What! No Beer?

What! No Beer? is a 1933 comedy film that showcases the immense talent of its lead actors: Buster Keaton and Jimmy Durante. Directed by comedian Edward Sedgwick, the film remains one of the classics of the early 1930s era of comedic cinema. Greatly marked by the comedic style of the Prohibition Era, the film centers on the themes of friendship, alcohol production, and various antics related to the time frame.

The film showcases the best of Keaton and Durante’s comedic chops as they portray characters who brave the world of beer-making during the Prohibition era. Buster Keaton plays Elmer J. Butts, a taxidermist with a slow paced life and good boy persona. On the other side, Jimmy Durante portrays Jimmy Potts, a consummate schemer with grand ideas who can't resist an opportunity to turn the tide in his favor.

Durante's character, Potts has a belief that Prohibition is on its last legs and in order to make a fortune, he encourages his good friend Elmer to enter into a business with him. The duo decide to invest all their savings to purchase a brewery with a hope that once Prohibition is abolished, they will be the first to have their beer on the market. While the idea of non-conformists anticipating the end of Prohibition and preparing themselves for the flourishing beer business is funny in itself, the implementation of the idea is an unending fountain of pure comic gold.

Throughout the movie, our protagonists find themselves in several amusing binds, revealing a propulsive narrative full of comedic setpieces. Mirth-inducing misunderstandings and clever slapstick comedy bring delight throughout the flow of the story. As the audience, we witness the fun and difficulties of beer brewing, business setbacks, and interactions with eccentric supporting characters.

Besides our leading men, Roscoe Ates is also featured in the film. Ates, known for his comedic stutter, plays a humorous sidekick called Monk, adding another layer of comedy to the ongoings, further strengthening the film's comedic ensemble. Also making a striking appearance is character actress Phyllis Barry, who effortlessly fits into the zany surroundings, playing an undercover revenue agent with a fascinating story arc and great interactions with the main cast.

What! No Beer? is a delightfully funny and joyful romp through the era of Prohibition. It makes for an interesting time-capsule, all wrapped up within a hilariously zany narrative. The film plays out like a series of comedic sketches, with Keaton and Durante delivering spectacular performances, and achieving a perfect blend of their contrasting comedic styles.

Keaton, with his characteristic deadpan expressions and impeccable comedic timing, brings a charm and genuine warmth to his portrayal of the shy and straight-edged Elmer. Durante, with his dynamic screen presence and energetic delivery, wonderfully complements Keaton's comedy. His portrayal of Potts, a conniving and manipulative magnate-in-the-making, is highly amusing.

What! No Beer? is an enthusiastic mix of slapstick humor and verbal comedy, with fascinating character arcs, a thrilling storyline, and a blend of historic and social commentary. The film is complemented by an array of beautifully designed sets and amazing cinematographic techniques typical of early Hollywood, adding to the overall cinematic experience.

Thanks to the dynamism of Keaton and Durante along with the apt direction of Sedgwick, What! No Beer? manages to maintain a consistent humor quotient. Despite being over eight decades old, this classic offers a timeless appeal that speaks volumes about the versatility and genius of the filmmakers of the time.

In conclusion, What! No Beer? is not just a comedy film; it's a testament to the creativity and genius of Hollywood's early days. Keaton and Durante’s unforgettable performances, combined with the ageless wit of the screenplay, make this a memorable comedy from the Prohibition era. It's surely worth a watch for anyone who appreciates vintage humor and wants to travel back in time to a period when comedy was unfiltered, organic, and unapologetically funny. The film is a must-see for all comedy enthusiasts, and particularly for fans of Buster Keaton and Jimmy Durante.