Doughboys

Doughboys, a 1930 film, centers around Buster Keaton, an iconic figure in silent cinema and early American film comedy. Keaton's character Elmer J. Butts is skillfully woven into a comedic, adventure-filled narrative set against the backdrop of World War I. This wartime comedy features Sally Eilers and Cliff Edwards who deliver solid performances that complement Keaton's comedic genius.

In Doughboys, Elmer, a rich but bumbling young man played by Keaton, accidentally enlists in the Army during the First World War. His character, Elmer, starts off in a life of effortless wealth. Despite his ultimate disinterest in war, a mixed-up situation brought about by his lack of street smarts and a dose of misfortunate timing, finds him thrust into army life. This sets off a chain of events and provides numerous comedic moments throughout the feature.

Keaton shines as the well-meaning but dimwitted Elmer who frequently gets himself into outrageous situations that cause uproar and amusement. Despite his lack of military skills or tactics, he eventually becomes a soldier. Audiences are privy to several laugh-out-loud moments as Elmer tries – and often hilariously fails – to make it through army drills and routines.

The film cleverly uses the backdrop of war to yield a string of comedy bits, peculiar situations, and physical gags to tickle the audience's funny bone. Although there are elements of slapstick, the comedy is not entirely reliant on it. Rather, it uses the juxtaposition of Keaton's everyday man and the unusual conditions of army life to create humorous tensions.

Sally Eilers, playing the love interest Mary, adds a delicate touch of romance to the otherwise light-hearted comedy. Despite Keaton's awkward attempts at wooing her, the connection and chemistry between them are nothing short of charming. Her character offers a soft contrast to Elmer's comedic antics and creates numerous funny yet sweet scenes that the audience will adore.

Cliff Edwards, who plays Elmer's fellow soldier and confidant, makes an essential contribution to the plot. Not only does his character provide crucial friendship and moral support to Elmer during trying times, his performance also helps to craft a buddy dynamic that unfolds throughout the film, heightening the overall comedic value.

Doughboys seamlessly integrates character-based humor, charming romance, and wartime antics into a comedic concoction that is quintessentially Buster Keaton. Directed by Edward Sedgwick, the film showcases the best of Keaton's comedic skills while offering a vibrant portrayal of war-era life.

Doughboys embraces some of the classic comedic features Keaton was famous for in his silent film era while successfully transitioning to the sound film, or "talkies". Keaton's physical comedy is still present and shines with impeccable timing, precision and slapstick brilliance. Yet the film also utilizes the breakthroughs in sound cinema with dialogue that brings out the film's humor and wit.

The backdrop of the First World War is not merely a setting for the movie but is cleverly woven into the narrative. It's used as a device to showcase Keaton's brand of comedy. His comical mishaps with military training, his interactions with authority figures, and his misadventures on the battlefield are some aspects of the film that breathe life into this period comedy, thereby adding a unique flavor to it.

With a robust supporting cast and a well-woven plot, Doughboys strikes a balance between comedy, romance, and an adventurous backdrop. Although grounded in the harsh realities of war, the movie is infused with light-hearted humor, enchanting romance, and a spirit of camaraderie that makes the overall narrative engaging and entertaining. It is a masterful mix of Keaton's comedic genius and the director's ability to embrace and utilize the innovations of sound film.

In essence, Doughboys exemplifies the shift in the film landscape from silent to sound cinema and symbolizes one of Buster Keaton's many successful endeavors into the new film era. It is an embodiment of Keaton's versatility as an actor and comedian while serving as a testament to the perennial appeal of his brand of humor, wit, and charm. A must-watch for any Buster Keaton fan or anyone in search of a classic comedy film with rich, nostalgic undertones!