Keywords:

butterfly net | tied to a pole | impersonation | falling from height | falling off a cliff | 

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Genres:

Short | Comedy | Western

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Certificate:

G

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

January 1922 (USA)

Also Known As:

Blekansiktet

Filming Locations:

Iverson Ranch - 1 Iverson Lane, Chatsworth, Los Angeles, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Buster Keaton Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

20 min 25 min (TV) (2016)

Sound Mix:

Silent

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The film was restored in 2015 through Lobster Films, a process partially funded through a Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign.

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Goofs

On the handwritten note, the land shark's name is "J.C. Hunt" but on the office door, it's "D.J. Hunt".

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Quotes

Little Chief Paleface: If my tribe don't get what's coming to them, YOU WILL!

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Connections

Referenced in Around the World in 80 Days (1956)

User Reviews

The Big Pale Chief

I can't help it, but 'The Paleface' is kind of boring Buster Keaton movie. It's definitely not bad film, but it was hard to stay interested throughout. The first part, where Indians have been robbed their land, and their chief issues an order to kill the first white man to enter the gates. Unaware of the danger, Buster Keaton who is on the hunt for the butterflies walks blissfully onto the Indian camp site and starts looking for the butterflies. He struts around like nothing is wrong, and when he suddenly sprints towards the gates, it's not because he finally realized the situation, he walked into, but he noticed another butterfly.

The other great scene is where he escapes from rivaling tribe over the bridge that has only dozen or so slats. Otherwise, pretty mediocre Keaton short, but it's worth to catch it if you have the chance, as it contains some nice and interesting moments.