Review of Cops (1922) by Chris B — 03 Jan 2012

While Buster Keaton never thought much of "Cops" it has become one of the greatest comedy two-reelers of all time! The film is another chase film but this time there are literally dozens and dozens of cops giving chase to Buster after another series of unfortunate events.

The idea of Buster evading literally a town of cops in athletic superiority is almost like watching a culmination of Buster's entity as the confident and always one step ahead being that he had become.

The ending, which I won't spoil, isn't the traditional "happy ending" and is hilarious for being so! The film consists of a setup first reel that is still gag filled but slower in it's build up that leads and adds to the second reel in which the full chase takes place.

While not consistently frantic the whole film the buildup is definitely the reason the second half is so brilliant!