The Navigator

Plot

Rollo Treadway, a wealthy but socially inept young man, impulsively decides to propose to his beautiful neighbor Betsy O'Brien despite barely knowing her. When she rejects his proposal, Rollo decides to go on a solo cruise aboard what he believes is a passenger ship. Through a series of comic mishaps, both Rollo and Betsy accidentally end up alone on 'The Navigator,' a massive ocean liner that sets sail without any crew. The two pampered socialites must learn to survive at sea, facing challenges from cooking and cleaning to navigating through stormy weather and evading hostile submarines. As they work together to survive their maritime misadventure, the bumbling couple gradually falls in love, discovering their capabilities and affection for each other amidst the chaos.

Historical Background

The Navigator was produced during the golden age of silent cinema, a period when feature films were becoming the industry standard. In 1924, Hollywood was transitioning from short comedies to feature-length productions, with comedians like Charlie Chaplin and Harold Lloyd already establishing themselves in longer formats. The film reflected the 1920s fascination with technology and modern marvels, particularly ocean liners which represented the pinnacle of engineering achievement. This was also the era of the 'roaring twenties,' a time of economic prosperity and social change in America, when audiences sought escapist entertainment. The film's release coincided with growing public interest in maritime adventures, influenced by recent naval developments and the romanticism of sea travel. The submarine elements in the film resonated with post-WWI audiences who were still fascinated by naval warfare technology.

Making Of

The production of 'The Navigator' was one of the most ambitious undertakings of Buster Keaton's career. Keaton's obsession with authenticity led him to purchase an entire decommissioned battleship rather than use studio sets. The USS Oregon had to be towed from the naval yard to the filming location, a massive logistical challenge. For the underwater sequences, Keaton's team constructed enormous tanks and developed innovative camera housing to film beneath the surface. The diving bell sequence was particularly dangerous - during one take, the safety mechanism malfunctioned, and Keaton was trapped underwater with limited oxygen. His quick thinking saved him from drowning. The film's elaborate gags required extensive planning, with Keaton and his team spending weeks choreographing each sequence. The submarine attack scenes involved real naval vessels and required coordination with the U.S. Navy. Kathryn McGuire, despite being primarily a dramatic actress, proved adept at physical comedy and performed many of her own stunts alongside Keaton.

Visual Style

The cinematography by Elgin Lessley and Byron Houck was groundbreaking for its time, particularly in the underwater sequences. The film employed innovative camera techniques including underwater photography using specially designed waterproof camera housings. The diving bell sequence required multiple cameras positioned both above and below water to capture the action seamlessly. The ship's massive scale was emphasized through wide shots that showcased the vessel's enormity against the ocean. The film used tracking shots and crane movements that were technically advanced for 1924, particularly in scenes following Keaton through the ship's corridors. The contrast between the vast, empty ship and the tiny, helpless protagonists created powerful visual irony. The lighting in the underwater scenes was particularly notable, using artificial light sources to create an eerie, otherworldly atmosphere that enhanced the comedy.

Innovations

The Navigator pioneered several technical innovations in cinema. The underwater photography sequences were revolutionary, requiring the development of waterproof camera equipment and specialized lighting techniques for underwater filming. The film's use of a full-scale battleship as a set was unprecedented in comedy filmmaking. The diving bell sequence involved complex mechanical rigging and safety systems that were cutting-edge for the time. The submarine attack scenes utilized miniatures and special effects that were highly sophisticated for 1924. The film's seamless integration of location shooting, studio work, and model work set new standards for visual effects. Keaton's team developed new techniques for simulating ocean storms within controlled environments. The film's success in making the impossible look plausible influenced the development of special effects throughout the industry.

Music

As a silent film, The Navigator originally had no synchronized soundtrack, but was accompanied by live musical performances in theaters. The suggested score included popular songs of the era as well as classical pieces. Modern restorations have featured newly composed scores by various artists. The most acclaimed modern score was composed by Carl Davis in 1995, which captures the film's nautical themes and comic timing. Other notable scores include those by Robert Israel and the Alloy Orchestra. The music typically incorporates maritime themes, using instruments like the ship's bell and sea shanty melodies to enhance the ocean setting. The rhythmic nature of the accompaniment is crucial to accentuating Keaton's precise physical comedy.

Memorable Scenes

• The opening scene where Rollo attempts to propose to Betsy using a mechanical device that malfunctions spectacularly
• The scene where Rollo and Betsy attempt to cook breakfast in the ship's massive industrial kitchen, resulting in chaos
• The underwater diving bell sequence where Keaton battles a swordfish while trying to repair the hull
• The scene where the two protagonists try to navigate the ship using charts and instruments they don't understand
• The submarine attack sequence where Keaton uses clever tricks to outsmart the enemy vessel
• The final scene where the ship is destroyed in a spectacular explosion as the couple reaches safety

What Critics Said

Contemporary critics hailed The Navigator as a masterpiece of comedy filmmaking. The New York Times praised it as 'one of the most hilarious and clever comedies ever produced,' while Variety called it 'a triumph of imagination and execution.' Critics particularly lauded Keaton's athletic performance and the film's spectacular production values. Modern critics continue to celebrate the film; Roger Ebert included it in his 'Great Movies' collection, calling it 'one of Keaton's supreme achievements.' The film holds a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics consensus describing it as 'a sublime comedy that showcases Keaton's genius for physical humor and technical innovation.' Film historians often cite it as one of the greatest comedies of the silent era, noting its perfect balance of spectacular stunts and intimate character moments.

What Audiences Thought

The Navigator was a massive commercial success upon its release, becoming one of the highest-grossing films of 1924. Audiences were thrilled by the spectacular maritime setting and Keaton's death-defying stunts. The film played to packed theaters across America and was equally successful internationally. Contemporary audience reports describe people laughing so hard they missed subsequent gags, requiring multiple viewings. The film's popularity helped establish Keaton as a major box office draw alongside Chaplin and Lloyd. Modern audiences continue to embrace the film; it regularly appears in revivals at film festivals and art houses. The film's universal humor and visual gags transcend the silent era barrier, making it accessible to contemporary viewers who may not typically watch silent films.

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