Our Hospitality

Movie Details:

Cast & Characters:

• Buster Keaton as Willie McKay
  • Buster Keaton Jr. as Baby Willie McKay
• Joe Roberts as Joseph Canfield
• Tom London as James Canfield
• Natalie Talmadge as Virginia Canfield
• Ralph Bushman as Clayton Canfield
• Craig Ward as Lee Canfield
• Monte Collins as The Parson
• Joe Keaton as The Locomotive Engineer
• Jack Duffy as The Locomotive Leader
• Edward Coxen as Father McKay
• Jean Dumas as Mother McKay
• Kitty Bradbury as Aunt Mary

Storyline:

Keaton’s meticulous attention to detail is evident throughout the film, which features extensive location shooting and beautiful cinematography. He utilized one of the first steam locomotives for Willie’s journey, showcasing his fascination with trains. The film is notable for its careful integration of gags into a coherent narrative, distinguishing it from many contemporary slapstick comedies.

About Movie:

Our Hospitality is an American silent comedy film co-directed by Buster Keaton and John G. Blystone. The film stars Buster Keaton, Joe Roberts, and Natalie Talmadge, and is distributed by Metro Pictures Corporation. It employs slapstick and situational comedy to tell the story of Willie McKay, who finds himself entangled in the infamous “Canfield–McKay” feud, a clear satire of the real-life Hatfield–McCoy feud.

Upon its release on November 19, 1923, Our Hospitality received positive reviews from critics and audiences alike. It grossed approximately $537,844 at the box office, making it a commercial success. Critics praised its blend of comedy and drama, as well as Keaton’s performance and direction. Notably, Variety described it as “a comedy masterpiece,” while Time magazine commended its humor.