The Rapid Draughtsman

Here is a bit of Keatonablia I've never seen before. A c.1930 child's activity book called The Rapid Draughtsman. Made in Germany, the little book is the equivalent of today's "invisible coloring books." This antiquated version simply used a pencil (the edge of a coin might work too) to reveal an image on a blank page. Look what this page revealed.

Copies of this book are for sale. Here is the link with all the details, although there is no guarantee there will be another "Buster" contained within. 

Just A Reminder

Don't forget the 5th Annual Buster Keaton Blogathon coming up in February. Once again hosted by Silent-ology, it is scheduled for the 18th and 19th. You can click on the BK picture on the right side for more details. Silver 17 will be contributing a video showcasing the surrealism in Buster's silent films. And if the photo below, "Buster Di Milo," doesn't scream, surrealism, then I don't know what does.

Footnote: Did you know the proper name for the original statue is "Aphrodite of Milos?" Yep. It was created around 100 BC. Wow.

Random Keaton Note #16

Buster was set to appear in Shubert's Passing Show of 1917 in New York City when fate intervened, and he crossed paths with Roscoe Arbuckle.

Coney Island 1917

I think everyone is happy with Buster's choice.

Did You Know...

...you can read Buster's autobiography, My Wonderful World of Slapstick, online (and for free too)? Here is the link to the Media History Digital Library. And, in case you're interested, there are also other period articles and ads from magazines concerning BK at the same site.

Happy reading!

Uncomic Moments

We hope 2019 is off to a good start for you! We have the latest Buster tribute video up and running. You might recall the working title for this was But Seriously, Buster. Obviously, we came up with something a little more fitting. Enjoy!