ANNOUNCEMENT: The Second Annual Buster Keaton Blogathon!

Because good news can never be shared too early, I am psyched–simply psyched–to be announcing:

It’s back! Once again I would like to extend a warm invitation to movie-loving bloggers to pay tribute to the one and only Joseph Frank “Buster” Keaton, our solemn-faced funmaker in the flat hat. Buster’s work has not only delighted generations of fans from around the world, but has inspired countless filmmakers, from Martin Scorsese to Werner Herzog to the fine folk at Pixar. He is one of our most beloved screen legends, and this February we’re going to celebrate his legacy.

When: Sunday, February 7 and Monday, February 8, 2016.

Where: Right here on Silent-ology!

How: To sign up, pick a Keaton film/topic to write about then leave me a comment at the bottom of this post. You can also send me a message (don’t forget to include your name and your blog address!). During the blogathon itself, when you publish your post leave me a comment or message with your link. Post whenever you have time during those two days. There are some banners below to stick onto your blog–please help get the word out about this event!

What to write about: Everything Buster! There’s a lot of films to choose from: roles in Arbuckle’s Comique films, his own shorts and features, 1930s talkies, independent films, 1960s T.V. commercials, cameos–and more. (Here’s Buster’s filmography for some ideas.) Want to compare/contrast certain films? Want to write about a certain period of his life, such as his time in vaudeville? Want to concentrate on a certain aspect of his work, such as his stunts or his use of special effects? All of this is more than welcome! I also encourage articles about his crew and the many wonderful actors who appeared in his films.

Details:

• Yes, I’m afraid I’m having a “no duplicates” rule, so there’s as wide a variety of topics as possible. The only exception would be if someone chose more than one film for a compare/contrast sort of article. If there’s a film of Buster’s that you absolutely must cover, act fast!
• Keep in mind that this ‘thon is an annual event, so if someone else claims your film you always have another chance next year!
• Let’s make Buster proud! There’s quite a bit of dubious information out there about his life (particularly his private life), so I’m going to insist that we do our best to wade through the rumors and find the most reliable info we can. Let’s give him something to smile about!
• BONUS: I will be holding a drawing for all blogathon participants–info is forthcoming!

To see last year’s contributions (and maybe to get inspiration!), here’s a link to the First Annual Buster Keaton Blogathon.

Roster:

Silent-ology | Le Roi des Champs–Élysées

MovieMovieBlogBlog | Our Hospitality

The Cinematic Frontier | The General

MOON IN GEMINI | Seven Chances

Movies Silently | Keaton’s chop suey recipe

nitrateglow | Book review of Buster Keaton: The Persistence of Comedy

In The Good Old Days of Classic Hollywood | Steamboat Bill, Jr and Buster’s influence on silent era Hollywood

MIB’s Instant Headache | Review of the Buster Keaton Silent Shorts collection

Welcome to My Magick Theatre | The Cameraman

Once Upon a Screen | Go West

The Wonderful World of Cinema | Spite Marriage

An Ode to Dust | How Doughboys was influenced by Buster’s service in WWI

The Big Riot V Squad | Buster Keaton and the Passing Show of 1917

Portraits by Jenni | Appearance on TV show Route 66

Buster Keaton’s Name | The meaning of the nickname “Buster” and its use in the late 19th century

Critica Retro | Work with Roscoe Arbuckle

thefyuzhe | Favorite poses

nearlywitchez | Buster’s costume

Girls Do Film | The Navigator

Silver Screenings | Sherlock Jr.

tgreywolfe | Buster and the Tragic Mask

MovieFanFare | Three Ages

Jesgear’s Blog | The International Buster Keaton Society

Second Sight Cinema | The fall–and rise!–of Buster’s career

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