PROGRAM NOTES: In this 1921 slapstick comedy, a series of zany adventures ensue when our hero – a down-and-out, depression-era fellow – is accidentally photographed for a mugshot, causing him to be mistaken for the notorious Dead Shot Dan. His newfound notoriety leads to him being chased throughout the film by the town’s police chief. In a momentary pause in the action, Buster’s character falls in lovewith a beautiful young girl…who turns out to be the police chief’s daughter! Throughout the film, we see both the deadpan facial expression and graceful athleticism (doing his own stunts) for which Keaton is known.

THE GOAT was written and directed by Buster Keaton and Malcolm St. Clair, produced by Joseph M. Schenck, and starred Buster Keaton, Virginia Fox, Joe Roberts, Malcolm St. Clair, Edward Cline, and Jean Havez. It was originally distributed in 1921 by Metro Pictures, and is now in the Public Domain. This version, with new/original music by Scott Watson, uses video recut and edited by Scott Watson.

BRIEF SYNOPSIS: A series of zany adventures begins when Buster is accidentally photographed for a mugshot, causing him to be mistaken for the notorious Dead Shot Dan.