Convict 13

Plot

A young man (Buster Keaton) heads out for a day of golf but encounters an escaped convict who knocks him unconscious and trades clothes with him. Mistaken for the criminal, Buster is arrested and sent to prison where he must adapt to life behind bars with his characteristic deadpan resilience. After surviving various prison mishaps and nearly being executed, Buster helps the warden foil a massive jailbreak attempt. In the chaotic aftermath, he finally clears his name and escapes the prison, only to find himself back on the golf course where his troubles began.

Historical Background

Convict 13 was released in 1920, a pivotal year in American history marking the beginning of the Jazz Age and the culmination of the Progressive Era. The film industry was transitioning from short comedies toward feature-length productions, though comedy shorts remained popular theater programming. Keaton, having recently left Roscoe 'Fatty' Arbuckle's production company, was establishing his independent studio and artistic voice. The post-World War I period saw audiences craving escapist entertainment, and prison comedies were particularly popular as they allowed for social commentary on authority and institutions while remaining safely humorous. The film's release coincided with Prohibition, adding ironic resonance to its themes of breaking rules and escaping punishment.

Making Of

Edward F. Cline, who co-directed this film with Keaton (though Keaton was uncredited as director), was a key collaborator during Keaton's early independent period. The film was shot in just four days, typical for Keaton's efficient production methods. The hanging sequence required innovative rigging to create the illusion of Keaton being hanged while actually supporting his weight safely. Keaton's dedication to authenticity led him to spend time observing real prison procedures before filming. The golf scenes proved challenging as early golf equipment was difficult to find in 1920, requiring the production team to source authentic clubs and balls from collectors. The prison set was so realistic that it was reused in several other productions throughout the 1920s.

Visual Style

The cinematography, credited to Elgin Lessley, showcases innovative camera techniques for the era. The film employs dynamic tracking shots during the chase sequences and creative angles during the prison scenes to enhance the claustrophobic atmosphere. Lessley utilized natural lighting for the outdoor golf scenes while creating dramatic shadows in the prison interiors. The hanging sequence features a groundbreaking low-angle shot that emphasizes the height and danger. The camera work maintains Keaton's preferred wide shots, allowing full appreciation of his physical comedy and spatial gags.

Innovations

The film features several technical innovations for its time, particularly in stunt execution and set design. The hanging sequence required a sophisticated hidden harness system that allowed Keaton to appear genuinely suspended while remaining safe. The prison set included functional mechanisms for cell doors and other interactive elements. The film's editing, by Buster Keaton himself, demonstrates advanced continuity techniques that enhance the physical comedy. The golf ball trick shots were achieved through careful timing and camera work rather than special effects, showcasing Keaton's commitment to practical comedy.

Music

As a silent film, Convict 13 was originally accompanied by live musical scores varying by theater. Typical accompaniment included popular songs of 1920, classical pieces, and original improvisation. The film's comedic timing suggests it was designed to work with ragtime and early jazz music. Modern restorations have featured new scores by composers such as Robert Israel and The Alloy Orchestra, who create period-appropriate accompaniment using instruments from the 1920s. The golf scenes often featured lighter, more whimsical music while the prison sequences used more dramatic, tension-building compositions.

Memorable Scenes

• The iconic hanging sequence where Buster is literally saved by the bell as the prison bell rings at the exact moment of execution, causing the rope to break
• The golf course opening where Buster's terrible golf skills lead to increasingly disastrous results
• The prison cafeteria scene where Buster uses a loaf of bread as a weapon during a food fight
• The climactic jailbreak sequence where Buster inadvertently helps capture the escaping convicts while trying to escape himself
• The final scene where Buster returns to the golf course only to encounter another escaped convict, suggesting the cycle will continue

What Critics Said

Contemporary reviews praised the film's inventive gags and Keaton's 'stone-faced' performance style. Variety noted 'Keaton's remarkable ability to find humor in the most dire circumstances' while Motion Picture News called it 'one of the most clever comedies of the season.' Modern critics recognize Convict 13 as a key example of Keaton's early mastery of cinematic comedy. The film is frequently cited in film studies courses as exemplary of silent-era comedy construction. Critics particularly praise the film's efficient storytelling and the seamless integration of physical comedy with narrative progression.

What Audiences Thought

The film was highly popular with audiences in 1920, playing well in both urban and rural theaters. Audience reaction cards from First National theaters indicated strong positive responses, with particular appreciation for the hanging sequence and prison break scenes. The film's success helped establish Keaton as a bankable star independent of his former partnership with Arbuckle. Modern audiences viewing the film at revival screenings and film festivals continue to respond enthusiastically to its timeless physical comedy and clever situations.

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