The Goat (1921)

85% of users liked it
(771 ratings)

This two-reeler is one big chase film -- or, rather, it's two chases in one film. A drifter (Buster Keaton) is already on the run from the cops when he's mistaken for murderer Dead Shot Dan (portrayed, incidentally, by Keaton's co-director Mal St. Clair). Keaton has eluded the previous group of… More This two-reeler is one big chase film -- or, rather, it's two chases in one film. A drifter (Buster Keaton) is already on the run from the cops when he's mistaken for murderer Dead Shot Dan (portrayed, incidentally, by Keaton's co-director Mal St. Clair). Keaton has eluded the previous group of policeman, but he's no match for the ill-tempered, heavyweight detective Joe Roberts who's hot on his trail...or is he? The battle of wits and punishing physical stunts is a pleasure to behold -- Keaton wrings every bit of mirth from props such as an old-fashioned dump truck, an elevator, windows and, of course, the passing train. A delightful, fast-moving film. ~ Janiss Garza, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 2 min.
Directed By: Buster Keaton, Malcolm St. Clair
Genres: Classics, Comedy

In Theaters: Jul 14, 1921 Wide
Studio: Metro

No Critic Reviews Found…

Featured Audience Ratings

AJ V

Keaton looks like a criminal? This movie is really funny.
Lady D

A very early short from Buster Keaton, usual Keaton style with some very, clever moves involving more props and great stunts. Aclever little mix up of the wrongly accused.
Byron B

The Cleveland Institute of Art's Cinematheque had a night of five short silents by comedy greats. I'm not as familiar with Buster Keaton's career as Chaplin's, but this was the best of the night for me. The story was just a little more developed. The gags just a… More
The Cleveland Institute of Art's Cinematheque had a night of five short silents by comedy greats. I'm not as familiar with Buster Keaton's career as Chaplin's, but this was the best of the night for me. The story was just a little more developed. The gags just a little bit more creatively outrageous and laugh out loud funny. Keaton was another very athletic comedian and he gives us his best here. The only way I can figure out the title is to assume it is short for scapegoat, since Keaton is framed for murders committed by Dead Shot Dan. Keaton spends most of the movie on the run from the cops, especially the police chief played by Roberts. Great stuff!!
Chris B

"The Goat" is another Buster Keaton short and clocks in at 23 minutes in length. The whole film is one giant chase scene filled with all kinds of antics, some you can see coming and others are only seen by Buster. The whole film is a delightful, fast paced, and hilarious… More
"The Goat" is another Buster Keaton short and clocks in at 23 minutes in length. The whole film is one giant chase scene filled with all kinds of antics, some you can see coming and others are only seen by Buster. The whole film is a delightful, fast paced, and hilarious for the entire length of the film. The idea of Buster being chased by cops throughout the film would later be replicated a thousand fold in his other short released the next year in 1922 "Cops". Both Keaton's Co-Director Malcolm St. Clair (Dead Shot Dan) and long time Co-Director collaborator Edward F. Cline (One of the policemen) makes appearances in the film as well as Buster's other staring partners. Many critics have said that if you only had 23 minutes to show the entirety of Buster's career, "The Goat" is the film to watch because it contains the best variety of all his skills! A masterpiece, plain and simple.