Moviecut—Free and Easy

source: Free and Easy

Free and Easy

Buster Keaton (as Elmer) is an incompetent Hollywood manager assigned to beauty contest winner Anita Page (as Elvira). Robert Montgomery (as Larry) is around as romantic rival. Interestingly, the three main players are "stars" in the film; however, they show little star quality in "Free and Easy". There are several "cameos" and references to MGM stars of the time (Garbo, Shearer, Davies, Crawford...). Mr. Keaton speaks well during early scenes; and, he is sometimes nicely expressive. However, the film is amateurish and embarrassing. Keaton singing the title "Free and Easy" song is a low point. Keaton's sobriety is doubtful. You may find more entertaining shows at your local Elementary School. ** Free and Easy (3/22/30) Edward Sedgwick ~ Buster Keaton, Anita Page, Robert Montgomery

If you're interested in watching a major movie studio kill a comic genius' career, then "Free and Easy" is for you. If you want to watch a movie that makes you seeth with anger, while watching your favorite star sink lower and lower into an alcoholic haze, then by all means, watch "Free and Easy". However, if you want to be entertained, by all means stay away from this movie. Its only redeeming qualities are hearing the voices of Buster Keaton and Bill Haines, and the amusing (in the lowest possible way) musical number of "Oh King" at the end. But beware the clown costume.

Extremely disappointing for fans of Buster Keaton's silent films, or fans of comedy in general. Keaton' first talkie found him playing a small town talent agent who brings the hopeful young starlet, Elvira Plunkett (Anita Page), to Hollywood and, of course, gets into a lot of trouble along the way. Keaton himself is funny in parts, but the movie drags and the comedy is too slowly paced. The film gets more enjoyable in the last twenty minutes when Keaton becomes a surprise star and is thrown into some entertaining musical numbers. The numbers have nothing to do with the story, but that's almost a relief. Trixie Friganza also delivers some good moments as Elvira's controlling mother.