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Buster Keaton, Kathryn McGuire, Ward Crane, Joe Keaton, Jane Connelly ... see more see more... , Erwin Connelly , Horace Morgan , George Davis , John Patrick , Ford West , Ruth Holley , Betty Blythe , Kathrun McGuire

The enduring power of this silent-era comedy classic from director/star Buster Keaton can be ascertained simply by recognizing how often its central concept has been cribbed, most notably by writer/di... read more read more...rector Woody Allen for The Purple Rose of Cairo (1985). Keaton is a cinema projectionist who dreams of being a famous detective, like Sherlock Holmes. In love with a beautiful girl (Kathryn McGuire), he presents her with chocolates and a ring, but another suitor (Ward Crane) also vies for her affections. The projectionist unsuccessfully tails his romantic rival, a deceitful sort who has stolen a watch from the girl's home and pawned it to buy her a larger box of candy. Falsely accused of the crime by his girlfriend's family, the heartbroken young man falls asleep at work while exhibiting a movie. He dreams that he walks into the screen and interacts with the film's characters -- now the players in the stolen watch imbroglio. ~ Karl Williams, Rovi

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94% liked it

6,356 ratings

Unrated, 45 min.

Directed by: Buster Keaton

Release Date: April 21, 1924

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Sherlock Jr. Buster Keaton and Ford West in Sherlock, Jr. Buster Keaton in Sherlock, Jr.
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Flixster Reviews (529)

  • flixsterman
    September 30, 2012
    flixsterman
    Timeless comedy from the genius of Buster Keaton.
  • hunterjt13
    July 25, 2012
    hunterjt13
    A movie projectionist dreams he's a suave detective who can clear his name and get the woman of his dreams.
    I've always enjoyed Buster Keaton. I think though he's not as balletic as Chaplin, he's more adventurous; some of the stunts he did were some of the most amazing things I'... read moreve seen from the silent era. And his deadpan demeanor and impeccable comic timing make him a joy to watch. What bothered me about his films was the political messages embedded within; College is rife with anti-intellectualism (but one of the best climaxes ever) and The General valorizes the Southern cause. Sherlock Jr. is apolitical and all the better for it. It's great fun, with some good special effects for the time, and Keaton shines throughout the film.
    Overall, I'm glad that I've finally found a Keaton film I can enjoy without a stab at my conscience for liking it.
  • spielberg00
    December 31, 2011
    spielberg00
    Though SHEROCK, JR. only runs for 44 minutes (barely long enough to be considered a feature-length film), it is often hilarious and ultimately to the point. It remains one of the most well-recognized silent films made before the "talkie" era (the first film of this era, THE JAZZ ... read moreSINGER, was released in 1927, but it did not become of mainstream popularity until the early 1930s), and still funny today. Recently, the American Film Institute listed it on one of its hundred-anniversary compilations, "100 Years...100 Laughs". Though funny, this film rarely gets near to living up to its massive legacy. For anyone who appreciates and enjoys films released during the silent era, this will be very entertaining.

    Full Review: http://wp.me/1Urcx
  • skeletonking101
    October 9, 2011
    skeletonking101
    I'd never watched any real silent films before, because I feared that if I did the film would be outdated in its humor and wouldn't warrant that many laughs out of me. But man did this film blow away my expectations, this is one of the funniest films I've seen In my whole life. N... read moreow the only real comedies that make me burst out laughing every 5 minutes are usually Jim Carrey films, but this film I burst out laughing every 5 seconds. The pool scene is one of the most tension building scenes ever put in film, but is also very funny to watch. I never thought I would recommend a silent film, but this film is a must for comedy fans and fans of silent comedies.
  • ajv2688
    September 3, 2010
    ajv2688
    A brilliant comedy. One of Keaton's best.
  • 76Majikat
    March 10, 2010
    76Majikat
    My first Buster Keaton film, whilst I am familar of his work through various montage clips, it was refreshing to see his work first hand in what is the era of oriiginal slapstick comedy. The ideas, stunts and pure genius of gilm throughout is exactly what I had expected and it d... read moreid not fail to deliver.

    A short film, with a lot of content.
  • webalina
    September 24, 2009
    webalina
    A love triangle and a stolen watch highlight this enjoyable Buster Keaton film. He plays a young film projectionist who dreams of being a detective. Imaginative sight gags, manic chases and Keaton's overall genius make this a need-to-see. Highlights include a dream sequence in wh... read moreich Keaton walks into a movie screen and becomes a part of the action, and a scene where he is LITERALLY shadowing his suspect as directed in his detective's manual. Brilliant.
  • jennifxu
    June 25, 2007
    jennifxu
    this is the inception of my newfound love for silent movies. the music, wow! the acting, hilarious! great stunts all around!
  • fb6025506
    June 5, 2011
    fb6025506
    Buster Keaton's SHERLOCK JR. is hilarious, clever, and entertaining - a physical comedy made in 1924 that is absolutely enjoyable even to this day. This film includes great editing and impressive stunts, and certainly was predicted to be and can now be recognized as a positive co... read morentributor to the future of cinema during its time.
  • fb1619601747
    April 12, 2011
    fb1619601747
    It's not as funny or as entertaining as Buster Keaton's later film The General, but Keaton still manages to use some very interesting film techniques in 'Sherlock, Jr.'

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Critic Reviews

Jeffrey M. Anderson
November 19, 2010
Jeffrey M. Anderson, Combustible Celluloid

To put it plainly, Sherlock Jr. is my choice for the greatest film ever made. Full Review

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Sherlock Jr. Trivia

  • Star of "The General", "Steamboat Bill, Jr." and "Sherlock Jr.". This "stone-faced" actor has mostly been overshadowed by Charlie Chaplin. His nickname was given to him by the famous magician, Harry Houdini. (Name The Actor)  Answer »
  • Who plays Sherlock Holmes in the 2010 movie?  Answer »
  • Who directed Sherlock Holmes starring Robert Downey Jr & Jude Law?  Answer »
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