The Cameraman (1928)

100% of critics liked it
(13 reviews)
93% of users liked it
(2,211 ratings)

This is one of the last films from Buster Keaton's classic period, before the coming of sound and interference from MGM spoiled his work and softened his popularity. The Great Stone Face portrays Luke Shannon, a "tintype" portrait photographer who develops a serious crush on Sally (Marceline Day), a… More This is one of the last films from Buster Keaton's classic period, before the coming of sound and interference from MGM spoiled his work and softened his popularity. The Great Stone Face portrays Luke Shannon, a "tintype" portrait photographer who develops a serious crush on Sally (Marceline Day), a beautiful woman who works as a secretary for MGM's newsreel department. Luke's primary rival for Sally's affections is a cameraman for the company, so Luke decides to sign to the newsreel department in hopes of impressing her. However, his hand with a movie camera is not especially sure at first; he mistakenly double exposes a reel of film that results in battleships sailing down Broadway, while his attempts to get footage of a Tong battle seem more successful until an organ grinder's monkey runs off with his film. Luke gets the axe before long, but he's not about to give up, and he tries to find another way to impress his lady love. This was Keaton's first film under a new contract with MGM, and director Edward Sedgwick for the most part allowed Keaton to stick to the creative formula of his best work. However, that would soon change, and many Keaton aficionados consider The Cameraman to be his last truly important work. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 18 min.
Directed By: Edward M. Sedgwick
Genres: Comedy, Romance

On DVD: Feb 20, 1991

Critic Reviews

Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
Studio interference damaged the film but could not destroy it.
Ken Hanke, Mountain Xpress (Asheville, NC)
Keaton's last great comedy.
Jeffrey M. Anderson, Combustible Celluloid
The Cameraman gave Buster one of his best roles and he filled it with one of his most touching and fleshed-out performances, using mostly his intense eyes.
Eric Henderson, Slant Magazine
One of Keaton's most impressively self-reflective films and an ode to the unexpected and elusive lightening-in-a-bottle nature of filmmaking.
John J. Puccio, Movie Metropolis
A sequence in Yankee Stadium is a standout for its allowing Keaton a moment to actually extemporize.
John J. Puccio, Movie Metropolis
...the old Keaton magic could not be entirely dampened by the studio's dictums, and The Cameraman includes a number of very funny bits.
Thomas Delapa, Boulder Weekly
Buster's last definitive feature, despite studio meddling.
Dan Jardine, Apollo Guide
Keaton's feature is easily the best work he did within the studio structure

Read all 8 critic reviews

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Featured Audience Ratings

Saskia D

My first Buster movie! And I really liked it! He must've had a lot of bruises in a period where stunt men weren't available! What I liked about it was the expressiveness and the tight choreography, every movement is timed without looking strained or enforced. It was painful… More
My first Buster movie! And I really liked it! He must've had a lot of bruises in a period where stunt men weren't available! What I liked about it was the expressiveness and the tight choreography, every movement is timed without looking strained or enforced. It was painful and funny at the same time, the scene in the changing room is hilarious. Buster is such a cute and lovable actor. I'm definitely interested in seeing more of his work.
Stella D

my new favorite keaton film and the last one he made relatively free from interference at mgm. chaplin warned him not to sign :(
AJ V

This is such a sweet movie, I love it. It's funny, exciting, and has a good story.
First L

Buster Keaton plays a street photographer who sees the girl of his dreams. He later tracks her down, finding out she works as a secretary in the newsreel department at M.G.M., and trades his tintype camera in for a cheap, 2nd hand movie camera. He tries desperately to get a job in… More
Buster Keaton plays a street photographer who sees the girl of his dreams. He later tracks her down, finding out she works as a secretary in the newsreel department at M.G.M., and trades his tintype camera in for a cheap, 2nd hand movie camera. He tries desperately to get a job in the newsreel department and of course, impress her, but his every happless attempt seems to fail. There are many great, memorable scenes in this film, most notably the date the two have. Keaton's knack for physical humor has been reeled in a bit, but there are some scenes that are still quite funny. Overall, it's a subtle, sweet romantic comedy starring one of the greatest of all time.
Drew S

One of the forgotten great comedies of the silent era. Buster Keaton was a badass.
Matthew Y

One of the best Keaton storylines and performances. The physical gags and stuntwork are lessened here as MGM begins there overtaking of the beloved stone face. Luckily we were able to get this film out of the deal. Keaton was able to squeeze one fantastic stunt scene into this film… More
One of the best Keaton storylines and performances. The physical gags and stuntwork are lessened here as MGM begins there overtaking of the beloved stone face. Luckily we were able to get this film out of the deal. Keaton was able to squeeze one fantastic stunt scene into this film as the main character struggles to move about and capture a full out gang was in Chinatown. The number of stuntmen and extra's involved in this sequence is quite a feat to behold. The Cameraman is one of Keaton's finest examples of his directorial prowess.
Lauren D

Meh. Typical, unfunny Keaton. Wasn't totally horrible though.