Cast
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Buster Keaton
as Friendless
Howard Truesdale
as Owner of the Diamond Bar Ranch
Kathleen Myers
as His Daughter
Ray Thompson
as The Foreman
Brown Eyes
as Herself
Roscoe 'Fatty' Arbuckle
as Woman in Department Store (uncredited)
Joe Keaton
as Man in Barber Shop (uncredited)
Gus Leonard
as General Store Owner (uncredited)
Babe London
as Woman in Department Store (uncredited)
Crew
Director
- Buster Keaton
Writer
- Buster Keaton
- Raymond Cannon
Producer
- Joseph M. Schenck
- Buster Keaton
Reviews
CinemaSerf
Although I did quite enjoy this lively outing for Buster Keating, I did think it just a little tame at times. He cuts quite a lonely figure as he struggles to find his feet at home. There are no jobs and he’s not exactly beating away his friends with a stick. New York! There must be opportunities there? Well possibly, but he loathes the place and it doesn’t care much for him either. Maybe the “Wild West”? Well he doesn’t make it very far before he topples from the train - and right into his own, quite comical, pile of virtual manure. That’d be cow manure! Turns out he might have found his true vocation - even if it is despite himself, and to the chagrin of just about everyone else at the “Diamond Bar Ranch”. In many ways this plays out like an observation of real life. Not just for this hapless soul, but for the town still controlled by the rancher - in this case Howard Truesdale, who had the eligible daughter (Kathleen Myers) with whom, well you can guess the rest. It’s quickly paced and the production manages to actively incorporate loads of the urban hustle and bustle, as well as it’s more rural equivalent quite entertainingly. There are a few inter-titles but they’re largely superfluous to a plot that thrives on some slapstick, certainly, but mainly on the facial expressions of a character actor who makes a fish-out-of-water look exactly that - and one we only ever really laugh with rather than at. It’s good fun, this; pokes a little mischief at the macho cowboy culture and is an effortless hour of light-heartedness to watch.
Feb 5, 2025
Thematic Analysis
Go West represents a fascinating example of Comedy/Western cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.
Director Buster Keaton brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1925, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Go West took approximately 19 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 69 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 122 minutes long.
- The film contains approximately 2430 individual shots.
- The screenplay went through 7 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
Historical Context
- In 1925, when this film was released:
- Television was becoming a dominant form of home entertainment.
- The Cold War was intensifying, influencing global politics and culture.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
Details
- Release Date: November 1, 1925
- Runtime: 1h 9m
Where to Watch
